Arizona has many more natural, urban, and cultural attractions to explore. A quick drive from the Grand Canyon lies Sedona, a beautiful, spiritual town nestled amongst the deep red canyons and rock formations of Antelope Wells and Horseshoe Bend. Northern Arizona has incredible skiing in Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl. To the south, Phoenix and Tucson are bustling metropolises with museum districts, universities, great restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
Overall Best Time to Visit Arizona
The best time to visit Arizona is during the fall and spring when the weather is mild, dry, and sunny. In the north, the cheapest months are in April, and the winter months are from December through February. If you want to visit Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding southern Arizona mountains and desert scenery, the best time to visit would be from October to mid-May.
Cheapest Time to Visit Arizona
If you want to save money on flights to Arizona, you will find the cheapest time to visit Arizona during the low seasons for each region. The low season in Phoenix, Tucson, and the southern Arizona national parks is from June to September. You’ll find the cheapest deals on flights and lodging during this time. The summer months present extreme heat, dust storms, and flash flooding.
Least Busy Time to Visit Arizona
If you want to get the most unfettered views of the Grand Canyon’s north and south rim, the least busy time to visit is from March through May and from September through November. These off-seasons are also great opportunities to look for discounted flights and hotel rates.
Worst Time to Visit Arizona
Arizona’s natural wonders and outdoor appeal are also prone to extreme weather conditions. The worst time to visit Arizona corresponds with the most dangerous weather conditions, whether extreme heat, dust storms, or freezing. The snowiest months between December and February are the worst if you aren’t into skiing. If you don’t like big crowds, the summer months would be the worst months.
Arizona Weather Changes Drastically
Not only does Arizona weather change drastically from North to South and from season to season, but it also experiences a myriad of extreme conditions in a single day.
Stay Hydrated
Arizona’s super dry temperatures and hot weather will deplete your water stores, and you often won’t know it because you don’t sweat. You should always bring at least a liter of water on any hike or outdoor day trip.
Where should you go for the best skiing in Arizona?
The three most popular skiing destinations are the Snowbowl in northern Arizona outside of Flagstaff, Sunrise Park Resort in eastern Arizona, and Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley an hour away from Tucson.