There’s no bad time to visit Phoenix; it all depends on what you’re looking for.

The best (and most popular) times to visit Phoenix are in the spring from March–May, or winter from December–February, when temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking, festivals, golf, and outdoor adventures.

Fall is also a great time to see Phoenix, with lower temperatures and fewer crowds before the busy winter season. Summertime is hot, but this off-season translates to incredible travel deals and fewer people at campgrounds and attractions.

Read on to choose the best time for your Phoenix getaway or a scenic road trip through the Valley of the Sun.

Spring (Mar–May): Peak Season

Spring is hands-down the most popular time to visit Phoenix with moderate temperatures and several big events like MLB Spring Training, the Phoenix Film Festival and the Scottsdale Culinary Festival.

Desert flowers also bloom in the spring, making hikes especially beautiful.

Average Highs: 75–95°F (24–35°C)
Average Lows: 52–67°F (11–19°C)
Crowds: Expect some crowds
Costs: Higher for hotels and RV parks
What It Feels Like: Warm days, cool mornings. Perfect for being outdoors.

Spring Phoenix Highlights

Hike Camelback Mountain or South Mountain
Visit Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Art Museum, or the Heard Museum
Catch a baseball game at Cactus League Spring Training

RVer Tip: RV parks fill up fast in spring, so book at least 2–3 months ahead.

Summer (June–Aug): Hot, With Great Deals and Pools

Everyone knows Phoenix is hot in the summer. Like over 100 days of 100ºF temps or more hot. Because of the heat, you’ll find tons of places to cool off in the city, from fancy pools and huge water parks to outdoor dining with cooling misters.

If you don’t mind the high temperatures, you’ll find incredible deals on lodging and RV rentals.

Average Highs: 105–110°F+ (40–43°C)
Average Lows: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
Monsoon Season: Be prepared for afternoon rain storms June–September with wind, lightning, and reduced visibility. Check Phoenix forecasts before heading out for a drive or hike.
Crowds: Light. Attractions, resorts, and campgrounds are less busy.
Costs: Very low for hotels, moderate for RV sites with hookups
What It Feels Like: Blisteringly hot in the afternoons; tolerable in the early mornings and evenings. Time your outdoor activities for early morning and around sunset. No matter when you’re out, always bring plenty of water and use sun protection.

Summer in Phoenix Highlights

The Fabulous Phoenix 4th Celebration is an annual 4th of July celebration at Steele Indian School Park
Beat the heat inside at the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Art Museum.
Browse Old Town Scottsdale shops, and restaurants in late morning or early evening

RVer Tip: Summer driving through the desert can strain your rig. Make sure your A/C and engine cooling systems are in good condition. Many RVers do their driving early in the day.

Explore Phoenix in a Blacksford RV!

Rent in Phoenix

Fall (Sept– Nov): A Quiet Sweet Spot

Fall is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor activities with fewer crowds.

Events pick up in October and November with the Arizona State Fair, Oktoberfest, and the Canal Convergence, a free, 10-night public art event.

Average Highs: 75–100°F (24–37°C) in Sept, 70–85°F by Nov
Average Lows: 50–77°F (10–25°C)
Crowds: Moderate
Costs: Affordable
What It Feels Like: Warm but increasingly pleasant cooler temps, especially from late October onward.

Fall in Phoenix Highlights

ATV tours in the Sonoran Desert
Explore Papago Park or the Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Scenic drives like the Apache Trail or South Mountain Summit Road

RVer Tip: Fall is an excellent shoulder season with milder temps and fewer bookings. Many public campgrounds reopen their full services after summer.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild and Sunny

Phoenix is a favorite winter escape, especially for snowbirds and RVers looking to avoid freezing temps in the northern US. The weather is perfect for golfing, hiking, and attending events like the WM Phoenix Open and Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction.

Average Highs: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
Average Lows: 44–48°F (7–9°C)
Crowds: Moderate, especially over the holidays and into January
Costs: Mid-range, higher during winter events
What It Feels Like: Cool mornings, crisp air, and sunshine. Jacket in the morning, t-shirt by afternoon.

Winter Phoenix Highlights

Desert hikes, such as the moderately challenging 5.4-mile Massacre Falls Trail or the gentler 2-mile Thumb Butte Loop.
Golfing. Try the highly-rated Encanto Golf Course, with both a 9-hole and 18-hole course.
Visiting holiday light festivals, such as the Tianyu Lights Festival and ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo.

RVer Tip: A top season for RV travelers. Reserve as early as possible, especially around holidays. Desert camping is comfortable, and winter sunshine keeps solar setups efficient.

Coming to Phoenix in the winter? Check out our 8 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix in December.