Arizona Climate and Weather...

Mild winters and hot summers make up the weather here in Arizona. During the summer months – July through September – is when you will experience most of Arizona’s thunderstorms. You’ll often experience extremes in temperatures between daytime and nighttime temperatures throughout the state, particularly in the desert areas where daytime temperatures have been recorded to be over 125°F (52°C).

Winter month temperatures average around 70°F (21°C), but drop to below freezing in the desert valleys.  Summer temperatures vary from 80°F (27°C) to 35-40°F (2-4°C) at night.  Snow falls on the mountains, but not in the desert areas, where many tourists are attracted due to the mild temperatures of the southern desert.

Phoenix, with its arid climate, has been ranked the hottest city in the United States, and one of the world’s hottest places. Between June and September, the temperature in Phoenix can register upwards to at least 100°F (38°C) or more for an average of 90 days.

Although there are thunderstorms sometimes during July and September caused by humid air blowing in from the Gulf of California, most Arizona days are sunny, and rainfall is scarce.

Winters bring mild temperatures with sunny days and occasional fog.  Snow is a rarity, but it has been recorded.  Frost is most frequent in the winter months.

Arizona’s climate is varied due to the fact that the state covers such a large area.  There is mostly dessert in the lower areas of the state that stay hot during the summer months and mild during the winters.

In the northern part of the state the altitude is higher; therefore temperatures are usually cooler - with milder summers and cold winters.  Snow does fall on the mountains, but you won’t find it in the desert areas.  Monsoon rains can occur during the summer months between July and September throughout the state.

This is a wonderful state to visit anytime of the year but the winters are favored.  However, no matter when you decide to visit ~ summer or winter ~ Arizona will never fail to impress you with its beauty and magnificence.

So always remember to ~ "take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.”