Phoenix, Arizona’s capital and the fifth-largest city in the United States, spreads across a broad desert valley ringed by rugged mountains. Locals call it the Valley of the Sun, and it lives up to the name: more than 300 sunny days a year, mild, golden winters and famously fierce summers. Saguaro cacti stand on the hills inside the city limits, where desert parks such as Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the huge South Mountain Park offer hiking minutes from downtown. Add world-class museums of Native American art and musical instruments, a lively food scene, spring training baseball, golf and resort spas in neighboring Scottsdale, and easy road trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Come between October and April for the best weather; if you visit in summer, plan every outdoor moment around the heat.
Right now in Phoenix
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Phoenix at a glance
- Best months: November to April, with warm, sunny days; February and March are peak season for spring training and golf. June to September averages over 100 °F (38 °C) by day.
- Time needed: two or three days for the museums, a hike and Old Town Scottsdale; add days for Sedona, the Grand Canyon or a resort stay.
- Getting there: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is just 3 miles (5 km) east of downtown, linked to the light rail by the free PHX Sky Train.
- Costs (as of October 2026): a light-rail ride is $2 and a day pass $4; hotel bills add 13.07% in taxes; restaurant and shop prices add 9.1% sales tax.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, driving and general safety are on our United States travel guide.
Phoenix areas and who each one suits
Downtown and Roosevelt Row
The business center has the convention center, the arenas of the Suns and the Diamondbacks, hotels and the light rail. Just north, Roosevelt Row is the arts district, with murals, galleries, coffee shops and the monthly First Friday art walk.
Midtown and Uptown
Along Central Avenue and the light rail, with the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, leafy historic neighborhoods and good local restaurants. A practical base without a car.
Arcadia and Camelback
Upscale neighborhoods at the foot of Camelback Mountain, with resorts, shopping at Biltmore Fashion Park and some of the city’s best brunch spots. Close to hiking and to Scottsdale.
Scottsdale and Tempe
Separate cities in the same metro area. Scottsdale, to the northeast, has Old Town’s galleries and nightlife, golf and luxury resorts; Tempe, to the east, is home to Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake and lively student bars, on the light-rail line.
Top things to see in Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden
In Papago Park, between red sandstone buttes, this garden shows off thousands of cacti, succulents and desert plants from around the world along easy trails. Spring brings wildflowers and cactus blooms; in winter it hosts the candle-lit Las Noches de las Luminarias. In hot months go at opening time, or for an evening event. Nearby, the short trail to Hole-in-the-Rock is a favorite sunset spot.
Heard Museum
One of the finest museums of American Indian art anywhere, with pottery, jewelry, baskets and contemporary art, Hopi katsina figures and a moving exhibit on the boarding-school era. Its spring Guild Indian Fair & Market draws hundreds of Native artists.
Musical Instrument Museum
In north Phoenix, the MIM displays thousands of instruments from nearly every country, with headphones that play the music as you walk past each display. It is easy to spend half a day here; it is also a perfect escape on a hot afternoon.
Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak
Camelback’s two summit trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are short but very steep, rocky and crowded, with sweeping views over the valley; Piestewa Peak’s Summit Trail is a similar stair-like climb. Parking is limited, so arrive at dawn. The City of Phoenix closes these trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning, along with several trails at South Mountain, and dogs are not allowed on city trails when it is over 100 °F (38 °C). Echo Canyon Trail was also closed from 2 to 18 September 2026 for new installations.
South Mountain Park
One of the largest city parks in the country, with more than 50 miles (80 km) of trails, ancient petroglyphs and the Dobbins Lookout, reachable by car, for views across the whole valley and the city lights at dusk.
Taliesin West and Old Town Scottsdale
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio in the Scottsdale desert is a UNESCO World Heritage site, seen on guided tours; reservations are strongly recommended, and it closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Then wander Old Town Scottsdale’s Western-themed streets, galleries and restaurants.
Museums
- Heard Museum
- Musical Instrument Museum
Nature reserves
- South Mountain Park
Peaks and mountains
- Piestewa Peak
Parks and gardens
- Desert Botanical Garden
Other things to do in Phoenix
- Spring training: the Cactus League brings 15 Major League Baseball teams to 10 ballparks around the valley. In 2027 games start on Friday, 19 February, and run into late March; tickets are cheaper and seats closer than in the regular season.
- Golf and spas: the Phoenix area has around 200 golf courses and many resort spas; winter tee times are the most expensive.
- Pro sports: the Suns (NBA) and Mercury (WNBA) downtown, the Diamondbacks (MLB) at Chase Field, which has a retractable roof, and the Cardinals (NFL) in Glendale.
- Food: Sonoran Mexican food, from carne asada to chimichangas (a local claim to fame), plus modern Southwestern cooking and date shakes.
- Phoenix Art Museum and the Arizona Capitol Museum: good cool-off stops downtown and in Midtown. See our city sightseeing guide.
Day trips from Phoenix
- Sedona: red-rock buttes, hiking and Oak Creek Canyon, about 116 miles (187 km) and 2 hours north.
- The Grand Canyon: the South Rim is 231 miles (372 km) and about 4 hours away; doable as a very long day, better overnight. See our Grand Canyon guide.
- Superstition Mountains: Lost Dutchman State Park’s desert trails and legends, about an hour east, with the scenic Apache Trail beyond.
- Montezuma Castle: 12th-century cliff dwellings beside Interstate 17 on the way to Sedona.
- Tucson and Saguaro National Park: forests of giant saguaros and a historic Mexican-American city, about 2 hours south.
Nearby destinations
- Scottsdale15 km
- Sedona159 km
- Grand Canyon National Park290 km
Getting there and getting around
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Sky Harbor is one of the most convenient big-city airports in the US, about 3 miles (5 km) from downtown. The free PHX Sky Train links the terminals with the rental car center shuttle stop and the 44th Street/Washington light-rail station, from where trains reach downtown in about 15 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps take about 10–15 minutes to downtown. Most visitors rent a car: the metro area is spread out, and most hikes and day trips need one.
Light rail and buses (Valley Metro)
Valley Metro’s light rail runs through downtown Phoenix, along Central Avenue to the north and east to Tempe and Mesa, and a newer line runs to south Phoenix. A ride costs $2 and a day pass $4; with Valley Metro’s smart-card and app system, fares are capped at $4 a day and $20 a week. Buses cover the rest of the valley but can be slow. Scottsdale runs a free trolley around Old Town.
Driving
Freeways connect the whole metro area, but rush hours are slow. Never leave children, pets or phones in a parked car in summer: interiors can become deadly within minutes. Driving tips are in our United States travel guide.
When to go and how long to stay
Phoenix is in the Sonoran Desert, and its climate has two faces. From November to March, days are sunny and pleasant, nights cool, and this is high season. From May to September, the heat is extreme: average highs are above 100 °F (38 °C) for four months, July averages 106.5 °F (41 °C), nights stay above 80 °F (27 °C), and recent summers have broken records. The summer monsoon, officially from mid-June to the end of September, brings humidity, dust storms and sudden thunderstorms.
| Season | Average high | Average low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 66–71 °F (19–22 °C) | 45–49 °F (7–9 °C) | Sunny and mild; high season for golf and resorts. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 78–95 °F (26–35 °C) | 55–70 °F (12–21 °C) | Wildflowers and spring training; heat builds from May. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 104–107 °F (40–41 °C) | 79–85 °F (26–29 °C) | Extreme heat; monsoon storms from July; resort deals. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 100–77 °F (38–25 °C) | 78–54 °F (26–12 °C) | Still hot in September; lovely by November. |
Figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, at 1,107 ft (337 m). It gets only about 7.2 inches (183 mm) of rain a year, mostly in winter and in July and August storms.
Weather month by month
Staying safe in the heat
Heat is the biggest risk for visitors. Maricopa County records hundreds of heat-related deaths each year, and hikers are rescued from city trails all summer. From May to September, hike only at first light and be off the trail by mid-morning; carry more water than you think you need (at least a quart or liter per hour), plus salty snacks; wear a hat and light clothing; and turn back the moment you feel dizzy, nauseous or stop sweating. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Extreme Heat Warnings, when popular city trails close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pavement, car seats and playground slides can burn skin. Spend midday in museums, malls or the pool, and call 911 for anyone showing signs of heat stroke.
Monsoon: dust storms and flash floods
In the monsoon, walls of dust called haboobs can sweep across the valley and drop visibility to near zero within seconds. If you are driving, follow Arizona’s advice: pull off the road as far as you can, turn off all lights, set the parking brake and keep your foot off the brake pedal so others don’t follow your taillights. Storms can also flood streets, washes and underpasses in minutes: never drive or walk into moving water. Arizona’s “stupid motorist law” lets the state charge drivers for their rescue if they drive around barricades into a flooded wash.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 5 days
Two days: a sunrise hike on Camelback or Piestewa Peak, the Heard Museum and Roosevelt Row; then the Desert Botanical Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock and Old Town Scottsdale. Three days: add the Musical Instrument Museum and Taliesin West, or a spring-training game. Five days: add an overnight trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
Where to stay in Phoenix: hotel tax
Downtown and Midtown hotels suit city sightseeing and the light rail; resorts around Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley offer pools, golf and spas; Tempe is good for younger travelers. Prices peak from January to March, especially around spring training and big golf and sports events, and fall sharply in summer. Room rates are quoted before tax: in the City of Phoenix, short stays carry a combined 13.07% tax (Arizona 5.5%, Maricopa County 1.77% and the city’s 2.8% plus a 3.0% lodging tax, as of 1 January 2026). Resorts often add a daily resort fee, which must be included in the advertised price. Rental cars carry 11.1% tax plus airport fees.
Practical tips for Phoenix
- Time zone: Arizona does not use daylight saving time. Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time all year: the same time as Las Vegas and Los Angeles in summer, one hour ahead in winter. The Navajo Nation, in northeastern Arizona, does change its clocks.
- Sales tax: 9.1% in Phoenix on shopping and restaurant bills. Tip 18–22% in sit-down restaurants (see our United States travel guide).
- Wildlife: watch for rattlesnakes on trails in warm months, and don’t touch cacti; cholla segments stick to skin and clothing.
- Water: carry a refillable bottle everywhere, even in the city in summer.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Phoenix
Pack light, loose, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a large insulated water bottle and electrolyte tablets. For hiking, bring sturdy shoes with good grip and a small pack with room for plenty of water. Winter evenings in the desert are chilly, so add a fleece or light jacket from November to March, and swimwear for hotel pools year-round.
Phoenix travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Phoenix?
November to April, when days are sunny and warm rather than hot. February and March are busiest, with spring training and golf; summer is very hot but cheap.
How hot does Phoenix get in summer?
Average highs are about 104–107 °F (40–41 °C) from June to August, and days above 110 °F (43 °C) are common. Nights often stay above 85 °F (29 °C).
Is Camelback Mountain closed in the heat?
Yes, on days with a National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as do Piestewa Peak’s Summit Trail and several South Mountain trails.
How do I get from Phoenix airport to downtown?
Take the free PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street/Washington station, then the light rail ($2) to downtown, about 15 minutes. A taxi or ride-hail takes 10–15 minutes.
What is the hotel tax in Phoenix?
13.07% for stays of 29 nights or fewer in the City of Phoenix, as of 1 January 2026. Other cities in the valley, such as Scottsdale and Tempe, set their own rates.
When is spring training in Phoenix in 2027?
Cactus League games begin on Friday, 19 February 2027 and run into late March, with 15 teams playing at 10 ballparks around the valley.
Does Phoenix change its clocks?
No. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, so Phoenix matches Las Vegas and California in summer and is an hour ahead of them in winter.
How far is Phoenix from the Grand Canyon and Sedona?
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is 231 miles (372 km), about 4 hours; Sedona is about 116 miles (187 km), about 2 hours.
What should I do if I’m caught in a dust storm while driving?
Pull as far off the road as you can, turn off all your lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake, then wait until the storm passes.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Trail heat closures, dog rules and the Echo Canyon closure: City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation; hotel, restaurant, retail and car-rental tax rates: the City of Phoenix’s combined tax rate chart; Taliesin West: the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation; the 2027 Cactus League opening day: the Cactus League; the Grand Canyon distance: the National Park Service; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Light-rail fares, airport details, dust-storm advice, drive times and attraction details are general references and flagged for checking. Prices and rules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
Also: NOAA NCEI normals 1991–2020, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)