The Best Things to do in Phoenix in Winter

I asked Phoenix expert Sam from My Flying Leap to share her top tips for enjoying Phoenix in winter.  She shares her recommendations for the best things to do in Phoenix in wintertime, and why winter is actually the best time to visit the city.

If you’re looking for some winter sun in the US, look no further than Phoenix Arizona. It’s almost like being on a permanent vacation when cacti and palm trees surround you!  Go for a hike, tour the cities’ attractions, and just enjoy being outside during the winter. Here is why you should visit Phoenix in winter and some of the best things to do while you’re there!

Know Before You Go to Phoenix

Before travelling to Phoenix, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.

🛌 MY RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN PHOENIX:

$$ Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown – great location downtown yet close to hiking

$$ Staybridge Suites Phoenix – choose a room with kitchen facilities to make your own meals

$$ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Downtown – central location with a fitness centre

🚗 Hiring a car?  Find a great deal on car rental prices here.

⭐ TOP 3 PHOENIX ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. Phoenix: Guided Self-Drive ATV/UTV Tour

2. From Phoenix: Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Oak Creek Day Trip

3. Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne

Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Phoenix

Tourists flock to Phoenix in the winter due to the mild temperatures. Where most of the country is blanketed in snow in the winter months and dealing with cold temperatures, Phoenix generally doesn’t hit freezing, even at night so it’s a fabulous warm winter destination.

And it’s not only tourists as there are a lot of “snowbirds” here as well. They live in northern states during the summer months, then move to Phoenix for the winter to take advantage of the mild temperatures. Word is out that Phoenix is a great place for a winter vacation!

Winter is such a great time to visit Phoenix as you can be outdoors enjoying the beautiful desert scenery without bundling up! There are lots of fun things to do in Phoenix, and you can be outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather all winter long. It’s a perfect time to visit Phoenix, though, beware as you may not want to return home!  

Winter Weather in Phoenix

Temperatures are mild during the winter in Phoenix. The area has average highs of 68°F to 76°F (20°C to 24.4°C) from November to February and average lows from 44°F to 51°F (6.7°C to 10.6°C). Rainfall is minimal, and there’s generally an inch or less on average every month. 

You may find a light frost a few times overnight during the winter, and some mornings you can see your breath. Occasionally, you may see some of the peaks surrounding the city dusted in snow, and on very rare occasions, some of the outskirts of the city may get some sleet, hail, or snow. That’s relatively uncommon, though.

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What to Wear in Phoenix in Winter

Phoenix tends to be a fairly casual city though you’ll find some people dressed to the nines in parts of Scottsdale, one of the more exclusive cities in the metro-Phoenix area. For the rest of Phoenix, dress comfortably. Many restaurants don’t have a dress code though you may want to check at some of the more exclusive places.

You’ll probably notice the locals are bundled up, and we tend to toss on a sweater or a jacket if the temperatures get much below 70°F. It’s ok; we laugh at ourselves, too!

So, while locals may have on a sweater, visitors will likely be wearing short sleeves during the day for much of the winter, or even a thin long-sleeved shirt. You probably won’t need much more than a light to medium-weight jacket during the evening.

The Best Things to Do in Phoenix in Winter

From hiking in the desert, learning about the Native American and Mexican culture, enjoying fantastic shopping in quaint areas, golfing on top-rated courses, and get pampered at luxurious spas at some of the country’s hotels, Phoenix has a lot to offer. 

Phoenix offers something for everyone, and these are some of my favorite things to do in Phoenix during the winter:  

Eat Great Food in Phoenix

The great part of visiting Phoenix in the winter is that everything is open as the weather is so amazing. Many of the restaurants have large walls of windows that they open with the good weather.

Phoenix is a foodie city, and there are many great restaurants along with a large selection of different ethnic foods available. Or, try some of the southwestern-style restaurants to get a flavor of the area.

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

If you want to learn how many beautiful plants live in the desert, this is the place to go. There are lots of paths to wander and you can simply take it all in, or read all about the desert landscape.

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Hike the Phoenix Mountains

Phoenix is surrounded by mountains, and they are sprinkled around the city. Hike the parks like South Mountain Park or Thunderbird Park, or climb Camelback Mountain, right in the heart of the city.

Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden

Visit this traditional Japanese garden in the center of Phoenix for a real sense of calm.

Shop in the Outdoor Malls

There are several outdoor malls in the Phoenix area to take advantage of the winter’s great weather. Kierland, Desert Ridge, Biltmore Fashion Park, and others are waiting for you to visit.

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Relax at a Spa in Phoenix in Winter

Phoenix hosts many conferences during the year, so you’ll find lots of decadent hotels with incredible spas. The Biltmore, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the Phoenecian, and the funky Hotel Valley Ho offer some great packages you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Tour Old Town Scottsdale

This quaint area has lots of great shops and restaurants. It’s a lot of fun, especially at night.  You could take a Segway tour, a jeep tour or simply explore on foot.

City Skate Holiday Ice Rink

Starting in late November, this outdoor skating rink in downtown Phoenix is in a great area with lots to do.

Celebrate First Fridays

The Roosevelt Row historic arts district has a great celebration on the first Friday of every month in Phoenix, which is one of the best free things to do in Phoenix at any time of year. Enjoy vendors, explore art galleries that stay open for the participants, and dine at some great restaurants in this area. Old Town Scottsdale does something similar on the third Thursday of the month as well.

Catch a Baseball Game

Despite the name Cactus League Spring Training, baseball teams from around the country head to Arizona for training games from the last week of February and into the spring.  You can check out the training schedule here to see if it coincides with your trip.   

Winter Day Trips from Phoenix

Take a Road Trip to Sedona

The winter is a great time to be outside enjoying the weather. Another great option is to go on a road trip to visit the stunning area in Sedona. It’s a charming town filled with beautiful red-rock buttes with lots of hiking and sightseeing. Sedona is around two hours north of Phoenix and worth visiting.

Visit the Grand Canyon in Winter

Grand Canyon Tours from Phoenix run all year round, so you can visit one of America’s top destinations from Phoenix.  It’s around 3 and a half hour’s drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon so you could drive yourself, but taking a tour means someone else does all the driving and you can just sit back and relax!

Phoenix Grand Canyon tours typically include a stop at Sedona along the way, as well as various photo stops.  Prices don’t usually include food, so bring a packed lunch or buy something during the day.

Ski at the Snowbowl

The Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff is the place to actually get your fix of winter weather in Phoenix.  Nestled in the San Francisco Peaks, it’s known for its stunning natural beauty.  It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix, but if you enjoy skiing and other winter sports it is well worth the trip.  

Christmas is a special time in Phoenix. Instead of large pine trees decorated for the season, you’ll see large palm trees and cacti decked out in lights to celebrate. Some neighborhoods go all out for lights and decorations, so it’s worth driving around, especially in some of the more historic districts in the downtown area. 

There are also several great lighting and decoration displays around the Phoenix area that are worth seeing. You’ll also find some great parades, including the Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale and the Phoenix Light Parade. It’s a joyous and festive time in the city. Here are some of the other fun places to visit around the holidays.

Las Noches de Las Luminarias

Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

The Desert Botanical Garden puts on some wonderful holiday festivities weaving in the local culture, including Native American and Mexican traditions. They light up the garden with 8,000 luminaria, bags illuminated with a candle’s warm glow. Enjoy entertainment from Native American talent, groups playing bells, and other talented musicians. Stroll through the beautiful garden trails, grab a drink and a bite, and enjoy the festivities of the holiday season.  

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Glendale Glitters

Address: North 58th Ave and West Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Glendale’s historic town center, part of metro-Phoenix, is lit with nearly 2 million lights to celebrate the holiday season from around Thanksgiving to the middle of January. During some weekends, they also have other festivities, including live music and vendors selling holiday treats and crafts. It’s hard to not get into the holiday spirit when you visit.

ZooLights

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

The Phoenix Zoo puts on quite a display for the holidays! You’ll see more than a million lights decorating the trees as well as lighted animal-shaped sculptures and more. Take in the holiday lights, music, the reindeer exhibit, komodo dragons, and celebrate the season. 

Lights of the World

Address: 1826 W McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007

This large festival of lights and lanterns celebrates the cultures and regions of the world. There is a Christmas area, though it’s a celebration of the world in addition to Christmas. There are more than 10 million lights on display and lots of fun family-friendly activities.

New Year in Phoenix

There are always lots of fun events going on in Phoenix for New Year’s Eve. There are some annual celebrations, and you’ll often find some of the hotels throwing fun events as well. You’ll find themed parties like masquerade balls, roaring 20s, and you might even find a fancy gala or two. 

Annual New Year celebrations in recent years include the Roosevelt Row Flannel Ball, where you can find casual fun with live music, food trucks, lawn games, and of course, lots of beer. It’s a casual fun time with no suits or dresses! The Phoenix Symphony has a yearly celebration as well with complimentary champagne. And The Talking Stick Resort is another regular offering great music and dancing to ring in the new year.

About the Author

Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover with big plans to travel the world with her dog. When she’s not blogging about her travel adventures at My Flying Leap, you can find her volunteering with her pet-therapy cat and dog, on the top of a mountain, or enjoying a glass of bold red wine planning for her next trip.  You can also find her on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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