The climate of Phoenix
Phoenix lies within the tropical climate zone of the Köppen classification: the Am, standing for Tropical Monsoon. Essential to note, this tropical monsoon climate characterizes the monsoon with a dry season in a tropical area. Cross-referencing these conditions with weather throughout the year, weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns remain constant but with noticeable variations.
Over the year, temperatures range from a low of 20.7°C (69.3°F) up to a high of 28.5°C (83.3°F). The lowest temperatures are typically around 20.9°C (69.6°F) in
July, with the highest generally around 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
February. Relative humidity, on the other hand, remains almost consistent hovering around mid-70%, implying a humid tropical atmosphere.
Rainfall varies, offering a small window of dryness during certain months. The driest month is
September with only 15mm (0.59") of precipitation while February and
March experiences the most rainfall, up to 129mm (5.08") and 121mm (4.76") respectively. Sunshine hours also vary, with winter months experiencing fewer daylight hours - around 10.9 hours in
June, and up to 13.4 hours in
December. A similar pattern is seen in sunshine duration, with a low of 6.2hours in July and a high of 10.2 hours in
October.
Interestingly, Phoenix experiences cloudy conditions throughout the year with cloud cover extending from 38% in October to 45% in
April. The wind also varies, with average wind speeds varying from 16.4km/h (10.2mph) in
November to 22.8km/h (14.2mph) in
August.
The best time to visit Phoenix
Taking into consideration factors such as humidity, rainfall, and temperature, the best time to visit
Phoenix would be between
May and
September. While temperatures are a bit lower, ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F), these months also register the least amount of rainfall. Precipitation during these months ranges from 15mm (0.59") to 29mm (1.14") providing drier conditions. Furthermore, they have relatively high sunshine hours making them the ideal for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Phoenix
February and
March prove to be the least favorable months to visit
Phoenix. Despite having the highest temperatures, these months also register the most rainfall, with up to 129mm (5.08") and 121mm (4.76") respectively, causing weather disruptions. The relative humidity increases slightly, further intensifying the heated conditions.
Spring weather in Phoenix
In
Phoenix, spring spans from
September to
November. Temperatures during these months are quite balanced, ranging from 23.7°C (74.7°F) in September to 26.3°C (79.3°F) in November. The months also receive less rainfall, going from 15mm (0.59") in September to 45mm (1.77") in November. The daily sunshine duration also gradually increases from 8.8 hours in September to 10.6 hours in November.
Summer weather in Phoenix
Summer in
Phoenix is between
December and
February with temperatures from 27.6°C (81.7°F) in December to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in February. Despite having the highest temperature range, these months receive a significant amount of rainfall, reaching 129mm (5.08") in February. Sunshine hours are high, peaking at 13.4 hours in December.
Autumn weather in Phoenix
From
March to
May Phoenix experiences autumn. Temperature ranges drop a bit from 28.2°C (82.8°F) in March to 25.6°C (78.1°F) in May. March is also the month with the second-highest rainfall in the year at 121mm (4.76"), but by May, the rainfall drops significantly to 29mm (1.14"). Average daylight hours decrease during this season, going from 12.2 hours in March to 11.2 hours in May.
Winter weather in Phoenix
Winter months in
Phoenix are
June,
July, and
August where temperatures range from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). Rainfall is at its lowest during these months with an average of 20mm (0.79"). Despite the minor reduction in temperature, cloud cover is at the lowest percentage, providing plenty of sunshine. Average daylight hours during these months range from 11 hours to 11.6 hours, still providing plentiful daylight.
Weather in January
Phoenix experiences a warm start to the year in
January, a month distinguished by its relatively high temperature and humidity. One notable attribute of January is the rainfall of 129mm (5.08") which is among the highest for the year, implying a fairly wet start for Phoenix.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Significant characteristics of
February weather in
Phoenix is a slight dip in rainfall from 129mm (5.08") to 121mm (4.76"), coupled with the highest relative humidity of 78%. Ties with
January are evident, and the onset of a trend towards a decrease in rainfall can be discerned.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With a further reduction in rainfall to 97mm (3.82"),
March weather in
Phoenix underscores the continuing trend of diminishing rains initiated in
February. The temperature is still relatively high, making for a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The decreased rainfall observed in
February and
March continues its course into
April, reaching 57mm (2.24") and setting the stage for even drier months ahead. Beyond the measurable decrease in rainfall, a distinct reduction in both temperature and humidity mark April's place in
Phoenix's climate narrative.
Weather in April »Weather in May
While
May is typically characterized by the negligible rainfall figure of 29mm (1.14"), it maintains the equilibrium between temperature and humidity observed since
April in
Phoenix. This month ushers in a different temperature range that prepares Phoenix for the subsequent months of lower rainfall and humidity levels.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is defined by the near absence of rainfall in
Phoenix, registering a mere 22mm (0.87") of precipitation. The reduction in rainfall is accompanied by a considerable decline in relative humidity to 74%. The dipping rainfall along with the decreasing humidity suggests the onset of a markedly dry and cold phase in Phoenix's weather patterns.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As a testament to the continuing trend of falling precipitation,
July receives only 18mm (0.71") of rainfall, the lowest for the year in
Phoenix. The relative humidity slips further to 74%, accompanying the marked decrease in precipitation.
Weather in July »Weather in August
With an impressive pressure reading of 1021mb, the highest for the year,
August creates a unique weather pattern in
Phoenix. August is the month where the decrease in temperature from the first half of the year is at its most noticeable, cementing its position within the transitionary phase between the first and second halves of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September's standout figure comes in the form of its UV index value at 6, representing the year's most subdued figure in
Phoenix. This month takes the fluctuation of weather elements a step further by increasing the temperature slightly while still maintaining low humidity levels.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Phoenix experiences a significant leap in rainfall come
October, with the precipitation bouncing back to 23mm (0.91") from the annual low of 15mm (0.59") in
September. This upswing in the rainfall, combined with a slight rise in temperature, conveys a distinct shift in Phoenix's weather patterns.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Phoenix sees a rebound in rainfall as it escalates to 45mm (1.77"), while temperature trends remain on par with preceding periods. This ascendancy in rainfall, twinned with a maintained temperature, underlines a distinct progression in Phoenix's climate patterns.
Weather in November » Weather in December
A noticeable feature is the significant rise in precipitation, culminating with 72mm (2.83") to end
Phoenix's annual rainfall trends on a high note. With
December's undeniable shift to a wetter period, the evolution of Phoenix's weather patterns sees it complete its annual cycle.
Weather in December » [Resources]