November is when Phoenix finally exhales. After five months of temperatures that regularly topped 38°C (100°F), the city drops to a comfortable average high of 24.5°C (76°F) and an average low of 10.6°C (51°F). That shift changes everything. Restaurants reopen their patios on Roosevelt Row. Hikers reclaim Camelback Mountain before sunrise without risking heat exhaustion. The snowbird migration from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan picks up speed, filling RV parks in Mesa and rental homes in Scottsdale. You'll notice the energy. Phoenix in summer operates in survival mode. Phoenix in November operates like it was designed to.
The timing is good for more than weather. Citrus season starts across the Salt River Valley, with grapefruit and navel oranges ripening on trees in residential yards across Arcadia and the Camelback Corridor. Ironman Arizona brings around 2,500 triathletes to Tempe Town Lake in mid-November, and Dia de los Muertos celebrations fill downtown galleries and plazas in the first week. If you want desert-perfect weather without peak-season pricing, November tends to be the sweet spot.
That said, the desert plays tricks on newcomers. The UV index still hits 5 or 6 on clear afternoons, strong enough to burn in 30 minutes without sunscreen. The light at golden hour turns the Superstition Mountains a copper-red that photographers travel specifically to capture, peaking in the last two weeks of the month. Valley Metro's light rail connects Sky Harbor airport to downtown and Tempe on a single low-cost fare, which keeps ground transport simple if you're based along Central Avenue. And November is the month the Arizona Trail thru-hikers pass through the metro section, so you might spot them resupplying at REI on the 101.
Why visit in November
- Daytime temperatures average 24.5°C (76°F), warm enough for short sleeves but cool enough for 3-hour hikes without heat risk.
- Citrus season begins across the Valley, with fresh Arizona grapefruit and navel oranges appearing at farmers markets in downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale.
- Hotel rates sit roughly 20-30% below the January-March peak, before snowbird season and major events drive prices higher.
- Air quality is typically good, with summer dust storms (haboobs) finished and the monsoon season well past its September end.
- Outdoor dining season returns across the city, with restaurants in the Melrose District, Arcadia, and Old Town Scottsdale reopening patios that closed in May.
Worth knowing
- Overnight lows near 11°C (51°F) surprise visitors who packed only warm-weather clothes. Desert temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) between day and night are normal.
- The snowbird population starts arriving, which means traffic on the 101 and 202 freeways picks up noticeably from the quieter summer months.
- Swimming pools at most hotels are no longer heated enough for comfortable use, and some resorts close their pools for seasonal maintenance.
- Some popular trail parking lots at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak fill by 7:30 a.m. on weekends as hikers return from the summer hiatus.
Best for
Think twice if
November in Phoenix feels like the reward for surviving summer. Daytime highs average 24.5°C (76°F) under clear skies, with dry air at 37% humidity that makes the warmth feel lighter than the number suggests. Mornings start cool at 10.6°C (51°F), and the desert drops fast after sunset. Rainfall is minimal at 19mm across roughly 2 rainy days, usually brief afternoon showers that clear within an hour. Wind is generally calm. The sun still sets around 5:30 p.m. MST, and Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, so the clock stays consistent with Mountain Standard Time all month.
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
Ironman Arizona
Mid-November (typically the third or fourth Sunday)
Around 2,500 triathletes swim, bike, and run a 226 km (140.6-mile) course centered on Tempe Town Lake. The bike leg loops through the Beeline Highway toward Fort McDowell, and the run follows the lake's north shore. Spectators line the course along Mill Avenue, and the finish-line atmosphere after dark tends to get emotional. The race has been held in Tempe since 2005.
Best things to do in November
Sunrise hike on Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail
hikingThe 1.8 km (1.1-mile) trail gains 411 meters (1,348 feet) of elevation in a scramble up exposed rock. November's cooler mornings make the climb manageable without the dangerous heat that closes the trail in summer. The summit view stretches from Four Peaks to downtown Phoenix.
Temperatures at the 7 a.m. start hover around 13°C (55°F), compared to the 35°C+ that makes this hike medically risky from June through September.Booking tipArrive at the Echo Canyon trailhead parking lot before 6:30 a.m. on weekends. The lot holds roughly 80 cars and fills fast now that hiking season has returned.
Desert Botanical Garden evening stroll
natureThe 56-hectare garden in Papago Park houses over 50,000 desert plants from arid regions worldwide. In November, the saguaro cacti stand against clear sunset skies, and the garden often previews its Las Noches de las Luminarias installation toward month's end, with thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags lining the paths.
The cooler evening air makes a 2-hour walk through the outdoor paths comfortable for the first time since April. The light in late November hits the red sandstone buttes behind the garden at a low angle that doesn't happen in other months.Booking tipTimed entry tickets for Luminarias nights tend to sell out weeks in advance. Check the garden's website in early November.
Kayaking on the Lower Salt River
water sportsThe Lower Salt River east of Mesa flows through the Tonto National Forest, with canyon walls rising on both sides. In November, the water is calm and the wild horse herds that live along the riverbanks are often visible grazing near the water's edge. The paddle from Water Users Recreation Area to Phon D Sutton covers about 5 km.
Summer's extreme heat and flash-flood risk from monsoon storms are both gone. November water levels tend to be stable, and the cottonwood trees along the banks show fall color.Booking tipSeveral outfitters in Mesa offer shuttle services. Book a morning launch to avoid afternoon wind that picks up on the river.
Mountain biking the National Trail on South Mountain
cyclingSouth Mountain Park covers over 6,500 hectares, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. The National Trail runs 23.5 km along the ridgeline, with technical rock sections and drops into desert washes. November's dry conditions and moderate temperatures make the full traverse possible without carrying excessive water.
Summer heat on South Mountain's exposed ridgeline regularly exceeds 43°C (110°F) at trail level, effectively closing the route from May through September. November highs of 24°C make the 4-5 hour traverse safe.Booking tipStart from the San Juan Road trailhead on the south side to avoid the steeper climb from the Pima Canyon entrance.
First Friday Art Walk on Roosevelt Row
cultureOn the first Friday of each month, galleries, studios, and pop-up installations open along Roosevelt Street between 7th Avenue and 16th Street. November's edition marks the return of comfortable outdoor browsing after the summer hiatus. Live music spills out of venues, food trucks line the streets, and the smell of grilled elote drifts between galleries.
The November edition is typically the first of the season where the outdoor component feels genuinely pleasant rather than endurance-tested. Crowds build through the evening but remain more relaxed than the packed January and February editions.Booking tipStreet parking fills quickly within a 4-block radius. The Valley Metro light rail stops at 3rd Street and Washington, a 10-minute walk from the main gallery cluster.
Golf at TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
sportThe Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open each February, but in November the course is open to the public with its fairways freshly overseeded with winter ryegrass. The par-3 16th hole, which becomes a 20,000-seat stadium during the tournament, plays as a quiet desert hole surrounded by empty grandstands.
November greens fees are notably lower than the January-March peak season, and tee time availability is considerably better. The ryegrass has had a few weeks to establish, so the course plays firm and fast.Booking tipBook tee times 2-3 weeks out for weekend mornings. Weekday afternoons are typically available on shorter notice.
Explore the Heard Museum
cultureThe Heard Museum on Central Avenue houses one of the most significant collections of Native American art in the Southwest, with over 40,000 objects. The Barry Goldwater collection of Hopi katsina dolls occupies an entire gallery. November often coincides with the museum's annual Indian Fair Market preview events.
The cooler weather makes the walk between the Heard Museum and the neighboring Phoenix Art Museum (about 1.5 km apart on Central Avenue) pleasant rather than punishing. Both institutions tend to open new exhibitions in the fall season.Booking tipAllow at least 2 hours. The outdoor sculpture garden is easy to miss but worth the detour, especially in the late-afternoon light.
Hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert
adventureBalloon operators launch from north Scottsdale and north Phoenix, typically lifting off within 30 minutes of sunrise. The flight drifts over saguaro-studded desert at around 300 meters, with views stretching to the Mogollon Rim on clear mornings. The still morning air in November provides some of the smoothest flight conditions of the year.
November's temperature inversions create the stable, calm air that balloon pilots prefer. Wind speeds at launch altitude average under 8 km/h in the early morning, compared to the gusty spring conditions that frequently ground flights in March and April.Booking tipMost operators include a post-flight breakfast. Book at least a week ahead for weekend flights, as November weekends fill with visiting groups.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Arizona grapefruit
The Salt River Valley's citrus groves start producing in November. Arizona grapefruit tends to be sweeter than its Texas or Florida counterparts, with a thinner skin. You'll find them at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market and roadside stands along the highways east of Mesa.
Navel oranges
Arizona's second citrus crop ripens alongside grapefruit. Arcadia neighborhood yards are full of orange trees, and many residents sell bags from their front porches. The flavor is bright and less acidic than California navels, likely due to the alkaline desert soil.
Medjool dates
Dateland, about 170 km (105 miles) west of Phoenix on I-8, grows the majority of U.S. Medjool dates. November is late harvest, and fresh dates appear at Phoenix farmers markets with a softer, more caramel-like texture than the dried versions sold year-round.
On menus now
Green chile stew
Green chile from Hatch, New Mexico appears in restaurants across Phoenix through the fall. November's cooler evenings make a bowl of green chile stew at a Sonoran-style restaurant in South Phoenix feel right. The Barrio Cafe on 16th Street has been serving a well-known version for years.
Posole
This hominy-based stew appears on menus across the Valley as temperatures drop. It is a staple of the Sonoran food tradition that defines south Phoenix and the neighborhoods around Central Avenue. Thick, pork-rich, and served with shredded cabbage, radish, and dried oregano.
What to drink
Prickly pear margaritas
The Sonoran prickly pear fruit season runs from late summer through fall, and bars across Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix use the magenta-colored pulp in cocktails well into November. The flavor sits somewhere between watermelon and bubblegum, with a tart finish. You'll spot the bright pink drinks on patios along the Scottsdale Waterfront and in Roosevelt Row bars.
Regular events in November
Dia de los Muertos celebrationsFree
Galleries, plazas, and cultural centers across downtown Phoenix and the Garfield neighborhood host altars (ofrendas), face painting, live mariachi, and processions honoring the dead. The celebrations reflect the Valley's deep ties to Sonoran Mexican culture.
First week of November (November 1-2 and surrounding weekend)Arizona Restaurant Week (fall edition)
Over 100 restaurants across the Phoenix metro offer multi-course prix fixe menus at set price tiers. The fall edition tends to attract more patio-friendly options than the spring version, as restaurants take advantage of the returned outdoor dining weather.
Mid-November (varies by year, typically a 10-day window)Phoenix Film Festival Shorts
The Phoenix Film Festival screens short film selections at venues around Scottsdale and central Phoenix during November, separate from the main festival held in spring. The screenings draw local filmmakers and a more intimate crowd than the larger April event.
Various dates throughout NovemberMcDowell Mountain Music Festival preview events
Preview concerts and fundraiser events for the March McDowell Mountain Music Festival pop up at venues in downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale during November. These smaller shows feature regional acts and past festival performers.
Various dates in NovemberChandler Jazz FestivalFree
The City of Chandler hosts a free outdoor jazz festival in downtown Chandler, about 25 km (16 miles) southeast of central Phoenix. Multiple stages, food vendors, and an art walk fill the downtown area around Arizona Avenue. The festival has run for over 20 years.
Mid-November weekendBest places this November
Camelback Mountain
hikingThe 824-meter peak between Phoenix and Scottsdale offers two main routes. Echo Canyon is the steeper, more technical scramble. Cholla Trail is longer and more gradual. Both reward with 360-degree Valley views. November's moderate temperatures make the exposed sections safe again.
Arcadia / Scottsdale borderDesert Botanical Garden
natureSet against Papago Park's red buttes, the garden's trails wind through 5 thematic desert habitats. The saguaro collection is one of the most diverse cultivated groupings in Arizona. November evenings bring comfortable strolling temperatures and the early setup for the Luminarias event.
Papago ParkRoosevelt Row Arts District
cultureThe stretch of Roosevelt Street between 7th Avenue and 16th Street anchors Phoenix's contemporary art scene. Murals cover nearly every exterior wall, and galleries mix with coffee shops and small restaurants. The district feels most alive on First Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Downtown PhoenixSouth Mountain Park and Preserve
hikingCovering over 6,500 hectares, this is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The drive to Dobbins Lookout offers a panoramic view of the Valley, and the trail network below supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. November is the first month the longer ridgeline trails become practical again.
South PhoenixOld Town Scottsdale
cultureThe 5th Avenue shopping district and the Scottsdale Arts District sit within walking distance of each other. Native American jewelry galleries cluster along Main Street, and the Western storefronts give way to wine bars and farm-to-table restaurants. Thursday evening ArtWalks resume in November.
ScottsdalePapago Park
natureThe park's red sandstone buttes and the Hole-in-the-Rock formation sit between the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. The trails here are gentler than Camelback or Piestewa, making them a good option for families. Sunset from Hole-in-the-Rock is one of the most photographed views in Phoenix.
Tempe / Phoenix borderTempe Town Lake
water sportsThe 2-mile-long lake along the Salt River in Tempe hosts rowing crews, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. The north shore path is a popular running and cycling route. In November, the lake serves as the Ironman Arizona swim course, and the surrounding Mill Avenue district fills with race-week energy.
TempeMusical Instrument Museum (MIM)
museumLocated in north Phoenix near the 101 and Tatum Boulevard, the MIM houses over 8,000 instruments from 200 countries. Each geographic gallery pairs instruments with video of them being played. The collection includes a Steinway owned by John Lennon and a guitar from the original Woodstock festival.
North PhoenixTaliesin West
architectureFrank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture school sits in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in north Scottsdale. The low-slung desert masonry buildings blend into the landscape. Guided tours run daily, and November's softer light brings out the texture of the desert stone in the construction.
North ScottsdaleMcDowell Sonoran Preserve
hikingScottsdale's 12,100-hectare preserve protects a large swath of upper Sonoran Desert habitat. The Gateway Trailhead provides access to over 320 km (200 miles) of trails. In November, the barrel cactus fruit turns red, and the granite peaks are cool enough for full-day traverses.
North Scottsdale
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Insider tips
Arizona does not observe daylight saving time. In November, Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time, which puts it in sync with Pacific Time rather than the Mountain Time zone cities like Denver and Albuquerque. Double-check your phone's automatic time zone if you're flying in from a state that recently changed clocks.
The best light for photographing the Superstition Mountains happens in the last 40 minutes before sunset during the final two weeks of November. The low sun angle turns the rock faces copper and orange in a way that flattens out by mid-December as the sun angle shifts.
Many Scottsdale resorts offer shoulder-season rates through mid-November that disappear once Thanksgiving week arrives. If your dates are flexible, arriving in the first two weeks of the month can mean noticeably lower nightly rates at the same properties.
Hikers underestimate how quickly it gets dark in the desert. Sunset in November falls around 5:30 p.m. MST, and there's almost no twilight. If you start a 2-hour hike at 4 p.m., bring a headlamp.
The Downtown Phoenix Public Market on Saturdays is where Valley chefs and serious home cooks shop for local citrus, dates, and peppers. It's a different experience from the tourist-oriented markets in Scottsdale, and the vendors are more likely to talk about growing conditions than Instagram aesthetics.
Temperatures on the summit of Camelback Mountain can run 3-5°C cooler than the trailhead due to wind exposure. A light windbreaker stuffed in your pack weighs nothing and makes the summit stop more comfortable.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and t-shirts. The 14°C (25°F) swing between daytime highs and overnight lows catches visitors off guard, especially at outdoor dinners and early-morning hikes.
- Underestimating trail difficulty on Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon route involves Class 2 scrambling on exposed rock, and November's returning crowds include many first-time hikers who slow the trail and underestimate the time needed for the round trip.
- Skipping sunscreen because it's 'only' 24°C. The UV index at Phoenix's latitude and altitude remains significant in November. The comfortable temperature creates a false sense that sun protection isn't needed.
- Driving without checking the I-10 and Loop 101/202 traffic patterns. Snowbird arrivals push weekday traffic volume up noticeably from the quiet summer months, especially near Scottsdale and Sun City exits.
- Assuming the airport is far from everything. Sky Harbor International Airport sits about 6 km east of downtown Phoenix, and the Valley Metro light rail connects the airport to both downtown Phoenix and Tempe's Mill Avenue within 15-20 minutes.
Practical tips for November
Book Scottsdale resort stays for early November to catch shoulder-season rates before Thanksgiving week pushes prices up. Reserve weekend morning tee times at popular courses 2-3 weeks ahead, as returning snowbird golfers fill the books fast. For hiking, start before 7 a.m. on weekends to secure parking at Camelback and Piestewa trailheads. Bring layers for every outdoor plan. The temperature at 7 a.m. can be 11°C, while by 2 p.m. it's 25°C, and by dinner on a patio at 7 p.m. you're back to needing a jacket. Arizona's lack of daylight saving time means sunset arrives around 5:30 p.m. all month. Plan outdoor activities for morning and midday. Restaurants with popular patios in the Arcadia and Melrose districts fill up on weekend evenings now that outdoor dining is back, so reservations help. If you're renting a car, note that Phoenix is spread across a 37 km (23-mile) east-west corridor from Glendale to Mesa, and most activities outside downtown require driving.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Phoenix for hiking?
November is one of the best hiking months in the Phoenix area. Temperatures have dropped from the dangerous summer highs to an average of 24.5°C (76°F), and mornings start around 11°C (51°F), which is comfortable for steep climbs like Camelback Mountain. The monsoon season ended in September, so trail conditions are dry and stable. Trails that were effectively closed by extreme heat from June through September are fully open again.
What should I wear in Phoenix in November?
Dress in layers. Daytime temperatures of 24°C (76°F) call for a t-shirt or light long sleeve, but mornings and evenings at 11°C (51°F) need a fleece or light jacket. If you're hiking before 8 a.m. or dining outdoors after sunset, you'll be glad for the extra layer. Sunscreen and a hat are still necessary despite the cooler temperatures, as the UV index remains moderate to high.
Does Phoenix observe daylight saving time in November?
No. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time. Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round, which means that in November, when most of the U.S. falls back, Phoenix ends up aligned with Pacific Time rather than Mountain Time. Sunrise is around 6:30 a.m. and sunset around 5:30 p.m. MST throughout the month.
How crowded is Phoenix in November compared to peak season?
November is the transition from low season to high season. Crowds build through the month, especially after Thanksgiving, but the city is noticeably less busy than January through March, when spring training, the WM Phoenix Open, and full snowbird occupancy push the Valley to its peak. Trail parking lots and restaurant patios fill faster than in summer, but wait times and booking difficulty are still moderate compared to what comes in the winter months.
Is it warm enough to swim in Phoenix in November?
For most visitors, no. Hotel pool water temperatures have dropped, and daytime air temperatures of 24°C (76°F) don't generate the poolside warmth that most people associate with a Phoenix trip. Some resorts maintain heated pools, but the days of guaranteed pool weather are over by November. If swimming is a priority, the summer months or early October are more reliable.
What is the best way to get from Sky Harbor Airport to downtown Phoenix?
Valley Metro's light rail connects Sky Harbor to downtown Phoenix and Tempe. The PHX Sky Train links the airport terminals to the 44th Street light rail station, and the ride to downtown takes about 15-20 minutes. The airport is only about 6 km east of downtown, so rideshare trips are short. Rental car counters are at the consolidated Rental Car Center, connected to the terminals by shuttle.
Things to Do in Phoenix in November
Free cancellation Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip
Outdoor experience — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix
Day trip — 13 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV - Centipede Tour
Outdoor experience — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour
Day trip — 11 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Phoenix area Hot Air Balloon Ride on the Largest Balloon in USA
Outdoor experience — 4 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV
Outdoor experience — 3 hours, free cancellation.
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