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Phoenix & Beyond

Located in the ever-hot southern state of Arizona, Phoenix is a rising holiday destination in the USA. In addition to its reliable climate, Phoenix is blessed with spectacular scenery on the nearby Apache Trail, whilst the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is easily accessible for an unmissable helicopter tour. Families with youngsters will enjoy the Children’s Museum and Phoenix Zoo, whilst parents can indulge themselves in luxury at one of the city’s spa hotels.

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What you’ll love most about Phoenix and its surroundings

  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden. Explore winding trails through lush desert landscapes, showcasing a diverse collection of cacti, succulents, and wildflowers. Discover outdoor art installations, seasonal butterfly exhibits, and guided tours highlighting the unique flora and fauna of the region
  • Escape the city hustle and explore the natural wonders of Papago Park, located just minutes from downtown Phoenix. Hike scenic trails through rugged desert terrain, featuring iconic landmarks like Hole-in-the-Rock, a sandstone formation with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy picnicking, photography, and wildlife spotting in this urban oasis
  • Experience the vibrant arts scene of nearby Scottsdale’s Arts District, known for its eclectic galleries, studios, and public art installations. Stroll along Main Street and Marshall Way to browse contemporary art galleries, boutique shops, and outdoor sculptures, and visit cultural institutions like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) for exhibitions showcasing local and international artists
  • Discover the architectural masterpiece of Taliesin West, the winter home and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, to learn about Wright’s innovative design principles and explore the organic architecture blending seamlessly with the desert landscape
  • Escape the desert heat and cool off at Saguaro Lake, a scenic reservoir nestled in the Tonto National Forest. Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports on the lake’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering saguaro cacti, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Relax on sandy beaches, hike scenic trails, or embark on a scenic boat cruise to explore the lake’s hidden coves and wildlife habitats
  • Embark on a day trip to the enchanting landscapes of Sedona’s Red Rock Country, just a short drive from Phoenix. Marvel at towering sandstone formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, and explore scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and Jeep tours. Discover vortex sites believed to possess healing energy and spiritual significance, and soak up the majestic beauty of this iconic Arizona destination

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

Phoenix greets the year with crisp mornings and pleasantly sunny afternoons. Daytime highs of around 20°C make this a great month for hiking iconic spots like Camelback Mountain or wandering through the Desert Botanical Garden in bloom with winter wildflowers.

February

Outdoor life thrives as clear skies and cool temperatures continue. Spring training for Major League Baseball kicks off toward the end of the month, drawing fans to stadiums across the valley. Farmers’ markets and food festivals offer a local taste of Arizona's bounty.

March

With the desert warming up and highs reaching into the mid-20s°C, March is one of the most popular months to visit. Wildflower season peaks across South Mountain Park and Papago Park, while the city buzzes with spring events and patio dining comes into its own.

April

Warm but not scorching, April is a sweet spot in Phoenix. Days in the high 20s to low 30s°C are perfect for exploring Roosevelt Row’s street art or catching an evening show at Crescent Ballroom. Cacti begin to bloom, adding bursts of colour to desert landscapes.

May

Heat starts to intensify, with peaks around 36°C, but early mornings are still ideal for outdoor adventures. Many locals head to higher elevations like Sedona or Flagstaff for weekend breaks, though Phoenix’s hotel pools and shaded resorts provide appealing alternatives.

June

Summer hits full stride. With temperatures regularly soaring above 40°C, most activities shift to the early morning or after sundown. Restaurants and galleries in air-conditioned spaces stay lively, and desert sunsets are often fiery and spectacular.

July

It’s hot, no doubt, but the monsoon season begins, bringing dramatic thunderstorms and rare desert rain. Locals often take refuge in spas, museums, or shopping destinations like Scottsdale Fashion Square, while rooftop bars offer breezy evening views.

August

Humidity increases slightly with the monsoon’s peak, and temperatures remain high. It’s a quieter month for tourism, which can mean great deals on upscale resorts and wellness retreats. Night hikes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve are popular among locals.

September

The city begins to cool, ever so slightly, with highs tapering off into the mid-30s°C. Events start to pick up again, including culinary festivals and art shows. The Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum provide enriching indoor escapes.

October

Pleasant days return, with average highs of around 30-32°C and crisp mornings that make patio brunches a staple again. Fall events fill the calendar - think Arizona State Fair, open-air markets, and desert garden concerts under clear skies.

November

Comfortable days around 25°C make November a golden time to visit. Outdoor pursuits like biking along the Canal Path or exploring Heritage Square are in full swing, and Thanksgiving brings both traditional feasts and Sonoran-inspired menus.

December

Festive lights adorn cacti, and seasonal events - like Las Noches de las Luminarias at the botanical garden - create a desert holiday mood. With highs near 20°C, it's cool enough for sweaters in the evening yet sunny enough to hike by day.

Our Ratings

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