When many people think of Arizona, they think of cowboys, sand dunes, heat, and cacti, but it may come as a surprise that Arizona actually has quite a varied topography, with the highest elevation at 12,633 feet above sea level (Humprehys Peak northwest from Flagstaff) and the lowest at 70 feet above sea level (Colorado River south of Yuma).
In fact, you can find a low desert climate in Phoenix and Yuma, a middle desert in Tucson and Wickenburg; a high desert in Prescott, Payson, Bisbee and Sedona; plateaus at Williams, Page, and Holbrook; and cold mountainous regions in Flagstaff and Greer. As a result, the weather and climate in Arizona can be quite unpredictable depending on where you go in the state.
Monsoon season in Arizona
Usually the heaviest rain falls during the summer storm season (monsoon). During this period, rain can accumulate very quickly, causing flooding in streets or washes, and can even cause death from flash floods. In 1911, Phoenix had 4.98 inches in 24 hours between July 1 and 2, while 11.4 inches fell at Workman Creek (near Globe) from September 4 to 5, 1970. Downpours are also not unheard of. single-day: Phoenix endured 3.29 inches of rain on September 8, 2014, so some years Arizona sees extreme rainfall in short periods of time.
Most of the severe weather seen in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area, is caused by microbursts, which occur when a small area of air descends rapidly under a thunderstorm. When descending air hits the ground, it spreads rapidly in all directions, causing very strong straight-line winds. These winds are typically as strong as 40 to 60 miles per hour, but can sometimes exceed 100. Microbursts occur on a fairly small spatial scale, and the affected area is typically less than 2.5 miles in diameter.
Weather by popular city in Arizona
Phoenix – Though it experiences five brutal hot months of summer from May to September, Phoenix cools down in the winter to the low 60s and 70s, making it a great time to vacation from the frigid northeast of the United States. The rainiest months are January through March and July through August, but outside of the extremes, the city rarely receives more than an inch of rain in a 30-day period.
Flagstaff – A popular destination for ski vacations, Flagstaff sits 7,000 feet above sea level in northern Arizona (just southwest of the Grand Canyon) along historic Route 66. Due to its high elevation, The city experiences colder temperatures throughout the year and is often covered in snow throughout the winter season. Still, temperatures reach an average high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit in July and generally average over 40 degrees throughout the winter, but lows can dip to 17 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January.
Tuscon: Just a couple of hours south of Phoenix, Arizona’s second-largest city is slightly higher than Phoenix and generally a few degrees cooler. Average highs range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit in June and July to 66 in December and January, while average lows range from 41 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 76 in summer.
Sedona – The unique red rock formations of this popular destination attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year, some seeking to find some spiritual connection to the land. Unlike much of Arizona, Sedona experiences snowfall in the winter and relatively milder summers, making it a great year-round destination. However, March and October are the busiest months of the year and winter is the least crowded. High temperatures in Sedona range from an average of 96 degrees Fahrenheit in July to an average of 57 in December, while low temperatures range from an average of 66 degrees Fahrenheit in July to 32 in December.
Summer in arizona
Even Arizona cities with the highest elevations experience brutal heat throughout the summer, but that doesn’t stop locals and tourists from enjoying the myriad of events and activities only offered at this festive time of year. Flagstaff and Sedona may offer you some relief from the heat, but you’ll find more music events in Phoenix and Tucson. However, no matter where you go, you should expect average high temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extremes happen, of course. Phoenix residents have felt the Arizona heat many summer afternoons, including a scorching 122 degrees Fahrenheit on June 26, 1990, while the popular vacation destination Lake Havasu City regularly tops the state’s hottest list, including an afternoon 128 degrees Fahrenheit on June 29, 1994.
What to pack: Due to the heat, you’ll want to wear as little clothing as possible, so pack plenty of breathable fabrics, T-shirts, and shorts. You’ll also want to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe even an umbrella if you’re especially prone to sunburn, and don’t forget to bring a bathing suit if you want to cool off in the water. Camping and hiking equipment is also essential if you want to enjoy the great outdoors when the snow has finally melted on the mountain peaks.
Spring and Fall in Arizona
Because the intense heat of Arizona summers often begins in the spring and does not cool down until well into the fall, the state only experiences typical seasonal weather for a short period between summer and winter. However, March, April, October, and November are also the least busy months for tourism, making spring and fall the perfect time to grab some off-season deals on lodging and transit. Also, since the weather is a bit cooler, you are more likely to enjoy the outdoors; however, these months are also often the rainiest, especially in Flagstaff and Sedona.
What to pack: You wo n’t need a sweater yet in the fall or spring, but you may want to pack a long-sleeved shirt in case a rainy day gets a little chilly. Remember to bring an umbrella and a raincoat in case of a sudden spring or fall shower. You can also swim and participate in many outdoor activities at this time of year, so don’t forget to pack your bathing suit and camping gear if you plan to spend the night in the mountains.
Winter in arizona
While some high-altitude cities like Flagstaff are covered in snow most of the winter, other colder places like Sedona can also snow, but it rarely sticks. Still, temperatures across the state drop sharply (sometimes more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit) from summer highs, meaning you’ll need to prepare for colder weather if you’re heading into the desert this time of year. However, warm days still abound in Phoenix and other low-lying desert cities, so you can still escape the winter chill by vacationing there in January and February.
Hawley Lake is known for its record cold temperatures in the past, including 40 below zero on January 7, 1971. Even Phoenix enters the season from time to time, including a 16-degree Fahrenheit afternoon on January 7, 1913, though the city official rarely gets below freezing.
What to pack: Layers are the key to staying comfortable in the Arizona winter, as temperatures can fluctuate from 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night (or colder in cities like Flagstaff). You’ll want to bring a variety of pants, shirts, sweaters, and hoodies, and you may want to pack a pair of shorts and even a winter coat, depending on where you’re going. If you plan to hit the slopes of one of the Arizona mountains, don’t forget to pack your snow gear.
