Visiting Arizona In The Summer (How To Survive The AZ Heat)

Thinking About Visiting Arizona In The Summer Time, But Wondering How Bad It Really Is, How To Survive The Summer Heat, Or If It’s Even Worth Visiting At This Time?

I spent more than 12 summers living in Arizona, plus a few visiting, so I can say that summer here is pretty brutal and sometimes it can be dangerous, but there are some positives to visiting during this time of year so you might prefer it, however there are some things you should know to help you survive the heat and have a safe trip.

☀️ When Does Summer Start In Arizona?

There really are only two season in this state, and it starts getting hot as early as March.

As a kid I didn’t pay much attention to the horribly hot Arizona summer heat, but as I got older I began to really hate it. I used to say that Arizona has about 8 months of summer and 4 months of slightly less summer (at least for the Scottsdale/Phoenix areas).

I was joking, but honestly for the mid to southern region of the state, there really are only two seasons, since summer basically starts when temperatures begin to rise as early as March or April, and stay very hot through the months of October and November.

🥵 What Is Summer Like In Arizona?

Summer in Arizona can be pretty brutal, but since there are some advantages to visiting during this time of year (like cheaper prices and fewer crowds), it can still be worth dealing with the tough summer weather.

Just How Hot Is Arizona In The Summer?

Average temperatures sit around 105+ degrees in the lower region, while more northern areas typically have a 10-ish degree difference.

The average summer temperatures in Arizona depend slightly on where exactly you are, but 110+ degrees is typical. In the Scottsdale/Phoenix areas multiple months are typically above 115 degrees (at the hottest times of day).

In the popular Sedona destination just north of Scottsdale, temperatures are a little better, but can still reach 100 degrees. For those visiting the Grand Canyon, the temperatures are similar to Sedona, but the elements can make things worse, especially when out hiking or doing similar activities.

And so you know, the heat index can be much higher than the actual temperature outside. For example, I played golf in high school and my very first tournament in August had a heat index of 119 degrees!

Is Arizona Humid In The Summer?

Arizona is very dry, especially in the summer when averages are around 20%.

The thing that makes the weather in Arizona so unbearable in my opinion, is the fact that it’s so dry. Arizona doesn’t typically get very humid (usually doesn’t ever go higher than 60%), especially in the summer where the average humidity is around 20%.

The lack of humidity also makes your skin so incredibly dry and causes lots of nose irritations, like bloody noses.

Can You Even Go Outside In Arizona In The Summer?

You can definitely go outside in the summer, but you must be prepared and be cautious.

With the right information (more on this in the next section), you can definitely still go outside in the summer in Arizona, but I highly recommend not taking the possibly dangerous conditions lightly.

Especially if you plan to do lots of outdoor activities (like going on a hike), during your visit to Arizona in the summer, you really have to come prepared and know when your body needs a break.

⚠️ How To Survive An Arizona Summer

It's important to be prepared and cautious to avoid any issues from these tough conditions.

Growing up here, I got lots of practice making it through Arizona summers (and I didn’t just stay inside, I went outdoors all the time), so these are some tips I think are necessary to help you survive a summer trip into the oven:

start all outdoor activities very early in the day (I start hiking before sunrise during the summer), sometimes very late in the day can be okay too

when spending time outside or even inside, drink lots and lots of water (like way more than you think) especially with strenuous activities like hiking

wear light colored clothing and hats in Arizona in the summer; if you’re going hiking, wear closed toed shoes (for the terrain, cactus, and wildlife)

plan enough indoor activities to give yourself a break from the heat (more on this in the next section)

Especially when doing outdoor activities like hiking, you have to be prepared for the summer in Arizona.

heat stroke and dehydration are serious problems in Arizona during the summer (people really do die), so if you start feeling bad, make sure to stop what you’re doing, get out of the sun, drink water, and try putting a cold rag or towel on your forehead/neck to cool you down

watch out for Arizona wildlife like rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, coyotes, and javelinas, which are all much more active in the summer

bring and apply plenty of sunscreen while you’re in Arizona, but be sure to use a healthy brand so you aren’t lathering yourself with toxic chemicals

bring plenty of lotion and tissues to Arizona (my skin always dries out and cracks from the extremely dry weather, plus I get lots of nose bleeds)

🏜️ Best Things To Do In Arizona In The Summer

While all the fun outdoor activities can still be enjoyed during the summer months in Arizona, it’s best to make sure you also have some good indoor activities planned for your visit.

Summer time is also a great time for water activities like visiting Lake Pleasant, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, or going tubing down the Salt River. And I think sunsets are often best in summer.

Also check out some indoor activities like malls (Last Chance is a good store for huge discounts), museums (some listed below), aquariums, or ice dens (one of my favorite places as a kid) to get out of the hot sun in the summer.

Some Popular Museums in Scottsdale, Arizona:

🔁 Sum Up: Arizona In The Summer

Arizona can be pretty brutal in the summer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place to visit, especially since there are some advantages like cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and unique experiences, but be sure to take the weather precautions seriously and come prepared for the summer heat.