If you enjoy sunshine, you’ll love Scottsdale. Heralded as one of the sunniest cities in the world, receiving over 3,800 hours or 330 days of brilliant radiance a year, Scottsdale is the vacation destination for outdoor activities.

To assist with your travel planning, here is a look at Scottsdale’s climate.

Winter (Dec. 1 – Feb. 15)
Average High/Low: 68°F (20°C) / 43°F (6°C)
Normal Rainfall: 2 in
Sunny, mild days and clear brisk nights are the hallmarks of winter in Scottsdale. High-profile events are found almost every week during the winter months. Your vacation may coincide with events including the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship, Waste Management Open, Fiesta Bowl, Barrett Jackson Auction, P.F. Changs Rock n' Roll Marathon, or Arabian Horse Show.


Spring (Feb. 16 – April 30)
Average High/Low: 77°F (25°C) / 50°F (10°C)
Normal Rainfall: 1.5 in
Spring’s warm, sunny days are perfect for outdoor activities - from desert adventures to alfresco dining. The highlight of the season is MLB's Cactus League Spring Training during the month of March, a must-see activity for everyone. For those who don't consider themselves to be big sports fans, the invigorating atmosphere is unmatched. Spring also brings the Scottsdale Culinary festival in April, the start of the Arizona Diamondbacks season, and NCAA March Madness.

Dry Summer (May 1 – June 30)
Average High/Low: 99°F (37°C)/ 68°F (20°C)
Normal Rainfall: Less than .25 in
The first of the desert’s two distinct summer seasons brings an abundance of daytime sunshine, balmy evenings, very low humidity, and little to no precipitation. Events tend to scale down during the summer months while the dry summer is prime pool season in Arizona when local restaurants, spas and resorts offer their best deals of the year.

Wet Summer (July 1 – Sept. 15)
Average High/Low: 103°F (39°C) / 78°F (26°C)
Normal Rainfall: 2.25 in
The desert’s wet summer contrasts high daytime temperatures and mild to moderate humidity with a chance of cooling afternoon thunderstorms drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico by monsoon winds. Events tend to scale down during the summer months, but the dry summer is prime pool season in Arizona when local restaurants, spas and resorts offer their best deals of the year.

Fall (Sept. 16 – Nov. 30)
Average High/Low: 87°F (31°C)/ 61°F (16°C)
Normal Rainfall: 1.74 in
Fall brings an end to the monsoon-driven thunderstorms and boasts clear warm days followed by refreshingly cool evenings. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. The city comes alive with Arizona Restaurant Week, NFL football, NCAA football, and MLB's Arizona Fall League.