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Arizona

Blazing desert landscapes, vast canyons and a rich tapestry of Indigenous and Wild West heritage make Arizona one of the American Southwest’s most captivating states. Many travellers explore it on a self-drive or escorted tour, often pairing it with neighbouring states such as California, Nevada or New Mexico as they follow legendary highways like Route 66. Phoenix provides the perfect gateway, blending big-city energy with desert calm before you venture on to iconic sights like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the red-rock splendour of Sedona. Whether you’re tracing historic roadways or seeking wide-open wilderness, Arizona delivers unforgettable scenery at every turn.

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What you’ll love most about Arizona

  • Feel Arizona’s epic desert drama, where red-rock cathedrals, giant saguaros and endless blue skies create landscapes that feel almost otherworldly
  • Stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, watching light shift across a mile-deep chasm carved over millions of years – a moment that never fails to feel monumental
  • Wander through Sedona’s red-rock formations, a place where hiking trails, vortex sites and artistic flair blend into a setting that’s both energising and serene
  • Explore the Wild West charm of Tombstone and Bisbee, small towns bursting with frontier history, colourful architecture and characterful local stories
  • Discover Scottsdale’s sophisticated side, with stylish resorts, spas, desert golf courses and a dining scene that surprises at every turn
  • Venture into Monument Valley, where sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor – instantly recognisable, utterly breathtaking, and best experienced with Navajo guides
  • Enjoy cool pine forests and mountain lakes in Flagstaff and the White Mountains, a refreshing contrast to desert heat and a reminder of the state’s dramatic variety
  • Chase fiery sunsets across Saguaro National Park, home to forests of towering cacti silhouetted against glowing skies

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Phoenix’s weather patterns

  • Grand Canyon West – Arizona Office of Tourism

  • Hackberry General Store – Arizona Office of Tourism/An Pham

  • Grand Canyon Skywalk – Arizona Office of Tourism/Mark Lipczynski

  • Goldfield ghost town, Arizona

  • La Posada Hotel, Winslow – Arizona Office of Tourism/An Pham

  • Wigwam Motel – Arizona Office of Tourism/John Lutz

  • Grand Canyon railway train, Clarkdale – Arizona Office of Tourism/Verde Canyon Railroad

  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark – Arizona Office of Tourism

  • Proper Meats + Provisions – Arizona Office of Tourism/An Pham

  • Lowell Observatory, Arizona – Arizona Office of Tourism/Ji Rui

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 20℃
  • 22℃
  • 25℃
  • 30℃
  • 36℃
  • 40℃
  • 41℃
  • 40℃
  • 38℃
  • 32℃
  • 25℃
  • 20℃
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 5
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 4

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Cool winter sunshine makes January one of the most pleasant times to explore the state. Phoenix and Tucson sit around 18-20°C during the day, ideal for wandering through desert gardens or enjoying gentle hikes among towering saguaros. Higher elevations, including Flagstaff, often see snow, giving the Grand Canyon a dramatic winter edge.

February

Mild days continue, especially in the south where temperatures hover around 20°C. It is an excellent month for outdoor pursuits, from exploring historic districts in Tucson to taking scenic walks in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The high country remains wintry, perfect for travellers who enjoy crisp air and mountain scenery.

March

Spring sweeps across the desert. Wildflowers appear in vibrant patches, especially around Picacho Peak and the Phoenix foothills. Daytime highs reach the low 20s°C, making this one of the most popular periods for hiking, cycling and scenic drives. Northern regions begin to thaw but keep a cool, refreshing feel.

April

Long, warm days dominate much of the state. Phoenix and Tucson often reach 25-28°C while Sedona’s red rocks glow under clear skies. Desert plants burst into bloom, and outdoor dining, stargazing and early morning walks become part of the rhythm of the month. Lakes in central Arizona feel particularly inviting in this gentle heat.

May

Summer edges closer. Southern Arizona sees highs around 30°C although evenings remain comfortably cool. It is a wonderful time to explore the Mogollon Rim or the forests around Flagstaff where temperatures sit in the high teens and low twenties. At lower altitudes pool season begins to gather pace.

June

Heat settles firmly across the desert regions, with Phoenix often climbing above 35°C. Early mornings are best for activity, while afternoons suit shaded terraces and museum visits. Northern Arizona offers relief with highs around 25°C and clear, pine-scented air perfect for hiking and camping.

July

Monsoon season arrives. Clouds build during the afternoon, often releasing sudden bursts of rain and spectacular lightning displays. Southern Arizona remains hot, frequently exceeding 35°C, but the storms add drama and a refreshing lift. Waterfalls and streams reappear in places like Sabino Canyon after rainfall.

August

The monsoon pattern continues with bright mornings and atmospheric afternoons. Temperatures stay high in the south but the landscape feels alive with renewed greenery. Sedona and the Verde Valley offer slightly cooler conditions, especially on shaded trails and creekside paths.

September

The heat begins to ease across the state. Phoenix usually settles around 30°C while northern Arizona enjoys comfortably warm days and cooler nights. Early autumn colours start to appear in the high country, making it a lovely month for drives through alpine forests or walks along canyon viewpoints.

October

Autumn reaches its peak in northern Arizona. Aspen trees around Flagstaff turn brilliant gold and the Grand Canyon’s rim feels crisp and uplifting. Daytime highs in most regions sit between 20 and 26°C, perfect for exploring heritage towns like Prescott or enjoying long, clear days in the desert south.

November

Sunlit, mild and peaceful. Southern Arizona averages around 22-24°C while cooler air settles into the highlands. It is a wonderful time for slow travel through the state’s cultural landscapes, including Indigenous heritage sites, open-air markets and atmospheric small towns. The lower sun creates sharp, beautiful desert light.

December

The year ends with a mixture of cool desert days and snowy highlands. Phoenix hovers around 18-20°C, ideal for gentle hikes or exploring outdoor installations and sculpture gardens. Flagstaff and the surrounding mountains often see snowfall, giving northern Arizona a festive, wintry charm. Clear nights across the state make for exceptional stargazing.

Our Ratings

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