Best Time to Visit Phoenix, Arizona for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

Phoenix is Arizona's vibrant capital. There's a lot to see and do, from enjoying outdoor activities to taking in the diverse culture full of art and southwestern influences. If planning a trip to this unique city, you may be wondering when to go.

When deciding the best time to visit Phoenix, Arizona, there are a few factors to consider. Your budget, crowd tolerance, and climate preferences can all affect your trip.

Winter (December to March) tends to have the mildest weather. Temperatures range between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, and it's also sunny, with an average of only two to three days of rain.

Winter is also the most affordable time to visit the area. Many people prefer to vacation in the spring and summer, so you can find good deals on lodging and flights. Summer (June to September) is the busiest time in Phoenix for tourism. More people want to travel, so crowd levels increase.

The "Valley of the Sun" has something worth seeing at any time of the year. Keep reading to figure out when your should plan your trip to Phoenix.

Planning a last-minute trip to Phoenix?

When visiting Phoenix, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Phoenix

• Hyatt Regency Phoenix (rated highly)
• The Camby (5-star rating)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Phoenix West - Tolleson (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Phoenix

• Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix (likely to sell out)
• Grand Canyon With Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour (likely to sell out)
• Centipede Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV (very popular)
• Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon With Sedona Tour From Phoenix (very popular)
• Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (very popular)

Best Time to Go to Phoenix

Phoenix Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Phoenix, Arizona?

Winter (December to March) and spring (March to June) are the best times to visit Phoenix, Arizona. The capital is known for being hot, but the weather is milder during those periods.

December through April is particularly comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Nightly averages are also excellent, usually hovering between 44 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter and spring tend to be fairly slow as far as tourism is concerned. So you won't have to wait in long lines or deal with as many crowds if you want to make the most of the fun things to do in downtown Phoenix.

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, locals say January is the best month to visit Phoenix, Arizona. Traveling to the area at this time allows you to take advantage of the nice weather while saving money. In addition, January is the slowest month for travel nationwide, so hotels and airlines offer more deals.

When is the cheapest time to visit Phoenix?

If you're traveling on a budget, you can book an affordable trip to Phoenix in the winter (December to March). January and February are notably budget-friendly times to come to the "Valley of the Sun."

You can find cheap flights and hotel rooms because not many people travel in the winter. Phoenix is a big city, so you'll no doubt run into the locals, but the lack of tourists makes it more tolerable.

Since Arizona is in the desert, you won't have to worry about dealing with snow or extreme cold. Temperatures usually range between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 44 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

You can enjoy walking around the city without getting too hot. If you think taking a street art tour or any other walking tours in Phoenix might be fun, this is an ideal time to do one.

BCFC/Shutterstock.com

When is the cheapest time to fly to Phoenix?

Winter (December to March) is the best time to travel to Phoenix by plane, with most people flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Flights booked in January and February are typically the most affordable because of the nationwide slowdown in tourist travel, and hotel rates are also at their cheapest.

Book your travel plans as soon as possible to ensure you have plenty of options and get the best deal. However, if you're interested in a spontaneous trip, winter will give you the best chance at making it budget-friendly.

Over one and a half million people live in Phoenix, so it's still a busy city in the winter. However, you won't encounter as many tourists, meaning the lines for attractions will be shorter.

The weather is sunny, and temperatures are mild, usually in the low to mid 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and in the 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit range at night.

When is the best time to fly to Phoenix?

September to May is the best time to fly to Phoenix, Arizona. Winter (December to March) is a particularly good time to book flights to Arizona's capital.

Airlines lower their prices in January and February because there's a lower demand for seats. Planes are less crowded, making flights a little more pleasant if you don't like elbow-to-elbow seating.

Last-minute trips will be easier to book, and you'll have more budget-friendly options. Hotels also tend to offer more affordable rates at this time of year.

Phoenix's winter weather is mild. Temperatures gradually decrease starting in September before reaching a daily average of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January. Days are sunny and warm, but nights are much cooler. The average temperature usually ranges between 48 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

When is the rainy season in Phoenix?

Phoenix has two rainy seasons; the difference is the type of rain that can be expected.

Phoenix's "rainiest" season is winter (December to March), and it typically rains two or three times per month. However, this rain usually comes in the form of brief showers that likely won't affect your travel plans.

Monsoon season, on the other hand, occurs between June and September. It doesn't rain much during summer (June to September), but if a monsoon develops, thunderstorms are more likely.

Monsoons can lead to flooding and extreme heat, and alerts usually go out a few days in advance if one develops. So keep an eye on the Phoenix weather forecast, and make sure your travel plans are flexible in case you have to make any changes to your itinerary.

When is the worst time to visit Phoenix?

According to locals, summer (June to September) is the worst time to visit Phoenix. The three main things people consider when planning their vacation are costs, crowds, and climate.

Phoenix is an extremely hot desert city, which is even worse during the summer. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit; even nightly averages are usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer is also Phoenix's monsoon season. If one develops, it can cause heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, thus affecting your travel plans.

More people travel in the summer; families with children take their holidays in summer because school isn't in session. In a city with over one and a half million residents, added tourists can increase wait times, and amenities will book up quickly.

With the influx of visitors to the area, the chances are slimmer that you will find deals on hotels or flights. Make your plans a month or two in advance to get the reservations you want.

Oleg Kovtun Hydrobio/Shutterstock.com

When is the best time to visit Phoenix Botanical Garden?

The Phoenix Botanical Gardens are a highly popular tourist attraction. If planning a trip with your partner, the gardens are also one of the best places to go on a date in Phoenix! Visiting at any time of year will allow you to admire the over 27,000 plants housed there.

However, if you want to see the flowers in full bloom, plan on going in March or April. The wildflowers, cacti, and shrubs will be blossoming at this time, making the garden come alive in vibrant colors.

The weather is also beautiful. Temperatures are warm and usually stay in the 77 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit range, with plenty of sunshine and no rain.

The gardens are busiest on weekends, so if you want to avoid the crowds, go during the week close to 8 AM when it opens to the public. Allow at least two hours for your visit, so avoid late afternoon entry, and remember closing time is generally at 8 PM.

When is the hottest month in Phoenix?

July is routinely the hottest month in Phoenix, during the day and night. Daily highs average around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nightly average hovers around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Phoenix has a desert climate, so there's little rain and low humidity. However, the dry air can make it hard to notice you're overheating, so drink plenty of water, stay in the shade when possible, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

On the other hand, January is the coldest month in the city. Daytime highs are typically about 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and nightly temperatures are 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter when you visit, make sure you check both daytime and nighttime forecasts. There's usually a roughly 20-degree Fahrenheit difference between the two temperatures. You might need to dress in layers if you plan to walk around the city, going from intense heat to the cooler evening hours.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Phoenix

Phoenix in Winter

Winter (December to March) is one of the best times to visit Phoenix. The winter months tend to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

The milder weather makes walking around the city comfortable since you won't have to worry about overheating. As long as you pack water and sun protection, it's the perfect time to book a guided Sonoran Desert hike.

It's also the most affordable time to visit the area. Airlines offer the lowest prices in January and February to encourage people to travel, and hotels are also more likely to lower their rates.

Not many people take vacations to the area at this time. While there will still be crowds due to the city's large population, tourist attractions won't be too busy, and wait times should be manageable. This is especially true during the week when many locals are at work at school.

Phoenix in Spring

In recent years, spring (March to June) has become a popular season for tourism in Phoenix. Many university students and families choose the city as a spring break destination thanks to the area's warm weather.

Temperatures steadily rise throughout the season, starting at 77 degrees Fahrenheit in March and reaching an average daily temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit in June. The sunshine and nice climate make spring a great time to take a hot air balloon ride around the city.

You'll be able to find affordable hotel options in spring, but catching more affordable flights can be hit or miss. If you book a month or two in advance, you're more likely to find budget-friendly flights, but they will book up quickly.

Weekends are the busiest times in the city. So if you want to avoid crowds, plan to visit during the week. You'll also want to avoid Memorial Day weekend in May and Easter as they tend to draw more people to the city.

Phoenix in Summer

For some people, summer (June to September) is the best time to come to Phoenix. It's the busiest time of year for tourism, so the crowd levels are high.

More people, however, means the city is more lively. If you're an extroverted person who likes being around groups of people, Phoenix in the summer could be a great destination for you.

Summer is also one of the most expensive times to visit. There's an increased demand for lodging and flights, so airlines and hotels have no incentive to lower prices. Your best chance at booking an affordable trip in the summer is to make your reservations at least two months in advance.

Phoenix's weather in the summer months is hot. Daily averages can get as high as 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Nightly temperatures are also warm and hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Do also note that monsoon season starts in June and lasts until September, which can bring heavy rainstorms to the area.

Phoenix in Fall

If you're trying to decide when to visit Phoenix, consider planning a fall (September to December) trip. The weather starts getting cooler in September, and the average temperature ranges between 68 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Temperatures at night range between 44 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit range. You'll be comfortable if you keep an eye on the forecast and pack to dress in layers. In addition, fewer tourists plan trips to Phoenix in the fall. Schools start their terms by the beginning of September, so families with schoolchildren cannot travel.

The lower crowd levels are more noticeable on weekdays, often reflected in prices. Airlines and hotels offer deals on trips between Monday and Friday, especially if you book your travel plans at least a month in advance.

In addition, fall is the quietest time to visit the nearby world-famous landmark, the Grand Canyon. Conveniently, there are many guided day trips from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, so you don't have an excuse not to visit!

In Summary

Phoenix is a fun and lively oasis in Arizona's desert. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a history lover, or you're interested in art and culture, there's plenty for you to do in this state capital.

If you prefer mild weather, aim to visit in the winter (December to March) when the temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Nightly temperatures can even get chilly during this time of year.

You'll be able to book an affordable trip in January or February as well. However, if you prefer lively vacation destinations, summer (June to September) is a busy time in the city.

Hopefully, you can use this article to help you figure out your travel preferences. Soon you'll be ready to plan your very own Phoenix getaway!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article