Arizona in Spring

In spring, from March to May, Arizona shows a different face. Temperatures rise, offering a warm and inviting climate. In the southern regions like Phoenix and Tucson, temperatures can reach up to the high 80s°F (around 30°C).

However, in the northern areas like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, you’ll find cooler temperatures, generally in the 60s°F (about 15°C to 20°C).

Places

Arizona has many beautiful places that are perfect for a spring visit:

• The Grand Canyon: In spring, the Grand Canyon is truly spectacular. The warmer temperatures make outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing more comfortable.
• Sedona: Famous for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona in spring is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual rejuvenation.
• Phoenix: The state capital is lively in spring. Enjoy its cultural sites, bustling shopping districts, and outdoor adventures in the pleasant weather.
• Tucson: Spring in Tucson is a treat, with its historical Spanish colonial architecture and museums more enjoyable in the milder temperatures.

So, if you’re planning a spring getaway, Arizona offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and ideal weather.

Blooming Wildflowers

Spring in Arizona is a time of vibrant colors and blossoming flowers, transforming the landscape into a spectacular display. The most remarkable period for spring blooms is typically from late early March to mid-April, though this can vary depending on weather patterns.

One of the best places to witness this floral spectacle is the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, where the native desert wildflowers, including poppies, lupines, and penstemons, show off their bright hues.

In Southern Arizona, especially around Tucson, the flowering season brings an array of colors with cacti blooms, such as the iconic saguaro cactus flowers.

In the higher elevations, like near Flagstaff, the spring bloom occurs a bit later, around May, with mountain meadows and forests displaying a variety of wildflowers.

Contrary to the dry reputation of the state, Arizona’s springtime indeed bursts with colors, offering a striking contrast to its usual earthy tones. This seasonal transformation is a must-see for you.

Antelope Canyon | Special

Antelope Canyon, with its mesmerizing spiraled sandstone walls and ethereal beauty, is a must-visit destination at any time of the year. However, spring offers an amazing experience since the light beams return in March.

Important: You can’t visit Antelope Canyon on your own. You can only see its beauty on a guided tour:

Check out all Antelope Canyon Tours here

Light Beams

This time of year is particularly special as the iconic beams of light, known for their breathtaking appearance in photographs, begin to make their return. Starting in mid-March, these light beams grow increasingly prominent, reaching their peak visibility in April and May.

The best time to witness these beams is around midday when the sun is high enough to filter through the narrow openings and illuminate the canyon walls in a spectacular display of light and color.

Crowds

Spring Visitation: While spring does see an increase in visitors compared to the winter months, it’s still less crowded than the peak summer season. This makes spring an ideal time to explore the canyon with a bit more space and tranquility.

However, it’s worth noting that Upper Antelope Canyon has become increasingly popular! If your schedule allows it, we recommend visiting midweek.

Weather

Spring Climate: The weather in Antelope Canyon during spring is comfortable, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (approximately 18°C to 22°C). This mild weather is perfect for exploring the canyon without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter.

What to Wear

Spring Attire: Dressing in layers is still a good idea for spring visits.

• Upper Layers: A light jacket or sweater is often sufficient, with the option to add or remove as the day warms up.
• Footwear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended, as the sandy and rocky terrain can be uneven.
• Accessories: A hat and sunglasses are advisable for sun protection, especially around midday when the light beams are most prominent.

Visiting Antelope Canyon in the spring offers a pleasant balance of nice weather, manageable crowds, and the return of the stunning light beams!

Spring Tips by Region

You will find everything you need to know before visiting Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Tucson, and Arizona’s national parks during spring. We provide you with weather details and clothing and activity tips for this beautiful season.

Flagstaff | Grand Canyon (Mogollon Rim Country)

Crowds

Spring is not the most popular for this region. Instead, you’ll find July/August to be packed as well as wintertime here.

Spring offers more affordable hotel rates and lower crowds, especially around late spring. This is a great time to visit if you’re seeking more mild temperatures.

Visiting the Grand Canyon in March (South Rim) is an excellent idea, as it’s not crowded and the weather is usually pleasant.

Weather

Flagstaff averages between 50°F – 69°F during the spring. The Grand Canyon averages higher temperatures of 74°F – 93°F at this time.

Arizona offers dry heat so prepare for that before heading here. Expect to drink more water than normal. Additionally, we always applied lotion when visiting in the spring.

What To Wear

Depending on if you’ll be in Flagstaff or The Grand Canyon, you will want to wear slightly different clothing.

In Flagstaff, you’ll want to wear more layers at the beginning of spring when the snow is melting. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Wear pants, comfortable shoes, a lighter top (for daytime), and a combination of light/heavy layers. This includes thick and thin jackets.

In the Grand Canyon, it is still great to bring additional layers during these months. However, for a slightly different reason. You’ll want layers during the daytime to shield you from the sunlight.

We know it’s no fun getting a sunburn on vacation! The evenings are not quite as chilly as in Flagstaff, so light jackets, pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sneakers should be sufficient.

Things To Do/Great Time To

Spring is the best time to see blooming flowers in this region. As the snow melts away, the flowers begin blooming.

Grand Canyon: At the Grand Canyon, you will want to hike and explore the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a ride on a donkey down to the bottom of the canyon. As it’s not as hot during March, April, and May, this is ideal for this activity. Also, it’s less popular in the spring, which makes spring an even better time for hiking.

You can also start taking rafting tours in the Grand Canyon in March. Although, the water is still pretty cold at this time; so you may want to wait until May.

Flagstaff: In Flagstaff, there is still snow sometimes through April. You can hit the local resort and ski or snowboard during this time.

There are also events throughout spring like a battle of the bands and a film festival at NAU.

Phoenix | Tucson | Saguaro National Park (Central/Southern Deserts)

Crowds

Crowd levels are high for Phoenix, Tucson, and Saguaro National Park for springtime in Arizona. To escape the high heat temperatures of the summer, people enjoy visiting during the spring.

As Phoenix, Tucson, and Saguaro National Park are popular destinations in this state; people flock to these cities regularly. You won’t find an unbusy spot during these months.

Weather

Phoenix and Tucson have similar temperatures to the Grand Canyon during March, April, and May. Both Tucson and Saguaro National Park have high temperatures ranging from 75°F – 91°F. Phoenix’s temperatures range from 77°F – 94°F.

While these temperatures are pretty hot, they are still mild compared to 100°F+ that you will find in the summer days. This makes it ideal for participating in outdoor sports like hiking and fishing during these months.

What To Wear

With the hot sun and hot temperatures, you will want to protect yourself from sunburn. This calls for a sun hat. It is also a good idea to bring hiking boots or comfortable shoes.

Opt to bring breathable layers like cotton shirts/dresses or convertible items like hiking pants that zip into shorts. You may want to consider bringing electrolytes with you as it can be easy to get dehydrated. This is true even for those who are not hiking or exercising outside.

Things to Do / Great Time To

Spring in the central/southern deserts is the best time to see the desert flowers blooming. This is a beautiful site to see, especially after the wintertime. Springtime also brings more outdoor music to listen to. There are both events and local restaurants that offer this.

With more mild temperatures, it’s also the best time to hike and explore outdoors. You’ll find many people heading to the deserts in spring for this purpose.

The end of spring (May) is the best time to visit for cheaper hotel rates. With temperatures starting to increase, fewer people are visiting this area.

Phoenix: In Phoenix, springtime brings with it baseball games. Head to a training game to watch MLB players.

Head to the Desert Botanical Garden for exquisite nature walks featuring desert cactuses and wildflowers. Events are offered throughout the year. You can also check out the spring butterfly exhibit here. It occurs every year from February to May.

There are multiple spring festivals that can be attended in Phoenix, including the Arizona Taco Festival and the Festival of The Arts. Both offer very different activities, meaning there is something for everyone.

Tucson: Suppose you’re planning to visit Tucson during spring break. You can find offerings, including the Spring Artisan Market. Picture a farmer’s market filled with handmade goods like jewelry and paintings.

Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park is touted as one of the best spots to see spring flowers while hiking.

Not only that, but you can also view some running waterfalls along the trails in the spring. Try heading to the Douglas Springs Trails to view Ernie’s Falls.

Saguaro National Park regularly holds events throughout the spring, such as night Walks every Friday of March. You will be led on a guided tour through the park for two hours in the evening.

Other available activities include garden tours, bird watching, and even cooking instructions/classes for food items found in the desert.

Sedona | Petrified Forest National Park (North/Central Arizona)

Crowds

Sedona is considered to be the most popular tourist destination. Spring offers high amounts of crowds for Sedona and medium crowds for Petrified Forest National Park. You’ll be able to get decent hotel/accommodation rates during the spring when you book early enough.

Sedona is a busy place in March, April, and May. On weekends it’s even worse. During the week crowds are often tolerable.

Weather

Springtime in Sedona offers temperatures between 65°F – 82°F. In comparison, Petrified Forest National Park offers temperatures of 64°F – 79°F. These are additional amazing spots to hike or bike on trails and provide lower temperatures than the Grand Canyon.

Sedona is another desert area so expect dry heat when heading here. If you’re used to more humid environments, it may take time to adjust.

Petrified Forest National Park is located in the Northeastern part of Arizona, which tends to be much windier. Winds can hit up to 40 MPH in this area allowing dust to circulate in the air. Avoid this by heading here in the morning, as guests don’t usually hit until the ground warms up in the afternoon.

What To Wear

When temperatures are in the sixties in Sedona and Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll want to wear light pants (like cargo pants or thinner jeans), light tops, and light jackets during the early springtime. Evenings may require heavier jackets as temperatures can dip.

For Petrified Forest specifically, you’ll want to bring a windbreaker and sunglasses to help shield yourself from the dust in the air. This is only for those venturing to the park in the afternoon.

During the later part of spring (May), you will want to wear t-shirts, shorts, and maybe even a breezy dress. This can help you stay cool as the temperatures rise. However, be careful of the sun and make sure to apply sunscreen avidly.

Things To Do/Great Time To

Spring is the best time to see the yellow, purple, and orange flowers sprout up in Sedona. Of course, most spots offer flowers in springtime. However, these blooms are bright and sprout around the red rocks area.

This is also the best time for jeep tours. These tours allow you to see the city without as much physical activity.

Sedona: Sedona is known for its rough terrain. It has been featured in many western movies because of this. Now, this city is home to many different art galleries and offers a respite for artists.

There are plenty of Native American sites/ruins and rock carvings that can be visited in this area. You can also live out your western movie dreams by checking out the Bell Rock and Coffee Pot Rock.

Of course, there are ample areas for hiking as well. Red Rock State Park is in this city and features tall, red rock formations jutting out of the ground. This is an excellent spot to visit for nature lovers.

Spring is excellent for any outdoor activities as you can enjoy the sun and the sights without getting overheated. Check out local events like the Illuminate Film Festival and the annual chili cook-off.

Petrified Forest National Park: This park is very child-friendly. In spring, they offer many activities for children, such as the Junior Ranger and Junior Paleontologist programs.

Adults can participate in wildflower walks as well as geocaching and educational, cultural demonstrations. These demonstrations run through the month of May each year and offer arts, stories, and skills throughout the day. These events are free to the public.