Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States, a sun-baked sprawl of 1.6 million people set in the Salt River Valley of the Sonoran Desert at 331m (1,086 ft) elevation. It averages 299 sunny days and just 183mm (7.22 inches) of rain a year, which makes it the warmest major city in the U.S. The year splits into eight near-perfect months from October to May and four brutal ones from June through September, when highs hold near 40°C to 41°C (104°F to 106°F). This guide covers Phoenix weather by month, the best time to visit, things to do, events, neighborhoods, and where to stay.

Phoenix Weather at a Glance

Phoenix has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh). Winters are mild and dry: January averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F). Summer is extreme: July averages 41°C (106°F) by day and 29°C (84°F) at night, and the urban heat island keeps even the small hours uncomfortably warm. Nearly all of the year’s 183mm of rain falls in two bursts, winter Pacific storms from December to March and the North American monsoon from early July through mid September, which brings short, violent afternoon thunderstorms. Snow is effectively unknown in the city itself; the last measurable snowfall at Sky Harbor was decades ago.

Phoenix Seasonal Snapshot

• Winter (December to February): Daytime highs 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 71°F), clear skies, and the busiest, priciest season, driven by snowbirds and the February Phoenix Open.
• Spring (March to May): The sweet spot. March and April hold 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F) highs with almost no rain and wildflower blooms, while May turns hot at 35°C (95°F).
• Summer (June to September): Relentless heat around 40°C to 41°C (104°F to 106°F), humid after the early July monsoon begins, with cheap rooms and empty attractions.
• Autumn (October to November): The reverse of spring. October still reaches 31°C (88°F), and by November the high is 24°C (75°F), with low crowds until the holidays.

Phoenix Quick Facts

• Warmest month: July, averaging 41°C (106°F) high and 29°C (84°F) low
• Coolest month: December, averaging 19°C (66°F) high and 7°C (45°F) low
• Wettest month: August, about 23mm (0.91 in), mostly monsoon storms
• Annual rainfall: 183mm (7.22 in) and roughly 299 sunny days a year
• Best months to visit: March, April, October and November
• Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 6km east of downtown
• Elevation: 331m (1,086 ft)

Where Phoenix Is and What Shapes Its Weather

Phoenix sits in south-central Arizona, about 3.5 hours by car north of the Grand Canyon, 2 hours south of Sedona, and 90 minutes from the Mexican border town of Nogales. Its location in the Sonoran Desert, the driest and hottest desert in North America, at low elevation and shielded by surrounding mountains, is what produces the extreme heat; the city gets intense sun year-round and little cloud cover. The Salt River channel running dry through the city center for most of the year is a reminder of how scarce water is, while the nearby Salt and Verde Rivers feed the artificial lakes that keep the region habitable.

Phoenix Travel Guides

1. Phoenix Weather by Month: Month-by-month temperatures, rainfall in mm, and a comparison table covering the summer monsoon and winter storms.
2. Best Time to Visit Phoenix: Exact windows for the best weather, lowest prices, and fewest crowds, plus what to avoid in summer.
3. Things to Do in Phoenix: Desert gardens, museums, hikes and downtown attractions with opening hours and ticket prices.
4. Phoenix Events and Festivals: Spring training, the Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson, M3F, Zoolights and the full annual calendar.
5. Phoenix Neighborhoods: Downtown, Roosevelt Row, the Biltmore, Old Town Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe, with average hotel prices.
6. Where to Stay in Phoenix: The best areas and hotels for every budget, with three recommendations per district.
7. Phoenix Travel Tips and FAQ: Airport terminals, Valley Metro fares, tipping, sun safety and answers to common questions.

Suggested Hotels in Phoenix

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

A hillside luxury resort of private casitas and suites on Camelback Mountain, with a 12,000-square-foot spa, an infinity-edge pool, and celebrated dining just steps from the trailhead. Best for couples on a wellness-focused or romantic escape. Check rates and availability

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

A Spanish Colonial Revival resort set among citrus groves between the Biltmore and Old Town Scottsdale, with a full-service spa and an intimate, garden-framed atmosphere. Best for honeymooners and travelers who want seclusion near the city. Check rates and availability

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Phoenix Airport North

A well-rated budget-to-mid-range property north of the airport with free hot breakfast, a pool, and a shuttle to the Sky Harbor terminals. Best for layovers, families, and budget travelers who plan to drive. Check rates and availability