Climate and monthly weather forecast
Phoenix, AZ

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The city of Phoenix, Arizona at dusk
The city of Phoenix, Arizona at dusk

The climate of Phoenix

Phoenix, part of the Sonoran Desert, lies in the subtropical desert climate or BWh according to the Köppen climate classification. This environment is characterized by extremely hot summers, mild winters, and scant rain.

Consistently warm temperatures prevail throughout the year, with highs ranging from a relatively mild 64.2°F (17.9°C) in January to a sweltering 103.6°F (39.8°C) in July. Corresponding lows range from 47.5°F (8.6°C) in January to 84.7°F (29.3°C) in August—indicating no month is devoid of warmth.

Rainfall in Phoenix is rather infrequent with the densest precipitation occurring in the warmer months of July to September—with values amounting to 0.75" (19mm), 0.59" (15mm), and 0.67" (17mm) respectively. During the rest of the year, the city experiences lighter precipitation generally not surpassing half an inch.

Unique to Phoenix is the minimal snowfall it experiences throughout the year, with the only recorded snow in November at a minimal 0.04" (1mm)—rare for many but typical in Phoenix's desert topography. Additionally, the city is illuminated generously during the year, earning between 10 to 14.3 hours of daylight, coupled with a high UV index that peaks between May and August at an 8.

The best time to visit Phoenix

When to visit Phoenix largely depends on heat tolerance and the desired activities. November through April is the city’s peak season due to mild and pleasant temperatures. During this time, temperatures range from highs of 64.2°F (17.9°C) to 90.9°F (32.7°C) and lows of 47.5°F (8.6°C) to 67.6°F (19.8°C)—an ideal climate for outdoor exploration or lounging by the pool without being overwhelmed by summer's ferocious heat.

Moreover, these months boast moderate humidity (between 33% to 43%), lower UV index (between 3 and 6), and longer sunshine hours (varying between 7.1 and 11.9 hours), making them the most favorable for visitors.

The worst time to visit Phoenix

Despite Phoenix's attractive year-round warmth, the months of June to September can be excessively hot for most people. During these months, average high temperatures soar beyond 100°F (37.8°C). Wind speed slightly increases during this season (from 5.9mph (9.5km/h) to 6.4mph (10.3km/h)), but this does little to mitigate the intense heat.

Additionally, humidity drops to its lowest between 16% to 19%, and a higher UV index of 8 potentially raises the risk of sunburn or heatstroke if proper precautions are not taken. Therefore, unless seeking the full desert heat experience, these months are perhaps best avoided.

Spring weather in Phoenix

During March to May, Phoenix begins its transition from mild to hot weather. Temperatures gradually escalate with average highs jumping from 76.1°F (24.5°C) in March to 90.9°F (32.7°C) in May. Corresponding lows also rise from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 67.6°F (19.8°C).

This season records little rainfall, with the driest month being May registering just 0.08" (2mm). Moreover, daylight hours increase (from 12 to 13.9 hours) along with the UV index, starting at 5 in March and reaching 8 in May.

Summer weather in Phoenix

Summer is intimidating in Phoenix, with June to September featuring the year's hottest temperatures. Daytime highs in these months easily surpass 100°F (37.8°C), and nighttime lows rarely drop below the mid-70s°F.

The summer months also yield the highest rainfall of the year, with July's 0.75" (19mm) being the peak. However, even at its highest, rainfall remains quite minimal. This season also experiences the highest UV index of 8.

Autumn weather in Phoenix

Autumnal temperatures bring some respite from the summer heat, with averages receding gradually from September to November. Highs dip from 96.3°F (35.7°C) to 73.6°F (23.1°C) and lows from 78.8°F (26°C) to 56.3°F (13.5°C).

Rainfall during this period is slightly lower than summer, but it still maintains a consistent presence, reaching its pinnacle in September at 0.67" (17mm). UV index begins to decrease, registering a 7 in September and dropping to 4 by November.

Winter weather in Phoenix

Phoenix embraces winter in a unique way, with temperatures staying comfortably warm compared to most regions. December to February features highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F and 50s°F—quite mild for a typical winter.

These cooler months bring a marginally higher chance of rain, with December and February both registering 0.59" (15mm). However, the overall climatic conditions remain predominantly dry, showing Phoenix's consistent adherence to its desert climate categorization.

Weather in January

Phoenix, Arizona, ushers in the new year with mild winter conditions, making outdoor activities rather pleasant. January weather exhibits a stark contrast to the sizzling summer months the city is known for. Reaching to a mild 64.2°F (17.9°C), the city enjoys its second-lowest average high temperature. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Bidding adieu to January’s cool tones, February in Phoenix brings marginally warmer temperatures. This transitional weather marks the start of moderate spring conditions. The average high temperature leaps to 67.6°F (19.8°C), slightly warmer compared to the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March witnesses a continued gradual increase in temperature as Phoenix moves further into spring. This month exposes Phoenix's desert characteristics with climbing temperatures and falling humidity levels. The city welcomes the warmer 76.1°F (24.5°C) average high temperature, providing bounteous warmth without the intense heat of summer. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Phoenix, Arizona, encapsulates the end of spring, paving the way for the fast-approaching summer. The city experiences a noteworthy jump in temperatures, signaling the start of stark sunny weather. Soaring to 83.1°F (28.4°C), it sets the stage for the high temperatures that define Phoenix's weather. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May stands as the threshold to the sweltering summer that Phoenix is famous for. As the city transitions into the hotter part of the year, the dry and sunny weather becomes prominent. The temperature index hits 90.9°F (32.7°C), indicating an impending scorching summer. Weather in May »

Weather in June

In June, Phoenix fully embraces its notoriously torrid summer weather. The city hits triple-digit temperatures, characterized by sunny days and almost no rain. Predominantly dry, the temperature reaches an average high of 102°F (38.9°C), making June one of the hottest months of the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Phoenix prevails as the pinnacle of the city's hot, arid summer. The city swims in extremely high temperatures and sun-drunk days. Topping at 103.6°F (39.8°C), it holds the record for the highest average high of the year. An inevitable increase in rainfall provides the first sign of respite from the unforgiving dry spell. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Phoenix continues to be dominated by the summer heat, though slight hints of a reprieve become apparent. It segments in the last phase of the intense summer punctuated by occasional thunderstorms. Marginally lower than July, the average high temperature hangs around 102.6°F (39.2°C). Weather in August »

Weather in September

The arrival of September in Phoenix marks the outset of milder temperatures and reduced humidity. The city starts to witness a notable drop in temperatures, signaling the retreat of the sweltering summer with a distinct autumn breeze. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Phoenix is distinguished by diversely agreeable weather, marking the city's transition into vibrant autumn. The heat of summer is exchanged for the milder, cooler temperature spectrum. Compared to September, the city sees a significant drop in the average high temperature, sliding down to 85.1°F (29.5°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

As fall permeates Phoenix in November, the city takes pleasure in the mild and enjoyable weather it offers. A significant shift in temperature accompanies the departure of October. The temperature takes another drop, reaching a pleasant average high of 73.6°F (23.1°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Phoenix rounds off the year under the gentle glow of winter sun. As the city greets the last month of the year, a soothing chill fills the air. Average high temperatures drop even further to a bearable 63°F (17.2°C), confirming the onset of winter. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain in Phoenix?

In Phoenix, during the entire year, the rain falls for 44.6 days and collects up to 5.04" (128mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

January through August, October through December are months without snowfall.

How much does it snow?

In Phoenix, during the entire year, snow aggregates up to 0.04" (1mm).

What is the driest month?

The months with the least rainfall in Phoenix, Arizona, are May and June Rain falls for 1.3 days and accumulates 0.08" (2mm) of rain.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 8.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 16%, June is the least humid month.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 18min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Phoenix?

June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.

What is the hottest time of year?

In Phoenix, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 103.6°F (39.8°C) and a low of 84°F (28.9°C).

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 7.8 days and typically aggregates up to 0.75" (19mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

September is the only month when snow falls.

When does it snow the most?

September is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 0.1 days and accumulates 0.04" (1mm) of snow.

What are the coldest months?

In Phoenix, December is the month with the lowest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 63°F (17.2°C) and a low of 47.8°F (8.8°C).

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 43%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 10h and 0min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Phoenix does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). MST timezone is used throughout the entire year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 6.8h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

The month with the lowest UV index is December, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

Average temperature
Phoenix, AZ

Average temperature - Phoenix, AZ

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (103.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (63°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (84.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (47.5°F).

Average pressure
Phoenix, AZ

Average pressure - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.81"Hg).

Average wind speed
Phoenix, AZ

Average wind speed - Phoenix, AZ

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is December (4.3mph).

Average humidity
Phoenix, AZ

Average humidity - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (43%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (16%).

Average rainfall
Phoenix, AZ

Average rainfall - Phoenix, AZ

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (0.75").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are May and June (0.08").

Average rainfall days
Phoenix, AZ

Average rainfall days - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (7.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (0.8 days).

Average snowfall
Phoenix, AZ

Average snowfall - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the highest snowfall is September (0.04").
The months with the least snowfall are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November and December (0").

Average snowfall days
Phoenix, AZ

Average snowfall days - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is September (0.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November and December (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Phoenix, AZ

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Phoenix, AZ

Average sunshine days - Phoenix, AZ

The month with the most sunshine days is May (29.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (21.1 days).

Average visibility
Phoenix, AZ

Average visibility - Phoenix, AZ

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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