A desert oasis where stunning sunsets paint the sky orange and pink every evening. World-class golf courses stretch beneath towering saguaro cacti, and every day brings clear blue skies and mountain views. 

Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona – the desert city that people call the “West’s Most Western Town.” Discover amazing places like the Desert Botanical Garden with thousands of desert plants. Old Town Scottsdale buzzes with art galleries, western shops, and great restaurants. And the hiking trails around Camelback Mountain offer incredible views of the whole valley.

The desert climate here stays sunny most of the year. But timing matters for your visit. Summer brings intense heat that can reach over 110°F. Winter offers perfect weather in the 70s. Spring and fall give you great temperatures without the crowds.

Suppose you want to learn more about when is the best time to visit Scottdale and book that trip, then read more. We’ll explore the best times to visit Scottsdale and discover what makes each season special.

About Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale sits in the Sonoran Desert in central Arizona, surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. The city is known worldwide for luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and some of the best spas in America.

The desert climate means summers are sweltering and dry, winters are cool, and it is mostly clear year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 44°F to 106°F. You’ll get more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Rainfall in Scottsdale is minimal during the summer months but increases during the winter months for an annual total of 8-9 inches. This means you can count on dry, sunny weather almost every day of your stay.

Scottsdale Travel Seasons at a Glance

Here’s when the crowds arrive and when you’ll have the desert to yourself.

Peak Times: October to April

The cooler months draw visitors from cold climates looking for warm desert sunshine. Hotel rates are highest, and popular restaurants book up weeks ahead.

Great Times: May and September

These shoulder months offer good weather with fewer tourists. You’ll find better hotel deals and shorter waits at attractions.

Quieter Times: June to August

Summer heat keeps many visitors away, which means the best hotel deals of the year. The pool weather is perfect, and many resorts offer special summer rates.

Why Visit Scottsdale?

This desert city offers way more than just golf and spas. You can explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Taliesin West architecture school. The Scottsdale ArtWalk happens every Thursday night with galleries staying open late. Hiking trails like Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak give you amazing desert views.

The food scene rocks here. From high-end steakhouses to authentic Mexican restaurants, every meal becomes an experience. Each neighborhood has its own personality. Old Town feels like the Wild West with cowboy bars and western shops. North Scottsdale is all about luxury resorts and fancy shopping.

Scottsdale loves the outdoors. You can hike desert trails, play golf on courses designed by famous architects, or just relax by resort pools with mountain views. The city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, so you’re always looking at incredible scenery.

The desert climate lets you enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round. Even summer has its perks – early morning hikes and late-night pool parties are amazing when it’s 85°F outside.

Your Month-by-Month Guide to Scottsdale

  • Scottsdale in January: Perfect weather, busy tourist season, ideal for everything
  • Scottsdale in February: Still great weather, spring training starts, lots of visitors
  • Scottsdale in March: Getting warmer, wildflowers bloom, events begin
  • Scottsdale in April: Really nice temperatures, busy season continues, great hiking
  • Scottsdale in May: Summer heat starts, fewer crowds, pool season begins
  • Scottsdale in June: Hot days, amazing pool weather, great hotel deals
  • Scottsdale in July: Hottest month, perfect for swimming, monsoon season starts
  • Scottsdale in August: Still very hot, afternoon thunderstorms, best resort deals
  • Scottsdale in September: Heat breaks, fewer people, comfortable evenings
  • Scottsdale in October: Beautiful weather returns, busy season starts, perfect for hiking
  • Scottsdale in November: Ideal temperatures, comfortable all day, popular time
  • Scottsdale in December: Cool and pleasant, holiday events, winter visitor season begins

When Is the Best Time to Visit Scottsdale?

The best time to visit Scottsdale is October through April, when temperatures stay in the comfortable 60s to 80s. These months offer perfect weather for golf, hiking, dining outside, and exploring the desert without melting. You’ll get clear skies, warm days, and cool evenings that are perfect for everything Scottsdale offers.

These months give you the classic desert experience – sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and amazing sunsets every night.

Visiting in Spring (March to May)

Spring in Scottsdale brings perfect desert weather. Days warm up to the 80s and 90s while nights stay cool in the 50s and 60s. The desert blooms with wildflowers and cacti, creating colorful displays across the landscape.

This is hiking season at its best. The mountains look green from winter rains, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The pool weather starts getting good, but it’s not too hot to walk around during the day.

Scottsdale Weather in Spring

  • March: 45°F (low) / 75°F (high) | Rain: 1.0 inches
  • April: 52°F (low) / 84°F (high) | Rain: 0.6 inches
  • May: 61°F (low) / 93°F (high) | Rain: 0.4 inches

Things to Do in Scottsdale During Spring

Spring weather makes every outdoor activity enjoyable. Desert hiking trails like Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak offer incredible views without extreme heat. Golf courses are in perfect condition, and morning tee times feel amazing.

Downtown Scottsdale and Old Town are perfect for walking around. Outdoor dining becomes really enjoyable, and resort pools start warming up for the season.

Scottsdale Events in Spring

  • MLB Spring Training (March-April) – Watch your favorite teams practice
  • Scottsdale Arts Festival (March) – Huge outdoor art show
  • Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April) – Amazing food from top restaurants
  • Phoenix Open (February-March) – Major PGA Tour golf tournament
  • McDowell Mountain Music Festival (March) – Great bands in a desert setting

Local Eats in Scottsdale During Spring

Spring weather is perfect for trying Scottsdale’s famous restaurant patios. The temperatures make it comfortable to walk between different neighborhoods and try various restaurants. Everything from rooftop bars to outdoor cafes feels amazing in spring weather.

Scottsdale Travel Tips During Spring

Spring is a busy season, so book hotels and restaurants early. Pack layers since mornings can be cool and afternoons warm. This is the most popular time to visit, so expect crowds at major attractions.

Visiting in Summer (June to August)

Summer gets seriously hot with temperatures regularly hitting 105°F to 110°F during the day. But if you love pool weather and can handle the heat, summer offers the best hotel deals of the year.

The average summer temperature is around 96° F with low humidity levels, making it dry heat that many people find more comfortable than humid heat. Plus, most places have excellent air conditioning.

Scottsdale Weather in Summer

  • June: 70°F (low) / 104°F (high) | Rain: 0.2 inches
  • July: 78°F (low) / 106°F (high) | Rain: 0.9 inches
  • August: 77°F (low) / 104°F (high) | Rain: 1.0 inches

Things to Do in Scottsdale During Summer

Summer is all about pools, early morning activities, and indoor attractions. Resort pools are perfect, and many have swim-up bars and cabanas. Early morning hiking (before 8 AM) is actually amazing – you’ll have trails to yourself and watch the sunrise over the desert.

Indoor activities like art museums, shopping at air-conditioned malls, and spa treatments become more appealing. Many restaurants have covered patios with misters to keep you cool.

Scottsdale Events in Summer

  • Summer Concerts (June-August) – Evening shows when it cools down
  • Monsoon Season (July-August) – Dramatic thunderstorms and amazing sunsets
  • Resort Pool Parties (June-August) – Great nighttime pool events
  • Art Gallery Summer Hours (June-August) – Extended hours for browsing indoors

Local Eats in Scottsdale During Summer

Summer dining focuses on staying cool. Think frozen margaritas, cold soups, and restaurants with excellent air conditioning. Many places offer special summer menus with lighter, refreshing dishes perfect for hot weather.

Scottsdale Travel Tips During Summer

Book hotels with great pools and air conditioning. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces. Summer offers the best hotel deals, so you can afford nicer places.

Visiting in Fall (September to November)

Fall brings relief from summer heat and marks the return of perfect desert weather. September still feels hot, but October and November offer some of the best weather of the year. Days are warm and comfortable, nights are cool and perfect for outdoor dining.

The busy tourist season hasn’t started yet, so you’ll find good hotel deals and fewer crowds at attractions.

Scottsdale Weather in Fall

  • September: 70°F (low) / 98°F (high) | Rain: 0.9 inches
  • October: 58°F (low) / 88°F (high) | Rain: 0.6 inches
  • November: 47°F (low) / 76°F (high) | Rain: 0.6 inches

Things to Do in Scottsdale During Fall

Fall weather brings back all the outdoor activities that summer heat made uncomfortable. Hiking trails become enjoyable again, golf courses see perfect playing conditions, and outdoor dining returns as a pleasure rather than an endurance test.

Desert landscapes look beautiful in fall light, and the cooler evenings are perfect for exploring Old Town Scottsdale or taking sunset hikes.

Scottsdale Events in Fall

  • Scottsdale ArtWalk (Every Thursday) – Weekly gallery walk with perfect weather
  • Fall Festival Season – Various outdoor festivals and events
  • Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance (November) – Classic car show
  • Scottsdale International Film Festival (October) – Great movies and events

Local Eats in Scottsdale During Fall

Fall weather makes outdoor dining enjoyable again. Restaurant patios reopen for the season, and the comfortable temperatures make it fun to walk around and explore different neighborhoods and their food scenes.

Scottsdale Travel Tips During Fall

Fall offers great weather with moderate crowds in October and November. September can still be quite hot, so early fall requires summer precautions. Pack light layers since days are warm but evenings can be cool.

Visiting in Winter (December to February)

Winters are generally mild and sunny, with temperatures dropping only to around 40° F at night. Winter brings Scottsdale’s most perfect weather – sunny days in the 70s, cool nights in the 40s and 50s, and almost no rain.

This is peak tourist season when visitors from cold climates come to escape winter. Hotels are most expensive, but the weather is absolutely perfect for everything.

Scottsdale Weather in Winter

  • December: 40°F (low) / 66°F (high) | Rain: 0.8 inches
  • January: 44°F (low) / 69°F (high) | Rain: 0.7 inches
  • February: 48°F (low) / 73°F (high) | Rain: 0.9 inches

Things to Do in Scottsdale During Winter

Winter weather is perfect for every outdoor activity Scottsdale offers. Golf courses are in perfect condition, hiking trails have ideal temperatures all day long, and you can spend entire days outside without any weather concerns.

This is the perfect time for resort stays, spa treatments with outdoor elements, and exploring all of Scottsdale’s outdoor attractions.

Scottsdale Events in Winter

  • Phoenix Open (Late January/Early February) – Biggest golf tournament of the year
  • Arizona Restaurant Week (January) – Try fancy restaurants for discounted prices
  • Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (February) – World-famous horse competition
  • Spring Training (March starts) – Baseball teams begin practice
  • Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction (January) – Famous classic car auction

Local Eats in Scottsdale During Winter

Winter weather makes every outdoor dining experience perfect. Restaurant patios are at their most comfortable, and the pleasant temperatures make it enjoyable to walk around and try restaurants in different parts of the city.

Scottsdale Travel Tips During Winter

Winter is the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Book everything well in advance. Pack layers since mornings can be cool, but afternoons are warm. This is the best time for first-time visitors who want perfect weather.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Scottsdale (By Interest)

Here’s when to visit based on what matters most to you:

For Fewer Crowds: June to August and Weekdays Year-Round

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Fewer People

The summer months have the fewest tourists due to the heat. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday, any time of year, means shorter lines at attractions and less crowded restaurants and hiking trails.

For Perfect Weather: October to April

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Ideal Temperatures

These months offer the classic perfect desert weather – sunny days in the 70s and 80s, cool evenings, and almost no rain. Perfect for every outdoor activity Scottsdale offers.

For Pool Activities: May to September

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Swimming and Pool Fun

The warmest months with perfect pool temperatures. Resort pools, water parks, and any water-related activities are at their best during these hot months.

For Golf: November to April

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Playing Golf

Perfect golfing weather with comfortable temperatures all day long. Golf courses are in peak condition, and you can play anytime without heat concerns.

For Hiking: October to April and Early Morning in Summer

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Desert Hiking

Cooler months offer perfect hiking conditions all day. Summer hiking is amazing if you start before sunrise and finish by 8 AM.

For Cheaper Prices: June to August and Late Spring

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale on a Budget

Summer heat means lower hotel rates and restaurant deals. Late May also offers good deals as the tourist season winds down, but the weather is still decent.

For Events and Festivals: March to April and October to November

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale for Special Events

Spring and fall bring the biggest events like the Phoenix Open, Spring Training, and various festivals that take advantage of perfect weather.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Discover amazing vacation homes that capture Scottsdale’s luxury desert vibe. These properties offer stunning desert views, resort-style amenities, and everything you need for the perfect Southwest getaway. Here are some incredible Scottsdale vacation homes you can book with AvantStay:

  • Sandflower – Your personal oasis with an outdoor space to relax in a desert setting.
  • Sundrenched – A bright and airy home designed to capture the beautiful Arizona sun.
  • Palo Santo – This home offers a serene retreat for the best Scottsdale experience.
  • Desert Splash – Perfect for groups who love pool and fun time, with complete amenities.
  • Diamondback – Our luxury desert home that’s surrounded by lush landscapes.

Create Your Scottsdale Itinerary

Ready to plan your desert adventure? Let our team help you set up everything for your Scottsdale escape! We can arrange golf tee times, spa appointments, hiking guide services, and unique local experiences that show you the real Scottsdale.

Just contact us or download the AvantStay App to book extra activities, get recommendations from locals, and manage your entire trip through one simple app.

Want more ideas for desert fun? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Scottsdale. 

Plan Your Scottsdale Adventure

No matter when you visit, Scottsdale’s stunning desert landscapes, world-class resorts, incredible golf courses, and laid-back luxury vibe will create unforgettable memories. The city offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Every visit brings new discoveries and authentic Southwest experiences.

Your perfect Scottsdale vacation home is waiting for you. Book with AvantStay today and discover how amazing desert getaways can be when you experience Scottsdale’s legendary sunshine, culture, and Sonoran Desert beauty.

FAQs

Is Scottsdale expensive to visit?

Scottsdale can be pricey during peak season from October through April when hotels charge premium rates because of perfect weather and high demand from visitors escaping cold climates. However, you can save significant money during summer months when you’ll find great hotel deals, restaurant specials, and fewer crowds, while still enjoying amazing pool weather and desert experiences.

How crowded does Scottsdale get?

Peak season brings lots of visitors, especially during major events like the Phoenix Open and Spring Training, when hotels, golf courses, and popular restaurants get packed. For a more relaxed experience, visit during the summer months or explore during weekdays when there are fewer tourists and shorter waits at attractions.

When to avoid Scottsdale?

Summer months from June to August bring intense heat that can reach 110°F, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable for some visitors. However, this is actually perfect weather for pool activities and spa treatments. Peak winter months from December to March see the highest prices and biggest crowds because of perfect weather. Still, Scottsdale’s year-round sunshine and diverse activities make it a great destination any time if you plan for the season and know what to expect.

Published by Cameron Herget

As AvantStay's Brand Manager, Cameron crafts engaging content for emails, socials, and the Atlas blog, showcasing her versatility as a skilled writer and digital marketer. With her creative flair and strategic approach, she seamlessly blends captivating visuals and compelling narratives to bring AvantStay's brand to life in the digital realm.

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