Climate and monthly weather forecastTempe, AZ

The climate of Tempe

Map lines of Köppen climate classifications place Tempe, Arizona, USA firmly within a BWh, or subtropical desert, climate zone. This categorization reveals a landscape that experiences high temperatures and scant precipitation throughout the year.

A closer inspection of the region's typical climate information shows that peak temperatures fluctuate vastly over the year, ranging from a more mild 62.8°F (17.1°C) in December to a sweltering 102.6°F (39.2°C) in July. Minimum temperatures also follow this trend. Though the nights are cooler, they, too, range broadly from 46.9°F (8.3°C) in January to an overnight high of 84.4°F (29.1°C) in August. Relative air humidity, another important weather marker, has its lowest values in June at 16%, while it reaches a high of 44% in December.

Precipitation is a rare event in this desert climate. Respective values peak in July at 1.14" (29mm), but drop to a mere 0.08" (2mm) in June, the driest month. If measured in days, rainfall occurs only once in June but hits a maximum of 10.2 days in July. Despite the limited rainfall, Tempe enjoys abundant daylight from 10 hours per day in December to 14.3 hours in June. As for sunshine hours, they remain generous year-round, varying between 6.8 hours in December and 12.1 hours in both June and August.

In subtropical desert climates like Tempe's, wind remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with average speeds generally staying between 4.4mph (7.1km/h) in December and 6.3mph (10.1km/h) from April to May. Nonetheless, sporadic gusts can reach speeds of up to 9.2mph (14.8km/h) in April.

The best time to visit Tempe

Tempe's blistering summer heat can be distressing for visitors unaccustomed to such conditions. Therefore, the preferable time to visit falls largely in the milder months of Spring and Autumn. Lighter temperatures, coupled with the region's abundant sunshine hours, create a pleasant climate which heightens the attractiveness of the months from March to May and September to November.

The worst time to visit Tempe

Unbearing heat marks the summer months as the most uncomfortable time to visit Tempe. The scorching temperatures often exceed 100°F (37.8°C) during this parched season, July's average high being 102.6°F (39.2°C). This extreme climate condition can be a significant deterrent to prospective tourists

Spring weather in Tempe

Typically, Spring graces Tempe with comfortably warm temperatures. The highs can be expected to hover between 64°F (17.8°C) in March and a warmth-filled 90.1°F (32.3°C) by late May, while the Springtime lows scale from 46.9°F (8.3°C) in March to 67.1°F (19.5°C) in May. This season also showcases a reduction in rainfall, diminishing from 0.63" (16mm) in March to as low as 0.12" (3mm) in May. A steady increase in sunshine hours and daylight complements the season, offering bright and long days to enjoy.

Summer weather in Tempe

The summer season in Tempe can be quite challenging due to the extreme heat. From June through August, temperatures frequently nudge their way above 100°F (37.8°C). The nights offer little respite as temperatures linger around a warm 75.7°F (24.3°C) in June and climb to an uncomfortable 84.4°F (29.1°C) in August. This is also the season of major contrast in rainfall patterns, June, with negligible precipitation, to the notably wet July, averaging 1.14" (29mm) of rain.

Autumn weather in Tempe

Autumn marks the retreat of the summer heatwave in Tempe. The transition from September's high of 95.9°F (35.5°C) to November's 73.4°F (23°C) indicates a steady cooling trend. A similar pattern is noticed during the night as the balmy temperature of 77.9°F (25.5°C) in September falls steadily to 55.8°F (13.2°C) in November. Rainfall rates and the number of rain days increase marginally during this period.

Winter weather in Tempe

Winter in Tempe brings the lowest temperatures of the year. With daytime averages oscillating from 73.4°F (23°C) in November down to 62.8°F (17.1°C) in December and overnight lows dropping to 47.3°F (8.5°C) toward the end of the year, this makes it the coolest season. Despite considerable chill in the air, the rainfall remains relatively low, oscillating from 0.51" (13mm) in November to 0.87" (22mm) in December. This period also offers shorter days and reduced sunshine hours compared to the rest of the year.

Weather in January

January is considered the coldest month in Tempe, Arizona, with temperatures ranging from 46.9°F (8.3°C) to 64°F (17.8°C). However, the city still receives more than 7.1 hours of sunlight, allowing for comfortable outdoor activities. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Tempe experiences a slight increase in temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours compared to January. Known for its longer days, February gathers around 11 hours of daylight. The UV index remains relatively low, allowing for ample outdoor exploration without the worry of excessive sun damage. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings warmer weather to Tempe, with temperatures ranging from 55.4°F (13°C) to 75.7°F (24.3°C). The city enjoys a little over 12 hours of daylight, complemented by low cloud coverage and moderate wind speeds. Relative humidity drops, influencing a drier climate, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As spring gets into full swing in April, Tempe sees further increases in temperature and sunlight. The amount of rainfall sees a significant decrease to just 0.16" (4mm), marking this month as the onset of the dry period. Expansive, clear blue skies dominate, with only 12% cloud cover, enhancing visibility across the city. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May introduces the residents of Tempe to the beginning of the summer heat with temperatures soaring up to 90.1°F (32.3°C). The cloud cover diminishes noticeably, and like April, May continues the trend of reduced rainfall with only 0.12" (3mm) falling throughout the month. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Tempe is marked by the summer solstice providing the most daylight hours of the year, approximately 14.3 hours. The dry landscape is characteristic of this month, with rainfall being almost negligible, only 0.08" (2mm). The comfort provided by the wind begins to wane, while cloud cover also dwindles. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues with the high summer temperatures, the mercury often reaching a peak of 102.6°F (39.2°C), the pinnacle for the year. However, this month sees a stark increase in the number of rainy days to 10.2, totalling 1.14" (29mm), offering relief to the parched landscapes of the previous month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The weather in August maintains similar patterns to July with the city experiencing high temperatures nearing 101.8°F (38.8°C). Rainfall remains relatively high with 0.94" (24mm) spread over nine days. The wind speed slows down, complementing the increased humidity levels. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees a decline in temperature and rainfall in Tempe as the transition from summer to fall begins. Even as temperatures drop to a comfortable range, the length of daylight hours decreases noticeably. Relative humidity, cloud cover, and visibility remain fairly constant, ensuring consistent weather throughout the month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings along a significant dip in temperatures, which now range from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C). The weather during this month is characterized by dry conditions with minimal rainfall of 0.94" (24mm). The wind speed remains constant alongside cloud cover, creating a balanced scenario suitable for various activities. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November signifies the onset of winter in Tempe with a noticeable drop in temperature down to 73.4°F (23°C). The amount of hours of sunshine and daylight reduces as the days become shorter. Despite the decrease in temperature, rainfall remains relatively low at 0.51" (13mm), ensuring the weather remains mostly dry. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December is known for its cooler temperatures in Tempe, with the thermometer generally fluctuating between 47.3°F (8.5°C) to 62.8°F (17.1°C). However, despite being the coolest month, the city still enjoys a significant amount of daylight and sunshine. Weather in December »