Arizona in Summer

Be prepared for your Arizona trip in the summer months! Our guide was written by a local with tips and information on the top destinations for:

• Crowds
• Weather
• What to Wear | Outfits
• Things to Do

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💡 We cover every region of Arizona you might visit in the summer! Scroll down/swipe and find Flagstaff/Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Sedona, and more tips.

All of these links open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your Arizona trip in summer.

General Outfit and Weather Tips

As temperatures during summer in certain areas of the state can reach triple digits, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips:

• Rest frequently in shady spots so that the body’s temperature has a chance to recover.
• Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Apply half an hour prior to going outdoors, and reapply as needed during the day
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses to protect the eyes. Pack a wide-brimmed hat that provides shade and keep the head cool.

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• Take special precautions with toddlers and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
• Increase fluid intake, regardless of whether you spend a longer time outdoors. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
• Avoid “heat hangover.” Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous hikes. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration and help prevent the after-effects of heat exposure, such as headaches.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body. If air conditioning is not available in your hotel or Airbnb, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool the rooms.

Flagstaff | Grand Canyon (Mogollon Rim Country)

Crowds

June brings increasing crowds, while July and August are some of the most crowded months at Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Expect hotel rates to be high since this is the busiest season.

While the college students have left for the summer, many travelers head to Flagstaff in the summer months. It can be hectic as people from neighboring towns head here for slightly cooler temperatures.

From our experience, the best way to avoid crowds as much as possible is by doing activities during the week instead of the weekend.

Weather

Flagstaff averages between 79°F – 80°F during the spring. The Grand Canyon averages higher temperatures of 103°F – 107°F at this time.

If you need a break from the heat in the Grand Canyon, consider spending a day or two in Flagstaff. Temperatures in the Grand Canyon get very hot during these months. Head out early in the morning to avoid the heat.

What To Wear

While in Flagstaff, you’ll be comfortable wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and comfortable shoes as many activities are outdoors. In the evenings, it can drop to the 40s or 50s. Consider bringing a jacket and pants to change into at night.

The Grand Canyon’s temperatures can make it difficult to dress. If you plan on hiking all day long, consider light and breathable layers (like cotton) to help keep you protected from the sun.

In the evening, we still wore shorts and a t-shirt to help stay cool as the temperatures are in the 70s.

Things To Do/Great Time To

Summer is the best time to do outdoor activities in Flagstaff, including hiking and checking out the arboretum.

Summertime at the Grand Canyon is the best time to learn about the history of the area. With more people visiting, more rangers are working at the canyon, providing fantastic knowledge.

Grand Canyon: Make sure to get up early to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon. During the summer, the sunlight lasts longer, allowing for more time to be spent outdoors. Plus, this will help you avoid the heat that the afternoon brings.

The current exhibit running from June until September is surrounding the Kolb Brothers at the Kolb Studio. You can watch their explorations of the Grand Canyon as well as look at their antique camera collection.

Flagstaff: During the summertime, you can take a ride on the Scenic Skyride Chairlift, which offers views of the Grand Canyon from afar. This is also an excellent time to check out the arboretum, which is open May through October each year.

Learn about the history of the area by checking out the Hopi and Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture in Arizona in July and August.

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

Crowds

Phoenix, Tucson, and Saguaro National Park experience their light/less crowded season after May until November. Summer is an excellent time to visit to avoid the crowds. It’s also the best time for lower accommodation rates.

Head to these locations for more mild weather in the summer and excellent hotel rates. You’ll also be escaping the crowds that the Grand Canyon sees in the warmer months.

Weather

Tucson and Saguaro National Park offer a slightly lower temperature in the summer than the Grand Canyon. Both Tucson and Saguaro National Park have high temperatures ranging from 98°F – 101°F.

Phoenix offers similar temperatures during the summertime as the Grand Canyon. Phoenix’s temperatures range from 104°F – 106°F.

Head out in the early morning for these locations or later afternoon to avoid the heat. If it’s necessary to be out during the day, make sure to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to take breaks in the shade and in the air conditioning.

What To Wear

With temperatures as hot as they are, it’s best to wear clothing that keeps you cool and helps you avoid too much sun. Bring a sun hat with you, if possible, for any outdoor activities.

Again, you’ll want light, breathable clothing that offers protection from the sunlight. This could mean a long sleeve cotton shirt and pants. If you opt for shorts and a t-shirt or tank top, be prepared to reapply sunscreen every few hours.

Things to Do / Great Time To

Summertime in the central/southern deserts is the best time to enjoy low hotel rates. With the heat and most people focused on the Grand Canyon, you’ll beat the crowds and reap the rewards.

Arizona summers in Phoenix, Tucson, and Saguaro National Park are also the best time to seek out waterparks and other activities that help you stay cool during the day.

Phoenix: Summer months in Phoenix are usually spent at the waterparks – as mentioned above. You can also check out the Arizona Science Center. This provides an educational activity while at the same time offering a respite from the heat during the day.

June through August, the botanic garden provides flashlight tours in the evenings. It might sound like an odd activity. However, the desert flowers are magical at night.

A not-to-be-missed event is Light Up The Sky, which occurs on July 1. This family-friendly event offers live music, entertainment, and fireworks.

Tucson: You’ll also want activities that help avoid the temperatures in Tucson. Head to a pinball arcade with classic games. Bring your kids and show them which games you grew up with.

Another notable spot is the Tucson Museum of Art. Check it out on the first Thursday of the month for free entry.

If you’re visiting in August, check out the World Margaritas Championships. You can taste over 20 margarita recipes from local spots.

Saguaro National Park: Hiking is a popular activity during the summer months for Saguaro Park. Head to the Cactus Gardens for interesting landscapes. Avoid the heat by starting a hike either very early or later in the afternoon – then you can catch the spectacular sunset views simultaneously.

For those who plan to stay for longer, Saguaro National Park offers a summer camp for children. This camp teaches kids essential tips for hiking and outdoor activities. We watched their activities once, and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.

Grab your family and head to one of the educational events that provide information on the local wildlife. Events surrounding mountain lions, lizards, and the kangaroo rat are available in July.

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

Crowds

Sedona is less busy in the summer months compared to spring. However, weekends always get a little crowded (parking lots, hiking trailheads).

Petrified Forest National Park is getting the most visitors during the month of June – expect it to be the busiest month. July and August offer higher numbers of people, though they decrease as the weather moves towards fall time.

If you’re planning to visit during the summertime, aim for August to avoid the crowds. You’ll still see a good amount of people. However, it won’t be quite as crazy as the month of June.

Hotel rates will be higher in June due to popularity and also decrease in July/August.

Weather

Arizona summer weather in Sedona sees temperatures between 96°F – 100°F. Petrified Forest National Park offers lower temperatures of 90°F – 93°F.

Sedona and Petrified Forest National Park typically have monsoons in July and August. Expect heavy rainfall during these months and prepare to find indoor activities during the rainy weather. The early mornings tend to be clear, while late mornings bring the wet weather.

Tip: Read our full guide for visiting Sedona in July and August (Weather, Heat, Things to Do, Clothing).

What To Wear

With the daily highs and lows varying so much (60s in the evening), you’ll want to be prepared with multiple outfit choices and layers. Daytime outfits should consist of caps, cotton long-sleeved t-shirts, and leggings or other pants with thin material. Evenings will need a light jacket or sweater to go over the daytime outfit.

During the rainy months, consider bringing a rain poncho. Since it will be very windy as well, it’s not advised to grab an umbrella from our experience, as it was pulled away once.

Things To Do/Great Time To

In Sedona, the best time to visit Slide Rock State Park is in the morning during the summertime. Otherwise, you might not be able to get in due to crowds.

Summer is the best time to see breathtaking views in Petrified Forest National Park. The rain offers a different vibe than the normal dry weather.

Sedona: During the summertime in Sedona, most people can be found swimming to avoid the heat. There are multiple outdoor water holes that can be visited.

Take the Red Rock Scenic Byway drive to keep out of the heat, or stop by the shops/art galleries for some cool fun.

Head to the Sedona International Film Festival, which occurs annually from July 30 – August 5. Multiple films are played at the Mary D. Fisher Theater. This is another excellent way to escape the temperatures.

Petrified Forest National Park: During the summer it’s often either very hot or rainy. Thus, we recommend starting outdoor activities in the morning and finish them before noon.

After midday, when it’s often unpleasant outside (either too hot or rainy), is a great time to explore the indoor exhibits and museum. Learn about the history of Petrified Forest in the Rainbow Forest Museum. Learn about fossils or take a tour of the Painted Desert Inn. Both events are available throughout the months of June, July, and August.