December in Phoenix feels like a different city from the one that hits 41°C (106°F) in July. Daytime temperatures settle around 20°C (68°F) with crisp, dry nights dropping to about 7.5°C (46°F). You can hike Camelback Mountain at noon without carrying 3 liters of water. You can sit on a restaurant patio at 6 PM without sweating through your shirt. That shift draws roughly 300,000 seasonal residents from the Upper Midwest and Canada, known locally as snowbirds, who arrive in October and stay through March. By December the Valley is full.
This is Phoenix's peak season, and prices reflect it. Hotel rates at Scottsdale resorts tend to run 40-60% above summer lows. Tee times at courses like TPC Scottsdale fill weeks in advance. The December calendar stacks up, too. Las Noches de las Luminarias fills the Desert Botanical Garden with thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags through late December. The Fiesta Bowl brings 70,000+ fans to State Farm Stadium around New Year's. Roosevelt Row runs holiday gallery openings most weekends.
The one thing that catches visitors off guard is how cold December nights get. The average low sits around 7.5°C (46°F), but cold snaps can push individual nights down to 3-4°C (37-39°F). Morning fog in the Salt River Valley shows up a few times each month. Pack a fleece and a light jacket for anything after 4 PM.
Why visit in December
- December weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Highs around 20°C (68°F) make hiking, golf, and patio dining comfortable all day, a stark contrast to the 41°C summers that shut down outdoor life for 5 months.
- The events calendar peaks in December. Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, and the Fiesta Bowl all land in this window.
- Clear, dry desert skies with roughly 50% humidity make for reliable day-to-day planning. Phoenix averages only 4 rainy days in December with 36mm total rainfall.
- Snowbird season means the dining and arts scene is at full capacity. Restaurants, galleries in Roosevelt Row, and performing arts venues in downtown Phoenix run their strongest programming from December through March.
Worth knowing
- Peak-season pricing is significant. Scottsdale resort rates typically run 40-60% above summer lows, and the Christmas-to-New-Year's week is the single most expensive stretch of the year.
- Crowds at popular trail parking lots. Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trailhead fills by 7:30 AM on December weekends. Piestewa Peak sees similar pressure.
- Nights get genuinely cold. Visitors who pack for the desert stereotype of eternal heat find themselves shivering at 5°C (41°F) during evening events or sunrise hikes.
- Phoenix remains car-dependent year-round. The Valley Metro light rail covers a limited corridor, and most resorts, trailheads, and dining districts sit well outside its reach.
Best for
Think twice if
December in Phoenix is mostly sunny with clear, dry skies. Daytime feels warm in the direct sun but cool in the shade, with about 36mm of rain spread across 4 days, usually as brief afternoon showers. Humidity sits near 50%, noticeably drier than the summer monsoon months. The biggest weather factor is the day-to-night temperature swing. Mornings start cool enough for a jacket, midday warms into comfortable t-shirt territory, and evenings drop back into single-digit Celsius. Wind is rarely a factor, though the occasional cold front from the north can drop nighttime lows sharply for a day or two.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 5 | 32 |
| Feb | 21 | 8 | 18 |
| Mar | 24 | 10 | 36 |
| Apr | 30 | 15 | 2 |
| May | 35 | 20 | 2 |
| Jun | 41 | 26 | 7 |
| Jul | 42 | 29 | 74 |
| Aug | 40 | 28 | 51 |
| Sep | 38 | 25 | 38 |
| Oct | 32 | 18 | 35 |
| Nov | 25 | 11 | 19 |
| Dec | 20 | 8 | 36 |
Headline events
Fiesta Bowl
Late December to early January (exact date varies with CFP schedule)
One of college football's marquee postseason bowl games, played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. When the Fiesta Bowl hosts a College Football Playoff semifinal, it becomes a national event that fills hotels across the Valley for days. Even in non-semifinal years, it typically draws 70,000+ fans and anchors a week of fan events, concerts, and tailgating across downtown Scottsdale and Westgate.
Best things to do in December
Hike Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail
hikingThe 2.5 km trail gains about 400m of elevation and takes most hikers 2-3 hours round trip. The upper sections involve exposed granite scrambling with fixed handrails. From the summit at 825m, the 360-degree view covers the entire Valley of the Sun, with the Superstition Mountains to the east and South Mountain to the south.
Summer temperatures above 40°C make this trail actively dangerous from May through September, with multiple heat rescues each week. December's 20°C highs let you hike at any hour safely.Booking tipNo booking needed, but arrive before 7 AM on weekends. The Echo Canyon Trailhead parking lot fills by 7:30 AM even in December.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
cultural eventWalk through 56 acres of curated Sonoran Desert plantings lit by thousands of hand-placed luminaria bags along the paths. Live music stations are spread across the garden, and the glow of the bags against the silhouettes of saguaro cacti and palo verde trees is unlike anything else in the Valley. The event runs on select evenings from late November through late December.
This event runs only during the holiday season, typically late November through late December. The cool evening air at 8-10°C and the clear desert sky make the luminaria glow feel warm and distinct.Booking tipTickets sell out weeks in advance. Weeknight tickets are significantly easier to get than Friday or Saturday. Buy by early November.
Play a round of golf
sportPhoenix and its suburbs have over 200 golf courses, from municipal layouts to championship resort tracks. December's mild temperatures and low humidity make 18 holes comfortable from the first tee to the final putt, with no sunstroke risk and no frost delays.
Courses are largely empty in summer when 40°C heat makes 4-5 hours outdoors miserable. December through March is peak season, with greens in top condition after fall overseeding of winter rye grass.Booking tipBook tee times 2-3 weeks ahead at popular courses. Early morning slots at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course fill fastest.
Day trip to Sedona
day tripSedona sits 185 km (115 mi) north of Phoenix, about a 2-hour drive up I-17 and through the Verde Valley. The red rock formations at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte are some of the most photographed landscapes in the American Southwest. The town itself has a walkable gallery and restaurant scene along SR 179.
December's low winter sun angle puts warm golden light on Sedona's red sandstone for extended golden-hour photography. Trail temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) are comfortable for hiking without summer's 35°C heat.Booking tipLeave Phoenix by 7 AM on weekends. Sedona's popular trailhead parking areas at Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock fill by 9 AM.
Explore Roosevelt Row arts district
arts and cultureRoosevelt Street between 7th Avenue and 16th Street in downtown Phoenix holds the city's densest collection of galleries, murals, and independent studios. First Friday art walks draw thousands, with galleries opening their doors and food trucks lining the street. December editions tend to feature holiday-themed openings and studio sales.
December's comfortable walking temperatures around 20°C make the outdoor mural corridor and gallery hopping pleasant for hours, unlike summer when sidewalk temperatures can reach 65°C and the district empties out.Visit the Heard Museum
museumThis museum on Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix houses one of the country's most significant collections of Native American art and artifacts. The permanent collection includes over 40,000 works spanning pottery, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary art from tribes across the Southwest and beyond.
December holiday programming typically includes Native American craft markets, weaving demonstrations, and seasonal exhibitions. The indoor galleries also offer a solid alternative if a cold front or the occasional rain day disrupts outdoor plans.Hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert
outdoor adventureSeveral operators launch from the north Scottsdale desert at sunrise. Flights typically last 60-90 minutes, drifting over saguaro-studded desert at about 300m altitude. You'll likely spot coyotes, javelinas, and roadrunners from the air on a quiet December morning.
December mornings produce calm, cool, stable air that is ideal for ballooning. Summer heat creates thermals that make flights bumpy, and operators cancel frequently from June through August due to monsoon storms.Booking tipBook at least a week in advance. Morning launches mean 5:30 AM hotel pickup times, even in December.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Arizona citrus
Navel oranges, Ruby Red grapefruit, and Meyer lemons from Salt River Valley orchards reach peak sweetness in December through February. The Saturday morning Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market and the Downtown Phoenix Public Market carry local citrus when it's in season. The flavor difference from supermarket fruit is noticeable.
Medjool dates
Arizona's date palms, concentrated around Yuma and the lower desert, finish their harvest in late fall. Fresh Medjool dates appear at Phoenix farmers markets and specialty grocers through December, with a soft sweetness and caramel-like texture that the dried shelf-stable versions can't replicate.
On menus now
Posole
A slow-cooked hominy and pork stew with dried red chiles, posole is a cold-weather staple across the Sonoran borderlands. Phoenix restaurants typically add it as a seasonal special from November through February. The broth tends to be rich and slightly spicy, served with shredded cabbage, radish, and lime.
What to drink
Champurrado
A thick, warm Mexican chocolate drink made with masa harina, piloncillo, and cinnamon. Panaderias and street vendors in the Garfield and Maryvale neighborhoods serve it through the winter months. The texture is heavier than standard hot chocolate, almost porridge-like.
Festival food
Christmas tamales
December tamale-making is a defining tradition in Phoenix's Mexican-American neighborhoods. Families in South Phoenix and Maryvale produce them by the hundreds, with pork-red chile and chicken-green chile as the standard fillings. Taquerias across the city add tamale specials starting in early December, and home cooks sell by the dozen from their kitchens through Christmas week.
Regular events in December
Las Noches de las Luminarias
The Desert Botanical Garden lights its 56-acre grounds with thousands of hand-placed luminaria bags on select December evenings. Live music, hot cider, and the glow of candles against saguaro silhouettes draw tens of thousands of visitors each season.
Late November through late December, select eveningsZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park transforms into a holiday light display with over 3 million LED lights shaped into animal and desert scenes along the walking paths. The event includes live music, hot chocolate vendors, and a snow play area for children.
Late November through mid-January, nightlyAPS Electric Light ParadeFree
A holiday light parade that runs along Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Floats, marching bands, and community groups covered in lights process along a 2.4 km route. The parade has run for over 35 years and draws tens of thousands of spectators who line the avenue with lawn chairs.
First Saturday in DecemberPueblo Grande Museum Indian Market
An outdoor market at the Pueblo Grande Museum archaeological site in east Phoenix. Over 200 Native American artists from dozens of tribes sell pottery, jewelry, textiles, and kachina figures. Live music and traditional food vendors are on-site.
Mid-December weekend (Saturday-Sunday)Scottsdale ArtWalkFree
Free self-guided gallery walk through the Scottsdale Arts District every Thursday evening year-round. December editions feature holiday-themed gallery openings, artist receptions, and seasonal installations across 80+ participating galleries.
Every Thursday evening, 7-9 PMTempe Fantasy of Lights Boat ParadeFree
Decorated boats cruise Tempe Town Lake while holiday lights reflect off the water. Spectators watch from the lake's pedestrian bridges and the north and south shore paths near Mill Avenue. A fireworks display follows the parade.
Second Saturday in DecemberBest places this December
Desert Botanical Garden
garden56 acres of curated desert plantings in Papago Park, with over 50,000 plants from desert ecosystems worldwide. The garden holds one of the most comprehensive collections of arid-land species in existence. In December, the Luminarias evenings transform the paths into candlelit corridors. The daytime trail loop takes about 90 minutes at a slow pace.
Papago ParkSouth Mountain Park and Preserve
parkAt roughly 6,500 hectares (16,000 acres), this is the largest municipal park in the United States. The National Trail runs 23 km across the range. Dobbins Lookout, accessible by car or a 2.4 km hike, offers panoramic views across the entire Valley from 770m elevation. December's cool temperatures make the longer trail loops feasible without extreme water planning.
South MountainPapago Park and Hole-in-the-Rock
viewpointA red sandstone butte with a natural opening that frames downtown Phoenix and Camelback Mountain. The short trail to the formation is under 0.5 km and family-friendly. December sunrise aligns through the opening and draws photographers in the early morning. The park also holds the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.
Papago ParkOld Town Scottsdale
neighborhoodThe pedestrian-friendly core of Scottsdale, roughly bounded by Indian School Road, Camelback Road, Scottsdale Road, and 75th Street. Galleries, Southwestern jewelry shops, and restaurants concentrate along 5th Avenue and Main Street. December's peak season means the dining scene is at full energy, with seasonal menus and extended hours at most restaurants.
ScottsdaleMusical Instrument Museum
museumThis museum in north Phoenix holds over 8,000 instruments from 200 countries and territories. Each exhibit pairs instruments with video and audio of local musicians playing them, delivered through wireless headsets that activate as you approach each display. The Experience Gallery lets visitors play drums, guitars, and keyboards. A strong indoor option for cooler or rainy December days.
Desert RidgeTaliesin West
historic siteFrank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture school in north Scottsdale, built from desert masonry and redwood beginning in 1937. Wright spent every winter here until his death in 1959. The compound was designed specifically for the desert light and climate of the cooler months. December is the season the building was conceived for, and guided tours take about 90 minutes.
North ScottsdalePhoenix Art Museum
museumThe largest art museum in the southwestern United States, with a permanent collection of over 20,000 works. The American and Western American galleries are particularly strong. Located on Central Avenue in the Encanto-Palmcrest neighborhood, it's accessible by light rail and offers a full-day indoor option during a cold snap.
Encanto
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
Tamale season peaks the week before Christmas. Neighborhood taquerias and home cooks in South Phoenix and Maryvale sell them by the dozen. Ask any Phoenix local where to get tamales and you'll get an opinion with the conviction of a restaurant critic. Follow the recommendations over any search result.
The Desert Botanical Garden's Luminarias event sells out fast, but weeknight tickets are significantly easier to score than weekend ones. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings tend to be the least crowded, and the experience is better with fewer people on the paths.
For sunrise photography, Papago Park's Hole-in-the-Rock at 6:30 AM is worth the early alarm. You'll share the formation with 5-10 people instead of the 50+ you'd see at Camelback's summit by mid-morning. The light through the sandstone opening in December is particularly warm.
Grand Avenue in the Grand Avenue Arts District (northwest of downtown Phoenix) has restaurants and bars that match Scottsdale quality at noticeably lower prices. The stretch between McDowell Road and Indian School Road has a concentration of independent spots that the resort crowd rarely finds.
If you're hiking Camelback via the Cholla Trail instead of Echo Canyon, know that the Cholla side is currently under periodic closure for trail improvements. Check the City of Phoenix parks website the morning of your hike, not the night before, since closures can change overnight.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and t-shirts. Visitors assume "Arizona desert" means warm around the clock. December nights regularly drop below 8°C (46°F), and a sunrise hike at Camelback or Piestewa Peak starts in the 4-6°C (39-43°F) range. A fleece and long pants are not optional.
- Booking a hotel in far-flung Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler thinking the Phoenix metro is compact. The Valley stretches roughly 100 km east to west, and a hotel near Mesa's Superstition Springs is a 45-minute drive from Scottsdale dining or a north Scottsdale trailhead. Stay within 15 minutes of the areas you plan to spend time in.
- Skipping water on a December hike because it's "not that hot." The desert air is still dry at 50% humidity, and the sun at 340m elevation is strong even in winter. Dehydration symptoms show up after 90 minutes of steady trail time. Carry at least 1 liter per hour.
- Trying to walk between destinations instead of driving. Unlike cities with walkable grids, Phoenix's points of interest are spread across a massive metro area. The walk from the Heard Museum to the Desert Botanical Garden, for example, is over 10 km. Plan for a rental car or rideshare for nearly every trip between locations.
Practical tips for December
Book hotels and resort stays by early November for the best December rates. Properties in Scottsdale and the Biltmore area sell out for the Christmas-to-New-Year's week well in advance, and last-minute rates can be double the early-booking price. Most restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale and the Arcadia dining corridor close early on Christmas Eve (typically by 3 PM) and many stay closed on Christmas Day. Stock your hotel room with food the day before if you are visiting over December 25th. A rental car is effectively non-negotiable in Phoenix. The Valley Metro light rail covers a narrow corridor from Mesa through Tempe to downtown Phoenix and north along Central Avenue, but it does not reach most resorts, hiking trailheads, or suburban dining areas. December driving conditions are easy, with clear roads and no ice at city elevation, though morning fog near the Salt River can reduce visibility for 30-60 minutes after sunrise on a few days each month. Dress in layers for any activity that spans morning into afternoon, since a sunrise hike can start at 5°C and finish at 18°C within 3 hours. Reservation culture is real in Scottsdale during December. If you want to eat at a well-known restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night, book 7-10 days in advance.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Phoenix?
December is one of the 3 best months to visit Phoenix. The weather is comfortable for hiking, golf, and outdoor dining, with highs around 20°C (68°F) and very little rain. The city's events calendar, from Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden to the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium, is at its strongest. The main trade-off is price. This is peak season, so expect hotel rates 40-60% above summer levels, especially during the Christmas-to-New-Year's week.
What is the weather like in Phoenix in December?
December in Phoenix is mild and mostly sunny. Average highs reach 20°C (68°F) and lows drop to about 7.5°C (46°F). Rainfall is light at around 36mm across roughly 4 rainy days. Humidity sits near 50%, which feels dry and comfortable. Nights get genuinely cool, and you will want a jacket or fleece after sunset. The desert sun still feels warm at midday, but step into the shade and the temperature difference is noticeable.
Is Phoenix crowded in December?
Yes. December marks the heart of Phoenix's snowbird season, when roughly 300,000 seasonal residents from colder states and Canada swell the metro population. Popular hiking trailheads at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak see full parking lots by 7:30 AM on weekends. Scottsdale restaurant wait times grow, and golf course tee times require advance booking. That said, the Phoenix metro area is so spread out that you can usually find quieter alternatives. South Mountain Park, for example, has 6,500 hectares of trails and rarely fills up.
Do I need a rental car in Phoenix?
A rental car is effectively required for most visitors. The Phoenix metro area stretches about 100 km (60 mi) east to west. The Valley Metro light rail covers a narrow corridor from Mesa through Tempe to downtown Phoenix and north along Central Avenue, but it does not reach most resorts, hiking trailheads, or the Scottsdale dining district. Rideshares work for short trips within a single area, but daily rideshare use from a Scottsdale resort to downtown Phoenix and back typically costs more than a rental.
What should I wear in Phoenix in December?
Layers. Mornings start cool at 7-10°C (45-50°F), midday can reach 20°C (68°F) in direct sun, and evenings drop back into single-digit Celsius. A t-shirt with a light fleece or jacket that you can tie around your waist covers the range. Closed-toe hiking shoes if you plan to hit any trails. Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen remain year-round requirements in Phoenix, even in the cooler months.
Things to Do in Phoenix in December
Free cancellation Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip
Outdoor experience — 2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix
Day trip — 13 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV - Centipede Tour
Outdoor experience — 2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour
Day trip — 11 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Phoenix area Hot Air Balloon Ride on the Largest Balloon in USA
Outdoor experience — 4 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV
Outdoor experience — 3 hours, free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on . What is automated review?