The climate of Arizona differs between the plains and the northern highlands. The main part of the state is dry. In higher mountainous areas, the climate is alpine to continental. The locals joke: “we have two seasons – hot and less hot.” 

A feature of Arizona is pink mesas and numerous canyons. Precipitation throughout the year is scarce, and the number of sunny days is high. Storms and tornadoes are possible in summer.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Arizona

Spring is mild, there is little rain and warm weather comes quickly. We must not forget about the danger of spring floods near large rivers. April average temperatures are 60-85°F (+16 °C +29 °C). The climate can vary greatly depending on where you are. The north of the state is on average 30 °F (-1 °C) cooler than the west.

At the end of March, a grand Ostrich Festival takes place. Hummingbirds live all year round in Southern Arizona. Already this is enough to plan a trip to one of the state's national parks. The most famous are Rainbow Forest and Petrified Forest. It is interesting to take a tour of the Missionary Garden in Tucson, visit the Museum of Archeology or the Reid Zoo.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: 79 °F (+26 °C) Min average t°: 49 °F (+10 °C) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 1.0" (25 mm)

April Max average t°: 87 °F (+30 °C) Min average t°: 57 °F (+14 °C) Sundial in the day: 12 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 0.3" (8 mm)

May Max average t°: 95 °F (+35 °C) Min average t°: 66 °F (+19 °C) Sundial in the day: 12.5 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 0.2" (4 mm)

(‎Phoenix)

Spring Holidays

March 1st: National Women of Color Day.
March 17: St.Patrick 's Day.

April 1: April Fools' Day.
April 22: International Earth Day.

2nd Sunday of May: Mother’s Day.
last Monday in May: Memorial Day.

Summer in Arizona

Summer temperatures in Arizona are very high. The heat reaches 90-115 °F (+32 °C +45 °C). The Southern Desert experiences temperatures in excess of 125 °F (+50 °C). The hottest month is July. If it is sunny in the morning, it may suddenly rain in the afternoon. Always keep an umbrella nearby. Due to the large elevation difference in mountainous areas, the climate is different. At night, it gets cold up to 50-60 °F (+10 °C +15 °C).

Despite the heat in the summer, Arizona has a lot to offer. Most travelers are drawn to the Pinted Desert and Saguaro National Parks. On the territory of archaeological excavations, you can see the site of the ancient Pueblo culture. We recommend you go fishing on the artificial lake Powell or visit the local museum of astronautics. Lots of music and beer can be found at the High Mountain Festival in Pinetop in June.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: 105 °F (+40.5 °C) Min average t°: 76 °F (+25 °C) Sundial in the day: 12.5 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 0.1" (2 mm)

July Max average t°: 106 °F (+41 °C) Min average t°: 83 °F (+28 °C) Sundial in the day: 13 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 0.9" (22 mm)

August Max average t°: 105 °F (+40 °C) Min average t°: 82 °F (+27.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 12.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 1.3" (32 mm)

(Phoenix)

Summer Holidays

June 2: Native American Day
June 14: Day of the American flag.
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day.

July 4: Independence Day.
1st Sunday in August: American Family Day.
August 26: Women's Equality Day.

Autumn in Arizona

The most pleasant time in Arizona comes from September to November. During this season, temperatures gradually drop from 85 °F to 65 °F (+29 °C to +18 °C). Low humidity and clear weather provide maximum opportunities for outdoor recreation. The period of thunderstorms and tornadoes ends with the beginning of autumn.

There are many interesting festivals in Arizona: Big Tucson Beer Festival, Helldorado Days in Tombstone, Phoenix Annual Taco Festival. Many come to see the Grand Canyon and walk the Sky Trail. This is an observation bridge with a glass floor.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: 100 °F (+37.5 °C) Min average t°: 74 °F (+23.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 1.1" (27 mm)

October Max average t°: 88 °F (+31 °C) Min average t°: 61 °F (+16 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 0.8" (20 mm)

November Max average t°: 76 °F (+24.5 °C) Min average t°: 50 °F (+10 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 0.7" (17 mm)

(‎Phoenix)

Autumn Holidays

1st Monday in September: Labor Day.
September 17: Constitution Commemoration Day.

2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day.
October 31: Halloween (All Hallows' Eve)

November 11: Veterans Day.
4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day.

Winter in Arizona

During the winter in Arizona, temperature fluctuations are very large during the day. It can be as low as 0 °F (+32 °C) in the morning and warm up to 70 °F (+21 °C) in the evening. Especially capricious weather changes in the north-west of the state. There are few rainfalls. In the state capital of Phoenix, there is almost no snow in winter.

If you want to ski, head to Flagstaff in northern Arizona. At the beginning of the year, visit the city of Golden Canyon for the Arizona Renaissance Festival. You can try on the outfit of a knight or a noble lady and see theatrical performances. Dillinger Days are held in Tucson in January. In this city, the police arrested the famous bandit.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: 65 °F (+18 °C) Min average t°: 40 °F (+5 °C) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 1.1" (29 mm)

January Max average t°: 67 °F (+20 °C) Min average t°: 40 °F (+5 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 1.3" (34 mm)

February Max average t°: 70 °F (+21 °C) Min average t°: 43 °F (+6 °C) Sundial in the day: 9.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 1.5" (38 mm)

(Phoenix)

Winter Holidays

December 25: Christmas Day.

January 1: New Year’s Day.
January 20 every fourth year: Inauguration Day.
3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Civil Rights Day.

February 14: St. Valentine's Day.
3rd Monday in February: Lincoln / Washington Presidents’ Day.