Phoenix
About Phoenix
Welcome to the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix, Arizona, is a desert metropolis where rugged outdoor adventure meets urban sophistication. Unlike the snowy winters of Chicago or Minneapolis, Phoenix offers nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a premier winter escape for North Americans. The climate is categorized by a hot desert environment: mild, pleasant winters and notoriously scorching summers. Travelers often choose Phoenix for its world-class golf courses, the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert, and high-end spa resorts. While peak season brings crowds fleeing the cold of cities like Boston and New York, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer a sweet spot of manageable temperatures and vibrant local events. If you are planning a multi-city tour, Phoenix serves as a stark, arid contrast to the coastal dampness of Seattle or the humid heat of Miami.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Phoenix at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Fall (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Phoenix, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
USD daily budgets: $70-100/day to $500+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Phoenix
Best Overall
November–April
Cheapest
June–August
Busiest
February–March
Best Weather
March, April, and October
For Events
February (Phoenix Open) and March (Spring Training)
For Families
April and November
For Couples
October and November
Budget Travel
July and August
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Phoenix.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Phoenix — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Phoenix
January
Average Highs: 19°C (67°F), Lows: 7°C (45°F). Clear skies, crisp mornings, and almost zero rain.
“Best for those escaping the harsh winters of the Northeast or Midwest.”
February
Average Highs: 21°C (71°F), Lows: 9°C (49°F). Perfect outdoor temperatures.
“The most exciting month for sports fans, but also the most expensive.”
March
Average Highs: 25°C (77°F), Lows: 12°C (53°F). Ideal spring weather with desert wildflowers in bloom.
“The peak of Phoenix tourism; book months in advance for baseball season.”
April
Average Highs: 29°C (85°F), Lows: 15°C (59°F). Warm but rarely oppressive; very low humidity.
“The best month for a balanced desert experience before the heat arrives.”
May
Average Highs: 34°C (94°F), Lows: 20°C (68°F). It begins to feel like summer, but with cool evenings.
“Great for travelers looking for lower hotel rates while still enjoying outdoor activities.”
June
Average Highs: 40°C (104°F), Lows: 25°C (77°F). Extreme heat begins; very dry.
“Only for those who can handle intense heat or plan to stay indoors.”
July
Average Highs: 41°C (106°F), Lows: 28°C (82°F). Hottest month with occasional 'Monsoon' dust storms and rain.
“The cheapest month to stay in 5-star resorts at a fraction of the cost.”
August
Average Highs: 40°C (104°F), Lows: 28°C (82°F). High humidity for the desert due to Monsoon season.
“Good for budget travelers and spa enthusiasts.”
September
Average Highs: 37°C (99°F), Lows: 24°C (76°F). Still hot, but the intensity begins to fade.
“Transition month; pool weather is still in full swing.”
October
Average Highs: 31°C (88°F), Lows: 18°C (65°F). Pleasant days and cool nights return.
“Arguably the best month for outdoor enthusiasts.”
November
Average Highs: 24°C (76°F), Lows: 12°C (53°F). Beautiful fall weather.
“Excellent for families wanting to avoid the spring break crowds.”
December
Average Highs: 19°C (66°F), Lows: 8°C (46°F). Mild and festive.
“Perfect for a warm-weather Christmas holiday.”
Festivals & Events in Phoenix
Waste Management Phoenix Open
The best-attended golf tournament in the world, known for its party atmosphere on the 16th hole.
Hotels in Scottsdale and Phoenix sell out 6 months in advance; prices triple.Cactus League Spring Training
15 MLB teams play in various stadiums across the Valley.
Massive influx of fans; rental cars are extremely expensive and hard to find.Arizona State Fair
A classic state fair with rides, concerts, and agricultural exhibits.
Moderate impact on local traffic near the fairgrounds.Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction
The world's premier collector car auction held in Scottsdale.
Attracts high-net-worth individuals; luxury hotels are at capacity.Las Noches de las Luminarias
The Desert Botanical Garden is lit by thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags.
Tickets sell out weeks in advance; evening traffic increases near the park.M3F Music Festival
A 100% non-profit music festival featuring indie, psych, and house music.
Hotels in Downtown Phoenix see a significant spike in younger travelers.Fiesta Bowl
One of the major college football bowl games played at State Farm Stadium.
High demand for hotels in Glendale and West Phoenix.Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
The largest horse show of its kind in the world.
Brings thousands of international visitors; impacts equestrian-friendly rental areas.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Phoenix?
USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$300-600/night
Off-Peak
$100-180/night
Phoenix has some of the most dramatic price swings in the U.S. A resort room costing $500 in March can often be booked for $120 in July. If you are on a budget, consider the 'shoulder' months of May and September.
Where to Stay in Phoenix by Season
Old Town Scottsdale
PremiumWinter and Spring
The heart of the action for nightlife, shopping, and art. Best for those who want to be walkable to bars and restaurants.
Downtown Phoenix
Moderate to PeakYear-round
Great for sports fans and concert-goers. Home to the Suns (NBA) and Diamondbacks (MLB).
Paradise Valley
LuxurySummer (for deals)
Ultra-luxury resorts nestled between Phoenix and Scottsdale. Ideal for spa retreats.
Roosevelt Row
ModerateFall and Spring
The artsy, hip neighborhood. Perfect for younger travelers and those looking for boutique stays.
What to Pack for Phoenix
Spring
Pro tip: The sun is stronger than it feels. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days.
Summer
Pro tip: Avoid dark-colored clothing as it absorbs heat. Stick to whites and pastels.
Fall
Pro tip: October weather is unpredictable; carry a light layer for when the sun goes down.
Winter
Pro tip: The temperature can drop 20 degrees the moment the sun sets. Always have a jacket in the car.
FAQs: Visiting Phoenix
What is the best month to visit Phoenix?
March is widely considered the best month due to perfect temperatures and Spring Training baseball, though October offers similar weather with fewer crowds.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Phoenix?
The hottest summer months, July and August, are the cheapest for both flights and hotels.
Is Phoenix worth visiting in the winter?
Absolutely. It is one of the warmest places in the continental U.S. during winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities while other cities are freezing.
How hot does it actually get in the summer?
It regularly exceeds 110°F (43°C) in July. It is a 'dry heat,' but outdoor activity is dangerous between 10 AM and 6 PM.
When does the monsoon season start?
The Arizona monsoon season officially runs from June 15 to September 30, with most activity in July and August.
Is a car necessary in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix is a very spread-out city with limited public transit compared to New York or Chicago. A rental car is essential for most visitors.
When can I see the desert wildflowers?
Peak bloom usually occurs from late February through early April, depending on winter rainfall.
What should I wear for a night out in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is quite trendy. Men usually wear nice jeans and a button-down; women often wear dresses or stylish jumpsuits.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in United States
Chicago
Visit Chicago in the summer for lakefront beaches and festivals, a perfect escape when Phoenix is too hot.
New York
While Phoenix offers desert quiet, New York provides a high-energy urban autumn that is cooler and more walkable.
Los Angeles
LA offers a Mediterranean climate with ocean breezes, whereas Phoenix provides a much drier, hotter desert heat.
Atlanta
Atlanta’s humid, forest-heavy summers are a sharp contrast to the arid, open landscapes of Arizona.
Dallas
Both cities share hot summers, but Dallas has more humidity and a more traditional 'Southern' cultural vibe.
Miami
Swap Phoenix’s dry heat for Miami’s tropical humidity if you prefer the ocean over the desert mountains.
San Francisco
San Francisco remains cool and foggy year-round, making it the total opposite of the sunny, baking Valley of the Sun.
Seattle
If you find Phoenix too bright and dry, Seattle's lush greenery and frequent rain offer a refreshing change of pace.
Denver
Denver is the go-to for winter skiing, while Phoenix is the go-to for winter golfing; they are perfect seasonal counterparts.
Las Vegas
Vegas shares a similar desert climate but focuses more on indoor entertainment and casinos compared to Phoenix's outdoor focus.
Boston
Boston's historic, compact streets are best in the fall, whereas Phoenix's sprawling resorts are best in the spring.
Houston
Houston is much more humid than Phoenix, making its 95°F days feel much heavier than an Arizona 100°F day.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers a rich colonial history and four distinct seasons that are much more pronounced than in Phoenix.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the ultimate summer destination for those fleeing the 115°F Phoenix heatwaves.
Detroit
Detroit offers a mid-western cultural revival that is best explored in the mild temperatures of late spring.
Orlando
Both are family favorites, but Orlando's theme park lines are often more humid and crowded than Phoenix’s hiking trails.
Charlotte
Charlotte offers a temperate forest climate and is a great gateway to the Appalachian Mountains compared to the Sonoran Desert.
Washington
DC’s cherry blossom season in spring rivals Phoenix’s wildflower season for the title of most beautiful U.S. spring.
Portland
Portland is perfect for those who love coffee and rain, a complete aesthetic shift from the cacti and sun of Phoenix.
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