Best Time to Visit Scottsdale: A Month-by-Month Guide From Local Planners

We get asked ALL the time when is the best time to visit Scottsdale. Typically our answer is that it is ALWAYS a great time of year to visit us! The more honest version: the sweet spot is March through May and September through November, once the summer heat breaks. The February event weekends are worth braving the crowds for, and summer is hot but the cheapest time to come, so plan it around the pool.

I mean we all know that the summer is going to be hot… but it is a "dry heat," meaning there is no humidity and everywhere you go there is AC. I was pretty surprised how busy my team and I were over the summer, but who wouldn't want to visit our beautiful town and sit by the pool all day with a drink in your hand?

Here is a little breakdown by each month on what's happening in Scottsdale, Arizona and why you should visit during that time of year!

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale by Month

Scottsdale in January

The holidays are over and everyone is ready to do something with their friends. I mean we love our family, but if your bride to be needs her bach to be in January, we are a great option. Temps are in the mid 60s and every patio with a heater is packed with locals and out of town guests. Car lovers flock to town for the Barrett-Jackson auction this month too. This is peak season, so if you want to stay in Scottsdale at a resort or a big rental house, book early.

Scottsdale in February

Weather is still amazing and there are a plethora of actual events happening in the city. Plus, if you have been living under a rock the last 20 years, the best event on the grass is happening: the WM Phoenix Open, February 8 to 14, 2027. If you have not booked a house or hotel room, do it NOW or you will not have a good spot to stay. We have a full post on planning your Phoenix Open weekend.

February is also when the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show comes to WestWorld, a February staple that's bigger and more beautiful than it sounds. Find all the Scottsdale events worth planning a trip around in our full post.

Scottsdale in March

SPRING TRAINING BABY!! One of the most popular times to visit our state is for sure this month. The weather is starting to heat up, meaning shorts and tank tops are making an appearance again. Plus our city is crawling with professional baseball players. Whether you enjoy baseball or not, you must go to at least one game a season. Every local has to have at least one hot dog and beer on the grass and play hooky from work. PLUS it's a great destination spot for any true baseball fans. Get our full guide to spring training, including where to eat and stay.

Scottsdale in April

Weather is gorgeous and for sure the best month to visit. Pool season starts to feel real, and it's one of the last good months for daytime hikes in the Sonoran Desert before the heat sets in.

Scottsdale in May

Weather is getting warmer and everyone is beginning to enjoy the pool on a weekly basis to prepare themselves for the summer. It's also the start of the slower, cheaper season, so it's a smart pick if your group is watching the budget.

Scottsdale in Summer (June to August)

It is hot… we KNOW, but we have a ton of pool float rentals and great day clubs for you to enjoy. The trick to the summer heat is planning around it: pool days, a day club cabana, a spa afternoon and dinner after sunset. It's also the cheapest stretch of the year to stay in Scottsdale. Heads up: July and August are monsoon season, which means quick afternoon thunderstorms, dust storms and some of the most dramatic sunsets of the year. Throwing a party while you're here? Steal our ideas for the ultimate pool party. We have a full post on it.

Scottsdale in September

The weather is beginning to cool down, but the majority of the houses we work with have heated pools if you want to enjoy a dip still. Evenings start getting nicer, and it's a quieter month to grab a Scottsdale resort deal before fall picks up.

Scottsdale in October

October is when locals come back outside. Days are warm, nights are cooler and pools are still very much open. It's a great month to hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or book a desert jeep tour through the Sonoran Desert to see real saguaros up close. If your group loves day tripping, Sedona is about two hours north.

Scottsdale in November

The evenings are nice and it's for sure a nice break from the snow that's happening all over the country. It's also Friendsgiving season, and we plan those too, along with office holiday parties. Check out our Friendsgiving and holiday party guide. We have a full post on it.

Scottsdale in December

Another great time of year if you can find time to escape before the holidays. Christmas in Scottsdale means patio heaters, holiday parties and plenty of couples popping the question. Thinking about it? Get our Christmas proposal ideas. We have a full post on it.

Scottsdale Weather by Month

Here's what Scottsdale weather looks like month by month, based on National Weather Service 1991 to 2020 normals for Phoenix Sky Harbor, plus our honest take on whether it's pool weather:

Month	High / Low	Rain	Pool weather?
January	68° / 46°	0.9 in	Heated pool only
February	71° / 49°	0.9 in	Heated pool only
March	78° / 55°	0.8 in	Heated pool, warm afternoons
April	86° / 61°	0.2 in	Yes
May	95° / 70°	0.1 in	Yes, all day
June	104° / 79°	Almost none	It's the only place to be
July	107° / 85°	0.9 in (monsoon)	Yes, with shade
August	105° / 84°	0.9 in (monsoon)	Yes, with shade
September	100° / 78°	0.6 in	Yes
October	89° / 66°	0.6 in	Yes
November	77° / 54°	0.6 in	Heated pool
December	66° / 45°	0.7 in	Heated pool only

Coming from somewhere colder? These temps probably won't bother you. A 70° day in February can feel like full pool weather when you just left the snow, so pack the swimsuit either way.

When to Visit Scottsdale for Your Kind of Trip

• Bachelorettes. March through May and September through November are the sweet spot, plus the big February event weekends if your bride wants all the energy. Our Scottsdale bachelorette party planner team books up fast, so lock in your dates first.

• Guys trips. Phoenix Open week and spring training are the big ones, and fall golf weather is underrated. Plan your Scottsdale guys trip with us.

• Girls trips. Spring and fall are perfect, and summer is great if your crew is all about the pool and the spa. Get our full Scottsdale girls trip guide. We have a full post on it.

• Golf. November through April, when you can play all day without melting.

• Hiking. October through April, or sunrise starts if you're visiting in summer.

  
  

Visiting Scottsdale FAQ

When is peak season in Scottsdale?

January to April. Spring training and the Phoenix Open bring big crowds and prices are at their highest, so book early.

What is the cheapest time to visit Scottsdale?

May to September. It's hot, but rates drop and the pools are calling.

What is the hottest month in Scottsdale?

July, with an average high around 107°. June and August aren't far behind.

When is the rainy season in Scottsdale?

Monsoon season brings afternoon storms in July and August. The rest of the year is mostly dry and sunny.

When should you avoid Scottsdale?

If heat isn't your thing, skip July and August. No pool day is fun enough to make standing outside at 110° feel good.

How many days do you need in Scottsdale?

Three nights is the sweet spot for a group trip. Add a fourth if you want a Sedona day trip.

Is Scottsdale too hot to visit in the summer?

It's hot, no way around it. But it's a dry heat, there's AC everywhere and most of the houses we work with have pools. Plan your days around the water and save dinner for after sunset.

Want help picking your weekend? Tell our event planner team your dates and we'll plan around the weather, the events and the crowds.