Scottsdale Weather by Month

Scottsdale has two seasons visitors care about: about seven months of warm, dry, near-perfect weather, and a hot summer that is ideal for pool days and early-morning plans. The Valley gets only about 7 inches of rain a year. Here's what each month is really like, using the official 30-year averages for the area.

Month by month

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020, Phoenix Sky Harbor (station USW00023183). Days with rain are days with measurable precipitation.

The best time to visit, by what you want to do

• Hiking: November through March. Highs in the upper 60s to upper 70s make Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve comfortable all day.
• Golf and events: January through March. The Valley's driest, sunniest stretch lines up with Barrett-Jackson, the WM Phoenix Open and spring training. See our 2027 peak season guide.
• Pool weather: April through October. Highs run from the mid-80s to over 100°F. Spring and fall are the sweet spot, with warm days and cooler nights.
• Best value: June through September. It's hot, so plan hikes and golf before 9 a.m., spend the afternoon by the pool and enjoy summer pricing.

What to know about summer

• Heat: from June through August, almost every day tops 90°F, and July averages 107°F. Drink more water than you think you need and avoid midday hikes.
• Storms: July and August are the Valley's wettest summer months, with rain on about 4 to 5 days each, usually as afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
• Warm nights: lows stay in the 80s in July and August, perfect for evening swims.

What to pack

• November to March: layers. Afternoons are warm, but nights in December and January average in the mid-40s.
• April to October: sun protection first: a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
• All year: real hiking shoes. Desert trails are rocky, even the popular ones.