Zonies invade SoCal every summer so it's fitting that we invade Phoenix during winter. There's a lot of great things about visiting Arizona besides gas being a dollar cheaper than in California. Maybe the best thing about Phoenix in the winter are the great hiking experience that you can have under cool conditions. Top touristy things to do in Phoenix during the winter. - Cave Creek horseback riding - Lost Dutchman State park - Goldfield Ghost Town (tourist trap tho) - Dutch Bros coffee ( any of them) - Wildflower restaurants (family-friendly) - Desert Botanical Garden - South Mountain Trails ( Fat Man's Ass) - Sonoran preserve trails Tip - If you're looking for a fun 1/2 day trip check out Quartzite Az after Jan 1 to see a huge gem, mineral, and fossil swap meet... read more

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When you grow up in Buffalo, NY, you know what real winter is. Winter always meant 5 months of snow and clouds (Nov. to Mar.). With all to often a blizzard in October and April. Well, enough about Buffalo. Phoenix winters are starkly different. You get 2 seasons in one day during the winter months in Phoenix. Winter in the morning - with a biting dry cold that pierces your clothes, Fall/Spring weather in the midday to evening. It's an awkward mid 60s that has you rolling down your window, turning the heat on, taking off your jacket and putting on your hat and gloves. Then, back to Winter at night. You'll be able to see your breath in the morning, sweating at noon and shivering at night. Also, when it rains it pours. During December and some of January I've seen the most clouds and rain of any other time, and you see almost no cloudy days or rain in June and July (when you can use a break from the sun the most). Traffic also picks up significantly in December due to the snow birds from Chicago, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Meanwhile cacti are dressed in holiday garb and the palo verde is now a Christmas tree. Now that I've vented significantly... I can say it sure beats Buffalo weather! You can grab a drink and sit on the patio during the day and enjoy sunshine. Winter is also short lived. Winter only lasts from December to February, then it starts to get hot again. I would say March to April in Phoenix is the best weather on the planet. It's mild in the mornings and night and sunny and warm enough to swim, hike and enjoy the great Arizona wilderness. read more

What a very specific thing to review! Phoenix is one of the few places where you can say with delight, "Winter is Coming...." The payoff for enduring 110+ degree days and 90+ degree nights has finally come! Usually starting at the end of October it starts to really cool down (Although this year the evenings have been very pleasant and mild in early October). The winter is the sweet spot of Arizona weather. Not too hot, not too cold. It's the Goldilocks goldmine of temperatures. In the winter the Phoenix area crams as many fun outdoor festivals and events as it can. It's a great time of year. I can finally step outside the house without feeling like my face is melting off (À la Raiders of the Lost Ark). Around holiday time we have seasonal events such as Zoolights and the Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Gardens. I sometimes hear people complain about how there is no seasonal change in our trees, no fall leaves and winter snow. Well I will gladly take a mild sunny winter over a snowy bone chilling one! After living on the East Coast and in the Midwest for several years, I will take a winter in Phoenix any day over a White Christmas anywhere else. read more

I'll use the word "winter" loosely, for, you see, winter isn't winter to me without some sort of white falling flakes from the sky. Nor is it winter without some sort of annoyance, like scrapping frost off your windshield or slipping on the occasional ice patch. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't miss bruised tail bones or shivering to my bones while I wait for my car to heat up. I do, however, miss the change - the crispness in the air, the stark white backdrop to a new day, the trees bending under the weight of Mother Nature. I miss the cycle: life, death, rebirth, celebration. Extract all that from my brain (my own frame of reference) and I'll agree: Phoenix is absolutely great between the months of December and April. May's not even that bad, but can you call May a "winter" month? That's where I become disgruntled. You see, December weather in Phoenix is like fall weather where I used to live. October weather in Phoenix is like spring. I can't seem to keep track of my days here. Months cease to matter. I don't like that very much. Add in the concept of "hot as ballz" during the summertime, and any months outside the range of absurdity are going to seem like pure bliss. But, c'mon, it's all relative. Sure, I may rate "winter" in Phoenix 4 stars, but that's only because it's the only time of the year I don't feel like I'm drowning in my own sweat. It's the only time of the year I can enjoy walking outside, exploring Central Phoenix and other pockets of interest. It's the only time I can expect to need (hopefully) an umbrella (minus the scary monsoon season) or thicker jacket. Maybe even a scarf and gloves! It's the only time I will get to see my own breath, lingering long enough in front of my nose to remind me that, let's face it, these cooler temps are only temporary. What awaits around the corner is the worst kind of pain. Oh, the torment. Oh, the antagonizing sun. Oh, the hell that'll never end. Summer, how I rue thee! read more

Winter in Phoenix - rainy day! - Local Flavor Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Winter in Phoenix, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. When I am sweating in 120 degree summer weather, I think longingly to the 7 months out of the year that are a delicious 75 degrees. I love the smell of winter in Phoenix, yes the smell. It smells like orange blossoms and this perfume scent surprises me with every twist and turn. While I hate how they drive (can we please have a driving lane designated for snow birds?), I love how they make the streets come alive and make the businesses, events and festivals come together for entertainment of every shape and size. I love that I can wear sundresses in December. I love how I can climb Camelback Mountain in the dead of winter wearing nothing but shorts and a light pullover. I love all the events that happen, including the Fiesta Bowl, WM Open, Barrett Jackson and Spring Training. I love waking up in the morning and opening up my doors to a fresh breeze and birds chirping. I love that I can host parties on my patio in December. I love that I can read a book on my patio in December. I don't love the cost of living in the winter, but I do love that because of the tourist population in the winter months, the resorts can offer steal of deals in the summer for their loyal locals. I don't care what your opinion of Phoenix is. This city has amazing weather the majority of the year, tourists flock here to visit and we have every type of terrain just a drive away. #liveandlovelocal read more

12.31.08 Dear Slush Puddles in the South End, I'm so sorry to hear you are getting 10 inches of snow on New Year's Eve. I know how much of a pain it is to have an awesome outfit all planned out only to have to prepare it for the snow. I know that getting a cab on a night like this can be an impossible feat. May your closed toe shoes not get messed up, may your hair style stay in place in the snow and wind, may the bouncer at the bar/club not make you wait for long outside and may you not step in any slush puddles over a foot deep. Chin up, NYE only means 4 more months of winter! Happy New Year! Love, Bare legs and open toes in Phoenix read more

Dear Winter in Phoenix, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME. I loved you all over again this weekend. Signed, Averse to Psychotic Heat Monsters and Seatbelt Sweat Stripes read more

I'm tired of the rain and cold. In Phoenix. I've got my electric blanket on and even my dog is sleeping on the bed to keep warm! Why does it seem colder this year? Why are my knuckles cracking? Why do I need a hot bath every night to warm up before bedtime? Why? Why? Why? Still better than Buffalo, that's for sure! read more

I went for a long walk today wearing my winter wear of light coat, long sleeves, jeans and boots...oh and a tiny light scarf, with the sun shining in the weather just cold enough. I like the snuggling at night too (OH WHAT A DORK)...without all the "Jesus Christ, why the fuck is it so goddamned COLD" and refusing to get out of bed in the morning cause I know the floor is gonna be goddamned cold...then I'm gonna take a hot shower and start crying when I get out of the bathroom cause it is gonna be even colder, crying like a naughty new inmate in a 70s soft porn jail chick flick, begging G-d to just let me put on my clothes without peeing myself for warmth. And bike rides are nice too. read more

I've lived in Arizona for 26 years, since childhood. Every single day of every single winter, like a faithful lover, I've spent a few seconds thinking about how much I adore and cherish this most awesome perfect and beautiful phenomenon known as our winter. Only after writing that sentence did I realize I'd subconsciously borrowed the theme used in Mr K's review. But I'm not changing it, because I feel exactly the same way he does. Fortunately, Winter in Phoenix is a big girl so there's a whole lot of her to go around for all of us to share. For you cold-staters, please don't laugh at us locals for wearing our silly peacoats and (for women) scarves and furry boots. Some of us actually enjoy wearing "winter clothing" and, by your standards, unless we take road trips or flights would never have the opportunity to do so. How simply grand is it that I accidentally left my favorite coat at a friend's house in Tucson last week, and even though it's a bone-chilling 55 degrees outside every day I can choose to live without it and get by with... literally... a t-shirt. I wore a t-shirt all day today as I ran around town doing errands. If I had my coat I probably would've worn that. I have the freedom to make such arbitrary and random decisions. Because of WIP. read more

Te amo invierno en Phoenix. J'aime l'hiver Phoenix. Ich liebe Winter in Phoenix. The winter makes me enamored so, so much so that I want to proclaim I love winter in Phoenix in romance languages. Let's face it. We all love this time of year as the 70 degree days makes us the envy of the nation for a few months. Here are some additional reasons to love Winter in Phoenix beyond the obvious great weather. * Outdoor festivals galore * Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden * MLB Spring Training in March * PF Changs Rock n Roll Marathon * Endless hiking opportunities * FBR Open and the Bird's Nest * Hotties from Minnesota and Chicago who are snowbirding it (I'd hit it) And best of all... * The hibernation of Swamp-Ass until April. read more

The Phoenix area, especially snobby Scottsdale, thinks Winter here is wonderful. Florida is warmer in the Winter. The temperatures in the Phoenix area are normally as follows: May through September -- a range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees October through November -- a range of 50 degrees to 90 degrees December through February -- a range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees March through April -- a range of 50 degrees to 90 degrees read more

Today I am writing from NY. Here is a Haiku to describe the situation: 29 degrees Jet Blue take me to AZ It's cold as balls here read more

It was like a vestige as a hummingbird fluttered in the blooming plant in my entryway as I left my Phoenix home for the last time in January. I remember conscienciously thinking "good bye palm tree, good bye outdoor swimming pool, good bye golf course, good bye", as I drove away and headed for my dismal hotel by the airport. Though a great adventure was ahead of me, I couldn't help but drop a tear as I watched my last Phoenix sunset for a long time. It radiated pink and purple that day as if it was putting on a show just for me, with Camelback and the Papagoes as the backdrop. The people, oh the fabulous people that inhabit Phoenix, come to life in winter. We have events, parties and conventions that are hard to beat...The Waste Management Open, The Super Bowl and even the nerdy International Science and Engineering Fair. And I can't leave out the anticipation of spring training Cactus League baseball. People flock to us in winter be it for the sunshine or whatever, I personally think it is for the nice people. Don't listen to the foolish news, that loves to talk of our strange politics... I guess that is part of the allure in this wild part of the west as well. If you venture to the beautiful valley of the sun in winter, don't be foolish and forget a coat. It may be sunny by day, but until the sun comes up there is frost on the ground. This is after all a desert and it's mood swings in winter are no joke! If it chances to rain, a few days later go for a hike. The blooming cacti and desert flora will fill your nose with the most amazing pungent tropical smells. As I sit here freezing with a jacket, boots and scarf on at a train station typing this review, the thought of Phoenix in winter makes me smile and warm inside. read more

I love winter in Phoenix. The cold, the rain, the clouds -- I LOVE CLOUDY DAYS. I don't like what winter brings with it, though -- Uggs. Seriously, girls, you looking fucking ridiculous. It's 55 outside and you're wearing huge furry boots. If you tried that shit somewhere up north when it was 55 degrees, you'd get laughed out of town. I get it. You think they look cool and you're dying to wear them. But you know what? You live in Arizona. You don't get to wear huge, fuzzy boots. Get over it. read more

Having lived in many cold weather climates throughout my years I have come to a realization, I am not a fan of shoveling snow. Seriously, who wants to do that? You start at one end of your property and by the time you finish you have to start all over again! Yeah, shorts on Christmas is a nice bonus too. Seriously, Phoenix in the winter is the bees knees. read more

Ahhh, Phoenix winters. Just nice enough to justify buying entire lots of "light sweaters" and just cold enough to give me a cold every two weeks from wearing said sweaters. Winter, my weakened immune system and I commend you. read more

What is not to love ?? I have been living my winter's here since 2012. I didn't realize i was a sun-bird (until Fred F.pointed it out to me, I miss Fred!!) and the title fits .. As a native of the east coast for 45 yrs freezing my tukhus off, i can attest to the fact that to be out and about in December is a beautiful thing, no doldrums of blah,blecky gray skied weather, just smiling sunshine raining down upon me. My car looks shiny and salt free, and the nightmare of black ice is just a bad memory . I won't lie and say i don't miss wearing my mink coats(from Oct-Mar) ,and that the holiday season here takes some getting used to (only because i equate cold with Christmas tree's and decorations) still, trading in my minks in Dec.for super cool Pashmina's and cute capelettes wasn't that hard to do ...and what native Phoenicians find freezing temps here at night ,i find to be a cozy just right chill that is totally bearable to walk around in, and sleeping ..mmmm ,just right ! And not for nothing ,but ..Saguaro's decked out in lights is simply gorgeous ! And if i ever find myself longing for a little more nip in the air or snow ...well ,that's what a ski weekend in Vail is for .... Love it ! read more

Winter has the shortest days of the year. The shortest days of the year here have some of the best weather. So, this location in the country has some of its best days as its shortest days - how sad is that? It's like finding your favorite pizza, but you can't have a full meal. Snowbirds ruin everything - restaurants, movie theatres, highways, shopping, parking, etc. The old saying is a good one... so many snowbirds, yet so little freezer space. Go away snowbirds, go away. read more

Wait, what? Winter is over? I....didn't even know it had come. Winters in Michigan are spawned by the devil himself. They are demonic devices used to torture people on the east side of the country, for whatever reason. Why would such a thing as frozen car door handles even exist? Who does that to people? The devil, that's who. Where does 'Black Ice' come from? That's not even a normal type of ice. Only the devil can conjure up something like that. And what about freezing windshields? Huh? Who freezes the windshield...INSIDE OF THE FREAKIN' CAR?!?!?! THE DEVIL, THAT'S WHO!!!! Seriously, the winters here make the blistering summers an afterthought. This is as close to paradise as is possible on Earth. I couldn't believe that I was able to give away my winter coat for good. Hoodies as coats. No need for Lugz boots. Thermal underwear shouldn't even be sold here. read more

No better weather in the world than Winter in Phoenix. We could get as low as the high 20s but that doesn't last very long. Best of all we don't shovel snow! read more

Seriously. This kicks ass. I just talked to my sister, who informed me that in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it is -30*. But at the same time, I'm still wondering how I'll make it through summer. We didn't get here until July this year. Eek. read more

This is a continuation of my other review of Phoenix. I didn't have enough room to address the weather. During the summer, the heat, though dry, is excessively hot. I mean like sticking your head in an oven hot. No joke. You must drink a lot of water to not become dehydrated. The summers last from May through October. Like how people up north stay inside a lot during the winter time, people in Phoenix do the same during the summer time. People talk about the Monsoon rains but many years they are hardly noticeable. Unlike San Diego that gets more rain, Phoenix seems to get very little. When it does rain it comes down in sheets. If we get enough, it washes out roads and is very destructive. People are not careful enough when they drive causing deadly accidents. The winters begin after October & then the heat levels come back down to 100 degrees.....then over the holidays & on in through January it continues to cool off. It is weird having the trees turn color after Xmas, in late January. Because a person becomes so acclimated to the desert heat, when the temp's fall it seems like it's freezing out. The dry air of the desert makes it feel cooler than what it is. I recommend wearing layers. So if your in an interior environment you can adjust your layers to your comfort. However, some people still wear a heavy winter coat. During the winter months, the weather is good for activities like golfing, hiking or bicycling. Golfing is a great activity to pursue after it's warmed up sometime after 10 am. Expect to pay $200+ per round. If you shop around or buy a package, you may be able to get better prices ? To say the least, it seems unrealistically expensive these days ! Hiking a mountain in the winter. Honestly, if your visiting you may find it to be fun. However, after I did it a few times, it lost it's appeal. There doesn't seem to be much to see other than rocks, a few rock formations, a few bushes & buildings. When you get to the top of the mountain the view can be nice & it's interesting to see the valley from the top. But it seems like crown jewel of the vista is the brown pollution cloud that hovers over the Phoenix valley. Bicycling is a great activity, it's an awesome sport & great cardio. I just don't recommend ever getting off your bike. Don't use it for errands & never think your'e safe to lock it up, even for a short period of time. In Phx, my experience with bicycles & other property, has been there's a high probability that eventually it will be stolen. Honestly, I can't help but get the feeling that people in the community watch other's activities in a stalking type manner. Some look out for you but there are other's that are taking note of a persons possessions & patterns. So just when you think it's safe to take your bike to run an errand or lock it up to grab a water, you'll come back to nothing. It will be gone. As much as I'd like to own even the simplest of property, I'm pretty much of the opinion that it's a futile endeavor. Because of the fact that criminals eventually implement their sharing privileges, it seems like I'm living in a communal or a city of people with communist values. Winter time brings thoughts of Christmas time, the birth of Christ, family, joy, peace, happiness & giving. Speaking of giving, you may find yourself giving extra ...to the Grinch porch pirates who will come & steal away the Xmas gifts ordered from Amazon or other retailers. There's also the possibility, the thieves may break into your car while out Xmas shopping but that happens almost everywhere these days. Right ? I recommend being careful when using a card at Circle K's because I've read card skimming there is widespread. Apparently, the Phx PD, although making progress, have had difficulty getting the issue resolved. I'd say the best time to come down to Phoenix is in the spring around Easter time, mid march through April. The weather is awesome that time of the year. In my opinion, it's the sweet spot. But just as you would traveling to any other unfamiliar place, you still need to take proper precautions. Again, based upon my own experiences, I wouldn't entertain the idea of having a condo or a home in a private gated community. The latter aren't patrolled by the police & I've read some communities have problems with thieves bypassing their security systems. I would also have reservations about keeping a condo here for part of the year unless it had at least 5 to 6 levels of security. Otherwise you might not come back to find all of your property intact. The Millionaire weather of winter really doesn't always make it another day in paradise due to the crime, traffic and all the other issues. To conclude, I wouldn't recommend moving here but I would recommend putting it on your list of places to visit. Just be careful. read more

Don't go Winter. Please. Pretty please. I mean I know you have to go eventually. To make way for your evil twin. Summer. That bitch. I'm just asking if you can linger until July 4th. Then I'll be ready for three digit temps, scorching sun rays and melting steering wheels. I just want to party with your 70 degree self a wee bit longer. Thanks for listening Winter. You've been good to me so far... read more

Goodbye ..Winter 09 we barely knew thee!! It's time for Spring , pack away your sweaters, get out your shorts!!

I'm loving this place!!! this is why people move here. a little rain, and not much more. the sun shines when the snow falls elsewhere. i can ride my bike in January...un-heard of on the east. i like that i get to wear a sweater, wigs and sometimes gloves-because i'm an accessories W----re. i now have the train at my beck and call...its making the city an even more beautiful place to be. i should stop complimenting this place or our population will triple again. YIKES. thankfully the sprawl has losts its glow and we are moving on up!!! the downtown sky rises and new housing is doing wonders for the city. i remember when the sunset=desolate baren city of phoenix, not anymore!!! gotta love this place, tried to leave so many times, but always end up right back here. maybe i'll stay....maybe. read more

Born and raised here, got smart and leave for the summers. I LOVE Phoenix in the winter! Green grass, cool weather flowers, glorious sun, resort wear, swimming, cocktails by an outdoor fire vs snow boots, scraping the windshield of ice, wearing tons of clothes and sitting in front of a "sad" light. Lets see, thats a tough one! One nice cashmere sweater will fix this little bit of cold we are experiencing. read more

I will apologize now, just to get it out of the way :) Winter in Phoenix is not winter, oh the calendar says December, but in reality it's barely Fall. I know, it's a desert, but people really need to relax if it's cloudy and rainy for more than 2 hours. I swear If I hear " I hate the clouds and rain" one more time I'll snap "Boston Style" Seriously it's sunny here 320 days a year, and over 100 at least 30 - 40 days a year. Another 75 days are spent hovering between 90 - 99, and the rest, is like a decent summer day in Boston. So get over it, it's raining, and it's below 70, break out your wool sweaters, and UGG boots, quick!! I welcome the variety, the change, the difference. I like weather that provokes you, and gives you feelings, and emotions, that sets a time table for understanding the world around you. 4 seasons inspires, the change is welcome, the colors, the scent, the food, the clothing, the difference is great. So embrace the change, it will be hot as $hit in no time, and sunny everyday, you can all put your flip flops back on, and cargo shorts very soon, don't worry it will be OK. Oh and be sure to drive 25 MPH when it's raining, because modern day tires don't work well on wet surfaces, and wiper blades in AZ, don't work the same as they do in the North East. I know all you complainers are not from Arizona, so you have no excuse for not knowing how to drive in the rain..../end rant, goes back to planning my move back to Boston LOL! :) read more

I'm not a fan of Phoenix weather, at all. The air and water quality here is a mess, too. Winter is just bearable for me. Unfortunately, I'm stuck here because of my job, and other personal reasons. And I am especially disappointed this Winter (2009). I wait all damn summer for "winter" (not that I would ever call what happens here in Dec/Jan a winter). And, its 83 F'n degrees in January. Oh well... I'm one of those oddballs that loves to be cold. Not bitter cold. But, I'm very happy in the 40's. Some might say. Why the heck do you live in Pheonix? Sometimes, its not that simple. You know how some people get depressed in the dreary climates, like in the Pacific Northwest? I am the exact opposite. I can't be the only person. Can I? :) read more

umm nothing beats it. why else do snow birds flock here for the winter?