Warm weather all year and sightseeing are two main draws that bring visitors to Arizona. Arizona is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and the Sedona red rocks. Arizona is also known for housing the Saguaro in the Sonoran Desert, which covers Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma and attributes to high temperatures most of the year.
The best time to visit Arizona is from September to May when the temperatures are more relaxed, and the crowds are less. Temperature isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding when to visit Arizona. Annual events can also impact the best times for you to visit Arizona, as well as when certain attractions are in season or even closed.
Arizona does not have a uniform climate throughout the year. Some areas tend to be colder in temps than others. Choosing a time to visit Arizona depends on the region you would like to visit and the temperature you would like to enjoy. Keep reading for all you need to know on the best times to visit Arizona.
Visit when You Can Skip the Heat: What Are the Coolest Months in Arizona?
Arizona’s temperature begins to cool around September, and cool to cold climate can be enjoyed through May. High temperatures tend to exist during June through October with highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
October to November
October and November are considered the fall months for the southern region of Arizona. During these months, the nights become cooler. Although the nights are cooler, the days can be moderately cool, but can sometimes reach 80-90 degrees.
December to February
December to February is considered the winter months in southern Arizona. Temperatures can dip to at least 19 degrees at night; however, the days can still warm up to a comfortable temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.
For areas more to the mountain region of Arizona, the winter months are not as mild. There are some towns in the mountain areas of Arizona that can see below 0 temperatures at night and can even experience large amounts of snow.
March to May
March to May begins the descent into the hot summer. Although temperatures are not yet in the 100 degrees range, the climate tends to be warm but not unbearable. During these times of the year, visitors tend to flock to the many cooling attractions in Arizona, including lakes and waterways, fit for boating and other water activities.
Best Times to Visit Arizona by Region
Arizona has different deserts and terrain throughout the state. The state can be divided into sections such as south-central, north-central, the mountains, and west coast to get an idea of the variations in temperatures.
South-Central Arizona
The south-central region of Arizona includes towns such as Tucson, Green Valley, Sierra Vista, and Casa Grande. The temperatures are moderate in these towns from September through May. With the cooler months, there is an increase in both traffic and lodging rates.
You can find better rates on your hotel stay if you visit during the summer months from June to August. However, keep in mind that temperatures will be exceptionally warm in this region during this time.
North-Central Arizona
North-Central Arizona includes the towns of Flagstaff, Camp Verde, and Clarkdale. These towns are the home to monuments such as the Wupatki National Monument, the Walnut Canyon, the Montezuma Castle National Monument, and the Tuzigoot National Monument.
If you would like to visit this region and skip the crowds and enjoy a comfortable temperature, you can consider staying in November. During November, the accommodations’ prices are considered lower than the typical peak season of July and August.
July and August are popular tourist seasons for this region as this is the time families can take a vacation.
The Mountains of Arizona
The Arizona mountain towns include Pinetop-Lakeside, Summerhaven, and Pine-Strawberry. You will find the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, which are popular tourist destinations in the mountain region.
Like most attractions, the summer is when children are out of school for the most extended period, and the summer is usually when families take a vacation and where The Valley folks escape the heat.
You can expect to see large crowds during the summer months of July and August. You can also expect increased accommodation rates during the peak July and August months.
Although the summer may be warm, the mountain region tends to be cooler with pleasant temperatures during the summer months. On the other hand, the mountains can be cold during the winter and can allow for skiing.
If you would like to skip the July and August crowd, you can consider visiting Arizona’s mountain region during the offseason. The offseason would be any time outside of July and August; however, be prepared for normal winter conditions during the winter months, and even some snow in some regions.
Western Arizona
Western Arizona includes Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Oatman. Western Arizona has lakes that are formed from the Colorado River. These lakes are popular spots from March through July and are home for many water activities.
If you would like to beat the crowd, you can consider going to western Arizona between August to October. The main attraction to that side of the state is that it allows visitors to cool off and enjoy water sports during the warmer summer temperatures.
Visit Arizona During Annual Events
If you are planning a trip to Arizona or if you would like to have some new and fun experiences, consider these annual events that take place in Arizona.
Balloon Shows and Activities
Arizona’s town of Goodyear hosts a yearly hot air balloon festival in January. At the Goodyear Balloon festival, families enjoy food and live entertainment.
The balloons provide a spectacular show as they launch and float through the sky. The festival also includes fun activities for children who attend.
The Goodyear Balloon Festival is not the only balloon festival that is hosted annually in Arizona. The Salt River Fields Balloon Festival is also held annually in Scottsdale, Arizona.
These balloon festivals are packed with fun for both adults and children. If you miss one festival in January, you can be sure to catch another in October.
Rock, Gem and Mineral Shows
The Quartzite Rock and Mineral show is held in Quartzite’s town during the months of January and February. If you are a seeker of gems and jewelry, this mineral show may be for you.
The rock and mineral show is free to the public and includes gem displays and vendor booths where gems and jewelry can be viewed and purchased.
Not only does the show allow for viewing and purchasing of gems and jewelry, but it also provides the entertainment of a live auction. A buffet is also offered so visitors can browse throughout the day without having to leave the show for lunch.
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is held in February at the Convention Center. It’s a really popular event and many come from many miles around to experience it. The show features rare, unique gems in a combination of museum and shopping.
The Renaissance Festival
The Arizona Renaissance Festival takes place in Apache Junction. The festival on the weekends during February and March. Like most renaissance festivals, you can expect to see a village with people dressed in renaissance costumes. Not only will you see people in costumes, but you can also enjoy 14 shows while you visit.
The festival also has food and craft shops where you can browse and purchase souvenirs. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is an ideal event for all family members as it celebrates and brings to life history so that everyone can enjoy it.
Scottsdale’s Street Eats Food Truck Festival
Would you travel for food? You just might with the Street Eats Food Truck Festival held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Each year this festival is in February. The food truck festival is not just about eating great food.
The festival also has cooking demonstrations that you can participate in to create winning dishes when you return home. While adults have to pay for admission, all children under 12 years old are allowed free entry to the event.
The Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is always in Phoenix in October. The fair has all the thrills kids and adults may seek. The fair includes concerts, food, and crafts stations. Like most fairs, there is a large selection of rides.
There are also many championships for those with a competitive streak or those who want to have some fun.
Film Festivals
Are you interested in films? The Sedona International Film Festival is held in February and March each year in Sedona, Arizona. The festival showcases documentaries and movies made both locally and internationally.
If you miss the Sedona International Film Festival, you can catch the Tucson Film Festival held in Tucson, Arizona, during October.
Many annual events happen throughout the year in Arizona. You can plan your events around visiting iconic attractions or just come to see the breathtaking and historical attractions.
Visit Arizona when Popular Attractions are in Season
Arizona has many popular attractions. These attractions reflect the forces of nature and time. Some notable attractions include the Grand Canyon, Sedona, The Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Havasu Falls, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Tombstone, Antelope Canyon at Page, Prescott, and the Tumacacori National Historical Park.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona’s mountain area and frequented by tourists in the summer months. Although mostly visited in summer, the climate is mostly comfortable year-round, giving you the option to visit the Grand Canyon at any time of year.
Although you can visit at any time, the northern access point is closed during the winter months.
The attraction is spectacular and reveals the path of the Colorado River over many years. The Grand Canyon is a must-see and great attraction where you can build memories and take pictures.
Sedona
Sedona is picturesque and is best visited during almost any month really. Sedona has many shops, eateries, galleries, and trails to explore. Although there are many places to visit in Sedona, the mountains are the main attraction.
These mountains allow for hiking and beautiful pictures. If the mountains and trails are not enough to keep you busy, Sedona also has annual festivals such as the film festival, held annually during February and March.
The Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is visited mainly in the summer and is a part of Arizona’s west coast, where tourists go to cool off during the summer months, specifically March to July.
The dam is an engineering wonder and offers tours to anyone interested in learning more about the dam. The area also has a café where you can eat during your visit.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The Glen Canyon National Recreation area is a photographer’s dream. If you are already visiting the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon is a great location to add to your attractions to visit. The area can be seen year-round and is a real oasis in the desert. The canyon has a desert lake with blue water and is amid beautiful rock formations.
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near the Grand Canyon. The waterfall is gorgeous with blue and green looking water pools.
The pools are inviting and an attractive area for taking pictures. Make sure you book reservations in advance before you visit Havasu Falls. These falls are a must-see and a beautiful natural wonder.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead has it all, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The nature lover in you will shine at Lake Mead. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers cooling activities when there are warm temperatures.
Prescott
If you seek another place for hiking, boating, and enjoying the outdoors, Prescott is a town that you can consider. Prescott has all the amenities needed for hiking and boating.
Prescott is the home to Watson Lake, which has beautiful blue calm waters surrounded by smooth rock structures. Watson Lake is tranquil and is an excellent area for Kayaking. Although most of Arizona is considered warm, Prescott has moderate temperatures and can even experience snow during the winter months.
Tombstone
Tombstone is a historic town with all the original settings of a town in the Old West. The town has museums, and if you are fortunate, you may catch a reenactment of a Wild West gunfight. Tombstone is an attraction ideal for history enthusiasts and an excellent adventure for the kids.
Antelope Canyon
One of the most beautiful attractions in Arizona is the Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ. This canyon has beautiful rock formations that are magazine perfect.
Antelope Canyon allows for guided tours where you can explore the lower portions of the canyon and look up at the marvelous stone carvings. Make some great memories and capture beautiful and scenic pictures at Antelope Canyon.
This destination is breathtaking and will leave you refreshed at the end of your stay in Arizona.
Tumacacori National Historical Park
The Tumacacori National Historical Park is a time frozen in history. This park is a preservation of the Spanish colonial missions. The Tumacacori National Historical Park has ruins and historic buildings all preserved and intact and takes you back in time to the 1600s.
This site is an excellent exposure to the history of the state. The facilities are beautiful in their natural state and are a site that will never be forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Although known for high temperatures, Arizona has regions that have comfortable areas to visit year-round.
The mountain portions of Arizona, which include the Grand Canyon, can be seen at any time of the year. Other destinations, such as those in the south, are best visited during the cooler months, ranging from September through May.
The times you visit Arizona also depends on your preference. Will you stay in Arizona to beat the heat, or will you be visiting to get away from the cold climate in your hometown? If you don’t mind cold temperatures and a bit of snow, you can choose to visit Arizona’s mountain regions during the cold months of December through January.
If you are trying to enjoy some extremely warm temperatures and would like to take advantage of water sports, you can opt to visit Arizona’s west coast during June and July.
Regardless of when you visit, Arizona has many attractions and beautiful monuments that you will see. These attractions bring both nature and history together to allow for an unforgettable experience.
Arizona’s natural wonders allow for many outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and sightseeing. All the canyons and waterways provide excellent backgrounds for pictures and videos.
Although known for its natural beauty, Arizona also has a good ground in history. Arizona has many historical sites that include the old west, Native American ruins, and Spanish colonialism. The sites also have many museums and guided tours that are interesting, informative, and fun for the family.
When you visit Arizona, you can also plan your trip around major annual events to experience colorful festivals and give yourself and your children the family memories that will last a lifetime.
