Revealing the Secrets of Arizona's Seasons

Because of Arizona's size and its varied topography, vacationing in the northern part of the state on the Colorado Plateau is a completely different experience from touring the Sonoran Desert in the south. Because of the great temperature and altitude variations, the state's two sections are practically mirror opposites of each other — meaning Arizona always has great weather somewhere.

What is central Arizona's climate? Sedona and Prescott tend to follow the northern area's weather patterns (although these towns are a bit warmer), while Wickenburg's weather goes as the south goes. Tables 1 and 2 give you a month-by-month breakdown of average temperatures and rainfall for Phoenix and Southern Arizona.

Table 1: Phoenix's Average Temperatures and Days of Rain

Table 2: Flagstaff's Average Temperatures and Days of Rain

Southern Arizona

If you don't mind the heat — but, honey, when southern Arizona is hot, it's hot — you won't find a bad time of the year to visit. Spring — when the mercury hasn't peaked, but room prices have — is prime. Unless the winter's unusually dry, the desert blooms with wildflowers.

Winter

Winter is wonderful because . . .

• The weather's glorious — sunny and warm — and perfect for sightseeing and anything else you want to do.

• Everything's happening: events, festivals, music, and theater programs, you name it.

But keep in mind that . . .

• Room prices are at their highest.

• Crowds are at their largest, which means lots of traffic, too.

Spring

Spring is special because . . .

• The desert is usually a flowering wonderland.

• Room rates start to dip.

But keep in mind that . . .

• Temperatures begin to creep up; some days may be uncomfortably warm, and you may enjoy better weather in your hometown.

• Prices aren't as low as they're going to be in a few months.

Summer

Summer sizzles because . . .

• You can try the resort of your dreams for rock-bottom rates, and fancy restaurants run summer specials.

• The streets are uncrowded, thanks to the departure of students and snowbirds (long-term winter visitors).

But keep in mind that . . .

• The sizzling is literal.

• Desert tours, hikes, and other activities slow or cease; many restaurants in the southeast close when their owners head for the hills.

Fall

Fall is fabulous because . . .

• The room rates are still fairly low.

• Activities like concerts and shows come back on track.

But keep in mind that . . .

• It takes a while to cure that heat hangover; temperatures may still be uncomfortable.

• The University of Arizona and Arizona State University freshmen are beginners at driving around the streets of Tucson and Greater Phoenix.

Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona doesn't have any loser seasons — even the cold isn't very cold. The fall is prime because the crowds thin and the weather's crisp and comfortable. Stay away from the Grand Canyon in summer, though, unless you prefer to bond with a few thousand of your fellow human beings rather than with nature alone.

Summer

Summer sizzles because . . .

• The weather is great: sunny, warm, and clear.

• Everything's open and happening.

But keep in mind that . . .

• Everyone wants to visit in summer; the Grand Canyon is a congested, chaotic mess.

• The room rates are as high as the sun in the sky.

Fall

Fall is fabulous because . . .

• The crowds go back to school and work.

• The weather's still sunny and an actual autumn season begins with colorful leaves and all.

But keep in mind that . . .

• Many places begin observing shorter hours; some facilities start to close.

• The rates aren't at their lowest yet.

Winter

Winter is wonderful because . . .

• No scenery is prettier than the snow against the Grand Canyon (and Flagstaff is a winter sports mecca). Even if no snow is on the ground, the weather is crisp and clear.

The room rates — and the crowds — bottom out; you enjoy your pick of lodgings.

But keep in mind that . . .

• The Grand Canyon's North Rim is closed, and you can't swim in Lake Powell without freezing your patooties off.

• Fewer services are offered than at any other time of year.

Spring

Spring is special because . . .

• Facilities reopen, but the crowds aren't present.

• The weather warms up.

But keep in mind that . . .

• Mother Nature is erratic; snow may fall, the roads may close, and the temperature's still not warm enough to dip into Lake Powell.

• The rates begin to warm up, too