The climate of Scottsdale
Best defined as a Subtropical desert and categorized by the Köppen climate classification as BWh, the city of
Scottsdale,
Arizona presents a unique climate experience for its inhabitants. This metropolis, tucked away in the state of Arizona, United States, is dominated by two primary seasons - a lengthy and hot summer, and a brief, mild winter.
Throughout the year, the highest temperatures generally fluctuate between 62.8°F (17.1°C) in
December and a scorching 102.6°F (39.2°C) in
July. Putting into perspective, the city’s coolest months stay well above freezing, and the heat during summer can be intense. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest temperatures only drop to around 46.9°F (8.3°C) in
January and rise to 84.4°F (29.1°C) in
August.
Relative humidity in Scottsdale is significantly low, typically staying between 16% during the dry months of
May and
June to 44% in wetter December. Precipitation is scanty, with the period from June to August receiving the least, ranging from 0.08" (2mm) to 0.12" (3mm). The maximum rainfall occurs between July and
September, with approximately an inch of rain recorded during these months. High-pressure conditions are prevalent throughout the year, the barometric pressure staying between 29.81" (757mm) in June and 30.09" (764mm) in January.
The best time to visit Scottsdale
A trip to
Scottsdale would be most enjoyable during the spring months of
March through
May. The average high temperatures vary between 75.7°F (24.3°C) in March and 90.1°F (32.3°C) in May, while nighttime lows ranging between 55.4°F (13°C) to 67.1°F (19.5°C) ensure cool and pleasant conditions. These spring months also witness Scottsdale bathed in abundant sunshine, clocking between 9.2 hours to 11.9 hours daily. Rainfall is minimal, offering the best conditions to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city's landscape.
The worst time to visit Scottsdale
The period from
June to
August presents less favorable conditions for visitors, given the extreme heat that characterizes this desert climate. Average high temperatures are relentless, reaching 101.8°F (38.8°C) in June and peaking at 102.6°F (39.2°C) in
July. Nighttime temperatures also remain fairly warm, ranging between 75.7°F (24.3°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C). Also, these summer months register the lowest humidity levels‚ a mere 16 to 19%, intensifying the sensation of heat.
Spring weather in Scottsdale
Spring in
Scottsdale is characterized by escalating temperatures and declining rainfall.
March begins with a high of 75.7°F (24.3°C), which by
May end reaches 90.1°F (32.3°C). Nighttime temperatures also rise from 55.4°F (13°C) to 67.1°F (19.5°C). Rainfall is relatively low throughout the period, declining gradually from 0.63" (16mm) in March to 0.12" (3mm) in May. This season is also marked by abundant sunshine, with the city receiving increasing hours of daily sunshine, from 9.2 hours in March to 11.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Scottsdale
Summers in
Scottsdale are notably hot and arid. From
June to
August, daytime maximum temperatures surpass the 100°F (37.8°C) mark, reaching 101.8°F (38.8°C) in June and peaking at 102.6°F (39.2°C) in
July. Minimum temperatures also remain quite high, increasing from 75.7°F (24.3°C) in June to 84.4°F (29.1°C) in August. The city registers its lowest rainfall and humidity levels during this season. June stands out as the driest month, with a meager average rainfall of just 0.08" (2mm).
Autumn weather in Scottsdale
Autumn sees a transition from the intense summer heat to milder conditions. The temperature highs decrease from 95.9°F (35.5°C) in
September to 73.4°F (23°C) by
November. Minimum temperatures also drop considerably from 77.9°F (25.5°C) to 55.8°F (13.2°C) in the same period. Rainfall begins to pick up, with November documenting an increased average rainfall of 0.51" (13mm).
Winter weather in Scottsdale
Winter months in
Scottsdale provide a stark contrast to the preceding seasons. Average high temperatures decrease from 62.8°F (17.1°C) in
December to a year-round low by
January at 64°F (17.8°C) before rising to 67.5°F (19.7°C) in
February. Nighttime lows hover between 46.9°F (8.3°C) in January and 49.5°F (9.7°C) in February. These months experience the highest average relative humidity values over the year, reaching 44% by December. Despite the increased humidity, rainfall remains scarce, with December and February both recording 0.87" (22mm).
Weather in January
The year in
Scottsdale,
Arizona begins with chilly, yet moderate conditions, with temperatures rarely dropping below 46.9°F (8.3°C). The skies frequently shine clear, as
January is one of the months boasting the fewest cloud cover.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a slight climb in temperatures with weather remaining generally cool yet comfortable. The days begin to lengthen, bringing more sunshine than
January. Rainfall stays minimal, keeping the outdoors manageable and dry.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Come
March, temperatures in
Scottsdale,
Arizona continue rising, hinting the onset of the warmer half of the year. Relative humidity dips, leading to lower precipitation, with rainfall amounts significantly lower than those during the winter months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April introduces the residents of
Scottsdale,
Arizona to warmer days as the temperatures show a further increase. April sees its humidity levels dropping to 21%, reflecting the gradual transition towards hotter months. The days continue to stretch, offering more sunshine hours per day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Scottsdale,
Arizona residents witness a noticeable shift towards higher temperatures, hinting at the forthcoming summer. The clear, bright blue skies dominate the month with a low cloud cover of only 8%. Despite the rise in temperature, the humidity continues to drop, reaching the lowest value for the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the highest temperatures of the year, with
Scottsdale,
Arizona experiencing up to 101.8°F (38.8°C). Residents can enjoy nearly perfect visibility throughout June, thanks to the least cloud cover seen all year. Barring any sporadic showers, drought-like conditions prevail with little rainfall over the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend of high temperatures, breaking
June's record by hitting 102.6°F (39.2°C). Despite the heat,
Scottsdale,
Arizona sees a resurgence in rainfall after a dry June, marking the onset of the monsoon season. Cloud cover increases, providing intermittent relief from the searing sun.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Scottsdale,
Arizona,
August remains hot, replicating
July's maximum temperatures. Despite the high heat, rainfall amounts increase slightly from the previous month, averaging at 0.94" (24mm). An occasional cloud cover provides infrequent shelter from the relentless sun.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings with it a marked decrease in temperatures, paving the way for more manageable conditions. Despite the heat of the summer abating, rainfall stays consistent with
August's totals, extending
Scottsdale,
Arizona's wettest period of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures, making the weather in
Scottsdale,
Arizona more enjoyable. The increased cloud cover adds variety to the skies while enticing residents to the outdoors. As the monsoon retreats, rainfall decreases to less than an inch, bringing drier days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings significant changes to
Scottsdale,
Arizona's weather conditions, marking a shift towards colder temperatures and denser cloud cover. With rainfall totaling to 0.51" (13mm), the environment remains dry despite increased cloud cover.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ends the year in
Scottsdale,
Arizona with a return to winter-like conditions, marked by temperatures dipping to an average low of 47.3°F (8.5°C). The high relative humidity of 44% doesn't translate into significant precipitation, leaving the month relatively dry.
Weather in December »