Weather in Phoenix

Planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Phoenix? In this section, you will find the latest information: current weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you be prepared for any whims of nature.

Phoenix, located in the state of Arizona, USA, is characterised by an arid desert climate. This means the city is known for its hot, sunny skies throughout most of the year and very low rainfall levels. If you are planning a trip, be prepared for plenty of sunshine and dry air.

Phoenix has two distinct seasons: an incredibly hot summer and a mild winter. The summer months, especially from June to August, bring extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 40°C, while rainfall remains minimal. Winters, by contrast, offer pleasant coolness with average daytime temperatures around 12-19°C, making this period more comfortable for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Spring and autumn serve as comfortable transitional seasons with gradually increasing warmth in spring (April-May) and a pleasant drop in heat during autumn (September-October). Precipitation in Phoenix is extremely rare throughout the year; even in months with the highest number of "wet days," such as July and August, the actual amount of rainfall remains negligible, amounting to only about 1 mm. The city boasts an abundance of sunny days, especially from April to June when rainfall is practically non-existent, making it an ideal destination for sun lovers.

Phoenix experiences significant annual temperature variations, typical of a desert climate. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 35.3°C, and daytime highs often rise to 41.5°C and above. This is followed by June and August with average temperatures of 32.7°C and 34.3°C respectively. The coolest month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of 12.3°C, minimum night-time temperatures around 5.6°C, and daytime highs in the region of 19.1°C. December also brings similar cool conditions.

The summer months in Phoenix, from June to August, are characterised by extreme dry heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, creating very hot conditions. Nights bring some relief but remain warm: for instance, in July, the average minimum temperature is 29.0°C. The transitional spring months, such as April (average temperature 22.9°C) and May (27.0°C), show a rapid rise in temperatures, preparing the city for the summer heat. In autumn, during September (31.2°C) and October (24.5°C), the heat gradually subsides, making the weather more comfortable.

Winter in Phoenix, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by its mildness and pleasant coolness. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate in the range of 19-21°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Nights become significantly colder, with average minimum temperatures around 5-7°C, though frosts rarely occur. A characteristic feature of Phoenix's climate is the noticeable daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year: the difference between daytime highs and night-time lows is often 12-15°C, which is particularly evident on clear desert days.

In Phoenix, the amount of precipitation throughout the year is extremely insignificant, which corresponds to its desert climate. The city experiences a distinct dry season, which usually lasts from April to June. During these months, precipitation is practically absent: for example, in April and May, on average, not a single millimetre of rain falls, and there are no rainy days. June also remains very dry, with zero rainfall, although one day with insignificant, barely noticeable precipitation may occur.

A slight increase in the frequency of precipitation is observed in the summer months, especially in July and August. This period can be considered relatively "wet" for Phoenix, but it is important to understand that even then, the total amount of falling moisture remains minimal – about 1 mm per month. However, the number of days with precipitation increases: in August there are on average about 6 rainy days, and in July – about 5 days. Rainfall at this time usually comes in the form of short showers.

In the remaining months of the year, precipitation is also rare and not abundant. In winter (December, January, February) and early spring (March), about 1 mm of precipitation may fall, distributed over approximately 4 rainy days in each of these months. In autumn, the number of rainy days gradually decreases: in September there are about three, in October – two, and in November just one day with precipitation. Overall, when planning a trip to Phoenix, one should expect predominantly dry and sunny weather all year round, with a very low probability of prolonged rains.

When planning a trip to Phoenix, it is important to consider its desert climate with hot sun and significant temperature differences between day and evening. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear (a hat or cap) to protect against the intense sun. Comfortable walking shoes are also extremely important, as you will likely be moving around a lot. Give preference to clothing made from light, breathable natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which will help you feel more comfortable in the dry air.

If your trip falls during the hot summer months (from May to September), when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, focus mainly on the lightest and lightest-coloured clothing possible. Loose shirts, shorts, dresses, and sundresses will be the best choice. Don't forget swimwear if you plan to visit pools. Note that powerful air conditioners often operate indoors, so a light cardigan or shawl may come in handy to avoid getting cold inside. And, of course, always keep a bottle of water with you to maintain hydration.

In the cooler months, from November to March, daytime temperatures in Phoenix become very pleasant, but evenings and nights can be quite cool. During this period, the principle of layering in clothing is ideal. Take t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a light sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or mid-season jacket. This way, you can easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Precipitation in Phoenix is extremely rare at any time of year, so an umbrella will likely not be needed, but a light water-repellent jacket might be useful just in case, especially if you plan trips to the mountains or during periods when a small number of rainy days are forecast, although the total rainfall remains minimal.