If this is your first winter in Arizona, you may be curious about what to expect from a Sonoran desert winter. Whatever part of the country or world you’re from, a Sonoran desert winter is a unique experience.
Southern Arizona’s Mild, Dry Winter Weather
Most parts of Arizona are known for their mild, dry winter weather, especially when compared to weather in the Pacific Northwest or East Coast. We don’t get a lot of rain in the winter here in Southern Arizona, and while it does get cold, especially overnight, it rarely drops below 20-30 degrees. If you’re planning an overnight camping trip, you’ll need to plan for the cold overnight temperatures, but for most residents, the winter cold doesn’t feel very harsh.
Northern Arizona’s Snowy, Unpredictable Weather
Northern Arizona weather is a different story. It can and does snow, and the weather can be unpredictable. Northern Arizona also offers a variety of winter activities and sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Higher elevations also see snow, and you’ll definitely need snow tires or chains to navigate icy roads in the colder parts of Arizona.
Length of the Winter Season
In other parts of the country, winter weather might begin in October and extend through March. In most parts of Arizona, however, it doesn’t start getting consistently cold until late November to mid-December. The coldest weather typically arrives in late January, but by February it’s already starting to warm up again, and by March it’s usually alternating between chilly and hot.
If you’re interested in moving to Arizona, or staying here through the winter season, contact us at Castle & Cooke. You can learn more about our available properties by calling us today or contacting us online.