Scottsdale Weather by Month: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Scottsdale, Arizona, has a hot desert climate with very warm summers, mild winters, and relatively little rainfall throughout the year. Summer is the hottest period, with July reaching an average high of about 108°F, while December and January are the coolest months.
Scottsdale Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Scottsdale.
January – Mild Winter Days and Cool Nights
Average high: 68°F (20°C)
Average low: 45°F (7°C)
Rainfall: 0.85 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 10 hours
January is one of the coolest months in Scottsdale, with average daytime temperatures around 68°F and nighttime temperatures falling to about 45°F. The weather is generally comfortable for outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon.
Rainfall is low at approximately 0.85 inches, with around 2 rainy days during the month. January also has about 10 hours of daylight, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the desert.
Best for:
- Desert hiking
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Golf
- Comfortable winter travel
February – Pleasant Temperatures and Light Rainfall
Average high: 72°F (22°C)
Average low: 48°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 0.81 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 11 hours
February brings slightly warmer weather to Scottsdale. Average highs reach 72°F, while nighttime temperatures remain cool at around 48°F.
Rainfall remains limited at about 0.81 inches, with approximately 2 rainy days. With 11 hours of daylight, February offers plenty of time to enjoy Scottsdale’s outdoor attractions.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Walking tours
- Outdoor dining
March – Warm Spring Weather and Low Rainfall
Average high: 77°F (25°C)
Average low: 54°F (12°C)
Rainfall: 0.88 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 12 hours
March marks the beginning of warmer spring weather in Scottsdale. Average daytime temperatures reach 77°F, while nights remain comfortable at around 54°F.
Rainfall is still minimal at approximately 0.88 inches. With 12 hours of daylight, March is an excellent month for spending long days outdoors without the extreme summer heat.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Desert photography
- Golf
- Spring sightseeing
April – Warm and Dry Desert Weather
Average high: 86°F (30°C)
Average low: 59°F (15°C)
Rainfall: 0.24 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 13 hours
April is noticeably warmer and drier, with average highs reaching 86°F and lows around 59°F. Rainfall drops to only about 0.24 inches, making April one of the driest months in the supplied data.
The longer 13-hour days provide excellent conditions for outdoor activities, although afternoon temperatures can begin to feel hot.
Best for:
- Early-morning hiking
- Golf
- Desert excursions
- Outdoor attractions
May – Hot and Very Dry Weather
Average high: 95°F (35°C)
Average low: 68°F (20°C)
Rainfall: 0.14 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 14 hours
May marks the beginning of Scottsdale’s hot season. Average highs climb to around 95°F, while nighttime temperatures remain relatively warm at about 68°F.
Rainfall is extremely low at just 0.14 inches, and the supplied data records no rainy days. With approximately 14 hours of daylight, May offers long days for exploring, but outdoor activities are best scheduled in the morning or evening.
Best for:
- Resort vacations
- Pool days
- Early-morning hikes
- Golf during cooler hours
June – Extremely Hot and Exceptionally Dry
Average high: 106°F (41°C)
Average low: 77°F (25°C)
Rainfall: 0.04 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 14.5 hours
June is one of the hottest and driest months in Scottsdale. Average daytime temperatures reach approximately 106°F, while nighttime temperatures remain around 77°F.
Rainfall is almost nonexistent at only 0.04 inches, with no rainy days in the supplied data. June also has the longest daylight of the year at about 14.5 hours.
Because of the extreme heat, visitors should plan outdoor activities for the early morning and evening and spend the hottest part of the day indoors or at a pool.
Best for:
- Resort stays
- Swimming pools
- Spa visits
- Early-morning activities
July – Hottest Month of the Year
Average high: 108°F (42°C)
Average low: 84°F (29°C)
Rainfall: 0.93 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 14 hours
July is the hottest month in Scottsdale, with an average high of about 108°F and an average low of 84°F. Even nighttime temperatures remain very warm.
Rainfall increases slightly to approximately 0.93 inches, with about 2 rainy days. This increase is associated with the summer monsoon season, which can bring brief but intense thunderstorms.
The heat can be extreme, so visitors should take precautions when spending time outdoors.
Best for:
- Resort vacations
- Swimming
- Indoor attractions
- Evening activities
August – Very Hot Weather and Summer Rain
Average high: 106°F (41°C)
Average low: 82°F (28°C)
Rainfall: 0.92 inches
Rainy days: 3
Daylight: 13.5 hours
August remains extremely hot, with average highs around 106°F and lows near 82°F. It is also one of the wetter months in the supplied data, receiving approximately 0.92 inches of rainfall over 3 rainy days.
Summer thunderstorms can provide temporary relief from the heat, although they may also produce sudden heavy rain.
Best for:
- Resort stays
- Pool activities
- Indoor attractions
- Monsoon photography
September – Hot Days and Gradually Cooling Temperatures
Average high: 100°F (38°C)
Average low: 77°F (25°C)
Rainfall: 0.65 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 12.5 hours
September brings the beginning of a gradual cooling trend, although Scottsdale remains very hot. Average highs are around 100°F, while nighttime temperatures fall to approximately 77°F.
Rainfall decreases to about 0.65 inches, with around 1 rainy day. Daylight also decreases to approximately 12.5 hours.
Best for:
- Pool vacations
- Evening activities
- Early-morning hiking
- Resort stays
October – Warm, Comfortable Fall Weather
Average high: 90°F (32°C)
Average low: 64°F (18°C)
Rainfall: 0.54 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 11.5 hours
October brings a significant drop in temperature compared with summer. Average highs reach about 90°F, while nighttime temperatures become much more comfortable at around 64°F.
Rainfall remains low at approximately 0.54 inches. With 11.5 hours of daylight, October is an excellent month for exploring Scottsdale and enjoying outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Desert sightseeing
- Outdoor dining
November – Warm Days and Cool Evenings
Average high: 77°F (25°C)
Average low: 52°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 0.59 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 10.5 hours
November offers some of the most comfortable weather of the year in Scottsdale. Average daytime temperatures are around 77°F, while nights cool to approximately 52°F.
Rainfall remains low at about 0.59 inches, with only 1 rainy day. The moderate temperatures and 10.5 hours of daylight make November ideal for spending time outdoors.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Desert tours
December – Cool Winter Weather and Light Rainfall
Average high: 68°F (20°C)
Average low: 45°F (7°C)
Rainfall: 0.84 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 10 hours
December brings mild winter conditions to Scottsdale, with average highs around 68°F and lows near 45°F. Compared with much of the United States, these temperatures are relatively comfortable for outdoor activities.
Rainfall averages approximately 0.84 inches over 2 rainy days. With around 10 hours of daylight, December is a pleasant month for exploring Scottsdale without the intense summer heat.
Best for:
- Winter getaways
- Hiking
- Golf
- Outdoor sightseeing
Scottsdale Weather by Month: Quick Overview
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F (20°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 0.85 in | 2 | 10 hrs |
| February | 72°F (22°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 0.81 in | 2 | 11 hrs |
| March | 77°F (25°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 0.88 in | 2 | 12 hrs |
| April | 86°F (30°C) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.24 in | 1 | 13 hrs |
| May | 95°F (35°C) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.14 in | 0 | 14 hrs |
| June | 106°F (41°C) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.04 in | 0 | 14.5 hrs |
| July | 108°F (42°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 0.93 in | 2 | 14 hrs |
| August | 106°F (41°C) | 82°F (28°C) | 0.92 in | 3 | 13.5 hrs |
| September | 100°F (38°C) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.65 in | 1 | 12.5 hrs |
| October | 90°F (32°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.54 in | 1 | 11.5 hrs |
| November | 77°F (25°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 0.59 in | 1 | 10.5 hrs |
| December | 68°F (20°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 0.84 in | 2 | 10 hrs |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Scottsdale?
The best time to visit Scottsdale is generally during the cooler months from October through April. Temperatures are much more comfortable for hiking, golfing, sightseeing, and exploring the Sonoran Desert.
November through March offers particularly pleasant conditions, with daytime temperatures generally ranging from 68°F to 77°F. Spring is also a good option, although temperatures begin rising quickly in April and May.
The summer months of June through August are extremely hot, with average highs above 100°F. Travelers visiting during this period should plan outdoor activities around sunrise or sunset and stay hydrated.
Scottsdale does not receive measurable snowfall in the supplied weather data, so snow is not included in the monthly statistics above.
20 FAQs About Scottsdale Weather
1. What is the weather like in Scottsdale year-round?
Scottsdale has a hot desert climate with mild winters, warm springs, extremely hot summers, and warm autumns. Average highs range from about 68°F in January and December to around 108°F in July based on the supplied weather data.
2. What is the hottest month in Scottsdale?
July is the hottest month in Scottsdale, with an average high of about 108°F (42°C) and an average low of approximately 84°F (29°C).
3. What is the coldest month in Scottsdale?
January and December are the coolest months, with average highs of about 68°F (20°C) and average lows around 45°F (7°C).
4. Does it snow in Scottsdale?
No, snow is extremely rare in Scottsdale. The supplied monthly weather data does not record measurable snowfall, making Scottsdale a very different winter destination from many northern U.S. cities.
5. What is Scottsdale like in January?
January is mild and comfortable, with an average high of 68°F and an average low of 45°F. It is one of the best months for hiking, golfing, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities.
6. Is February a good time to visit Scottsdale?
Yes. February typically has pleasant temperatures, with an average high of 72°F and a low of 48°F. Rainfall is limited to about 0.81 inches, making it a good month for outdoor activities.
7. How hot is Scottsdale in March?
March is warm but generally comfortable, with an average high of 77°F (25°C) and an average low of 54°F (12°C). The month also has approximately 12 hours of daylight.
8. Is Scottsdale hot in April?
Yes. April marks the beginning of significantly warmer weather, with an average high of approximately 86°F (30°C). Rainfall is very low at about 0.24 inches.
9. How hot is Scottsdale in May?
May is hot, with an average high of around 95°F (35°C) and an average low of 68°F (20°C). Rainfall averages only about 0.14 inches, making it one of the driest months.
10. How hot does Scottsdale get in June?
June is extremely hot. The supplied data shows an average high of approximately 106°F (41°C) and an average low of 77°F (25°C). June is also exceptionally dry, with only about 0.04 inches of rainfall.
11. Is July too hot to visit Scottsdale?
July can be extremely hot for visitors who are not accustomed to desert temperatures. The average high is around 108°F, making it the hottest month. Outdoor activities are generally more comfortable during the early morning or evening.
12. Does it rain in Scottsdale in summer?
Scottsdale receives some of its highest monthly rainfall totals during July and August, according to the supplied data. July averages about 0.93 inches and August about 0.92 inches. Summer rainfall can occur during thunderstorms associated with the Southwest monsoon.
13. What is Scottsdale weather like in August?
August remains very hot, with an average high of 106°F (41°C) and an average low of 82°F (28°C). It is also the wettest month in the supplied data, with approximately 0.92 inches of rainfall and 3 rainy days.
14. Is September a good month to visit Scottsdale?
September can be a good choice if you want slightly cooler weather than the peak of summer. However, it remains hot, with an average high of about 100°F (38°C). Temperatures become more comfortable toward the end of the month.
15. What is Scottsdale weather like in October?
October brings much more comfortable fall weather. The average high is approximately 90°F (32°C) and the average low is 64°F (18°C). It is a popular month for hiking, golf, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.
16. Is November a good time to visit Scottsdale?
Yes. November is one of the most comfortable months, with an average high of 77°F (25°C) and an average low of 52°F (11°C). Rainfall is also relatively low at approximately 0.59 inches.
17. What is Scottsdale weather like in December?
December has mild winter weather, with an average high of 68°F (20°C) and an average low of 45°F (7°C). It is considerably warmer than winter in much of the United States and is a good month for outdoor activities.
18. What is the best month to visit Scottsdale for outdoor activities?
March, April, October, and November are among the best months for outdoor activities because temperatures are much more comfortable than during the summer. November is particularly pleasant, with an average high of about 77°F.
19. What is the best time to visit Scottsdale to avoid extreme heat?
The best period to avoid extreme heat is generally October through April. During these months, average highs range from about 68°F to 90°F, compared with more than 100°F during much of June through September.
20. What is the best month to visit Scottsdale for warm weather?
If you enjoy very hot weather, July is the warmest month, with an average high of approximately 108°F (42°C). For warm but more manageable temperatures, March, April, October, or November are better choices.
Scottsdale’s long-term climate normals show a hot desert climate, with a 1991–2020 average annual temperature of 73.3°F and average annual rainfall of 8.73 inches.
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