Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a unique climate that makes it an attractive destination for those who enjoy sunny weather.
The city experiences over 300 days of sunshine each year, with minimal rainfall, averaging around 11 inches per year.
Summers are characterized by sweltering heat, with temperatures often soaring to 106°F and occasionally reaching up to 111°F during peak months.
During the winter months, Scottsdale cools down to more comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 44°F to 66°F.
The clear skies and mild winter climate make it a perfect time for outdoor activities.
Rainfall tends to increase slightly in the winter, providing a bit more moisture compared to the dry summer months.
For more detailed information on the climate throughout the year, including temperature, precipitation, and hours of sunshine, you can check out this climate graph.
Scottsdale’s weather is ideal for those who love the outdoors, making it a year-round playground for activities like golfing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of Arizona.
Average Temperature In Scottsdale, Arizona
The weather in Scottsdale is warm throughout the year.
January is one of the coolest months, with an average high of 67°F and a low of 43°F.
Temperatures begin to rise in February with averages between 69°F and 46°F.
In March, the temperatures increase further. The average high reaches 78°F, and the low around 53°F.
April brings more warmth with highs near 85°F and lows around 59°F.
May sees even higher temperatures, with an average high of 94°F and low of 68°F.
June is notably hot, averaging 103°F for the high temperature and around 76°F for the low.
July is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring to an average high of 105°F and a low of 84°F.
August is also very warm, with highs around 104°F and lows near 83°F.
September sees a slight drop in temperatures. The averages are about 98°F for the high and 76°F for the low.
Meanwhile, October continues to cool, averaging a high of 88°F and low of 63°F.
In November, temperatures become milder, with highs around 76°F and lows around 51°F.
Finally, December is the coldest month, averaging a high of 66°F and a low of 45°F.
Average Precipitation In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona experiences low annual precipitation and almost no snowfall. The driest month is typically June.
Average Rainfall In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale receives very little rainfall throughout the year. The city averages around 9.2 inches of total precipitation annually.
June is usually the driest month, with barely any rain, often recording just 0.08 inches of precipitation.
Monsoon season occurs in the summer, with July and August receiving the highest rainfall.
These months account for significant amounts of the yearly total, with July averaging around 1.05 inches and August about 1.14 inches of rain.
Residents and visitors alike should prepare for sudden and short-lived heavy rainfalls during these monsoon months.
The rainfall helps replenish the arid landscape and provides a break from the usual dry conditions.
Average Snow In Scottsdale, Arizona
Snowfall in Scottsdale is extremely rare. The city’s climate and geography do not support regular snowfall.
Scottsdale doesn’t typically receive any snow.
The low winter temperatures still remain above freezing most of the time, eliminating the possibility of snow.
If any snow does occur, it is usually in trace amounts that do not accumulate on the ground.
Residents should not expect ice or heavy snow even in the coldest months, making Scottsdale an attractive winter destination.
Those interested in snow activities would need to visit higher elevations nearby, such as Flagstaff, to experience a snowy environment.
Average Sun In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its abundant sunshine and clear skies, offering residents and visitors long days filled with sunlight and minimal cloud cover throughout the year.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Scottsdale, Arizona
In Scottsdale, the average daily shortwave solar energy, or the amount of sunlight hitting the ground, varies significantly throughout the year.
During the summer months, particularly in June, the city receives the most sunlight, with an average of around 8.5 kWh per square meter.
Winter months see a decrease, with December averaging about 3.5 kWh per square meter.
Scottsdale enjoys approximately 4,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest places in the United States.
Days are long in summer, with sunrise around 5:15 AM and sunset close to 7:45 PM.
Winter days are shorter, with sunrise near 7:30 AM and sunset around 5:20 PM.
The city experiences mostly sunny or partly cloudy days, contributing to its attractive climate for outdoor activities.
Residents can expect very minimal cloud cover, ensuring consistent sunlight for most of the year.
Average Humidity In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona experiences dry conditions throughout the year. The average humidity levels vary significantly between seasons.
Monthly Average Humidity:
- January: 49%
- February: 45%
- March: 38%
- April: 29%
- May: 23%
- June: 18%
- July: 29%
- August: 31%
- September: 28%
- October: 31%
- November: 41%
- December: 47%
Scottsdale’s humidity is lowest in June, with an average of just 18%.
July and August see a slight increase to around 29%-31%, influenced by the monsoon season.
During these months, the humid conditions can feel more intense due to high temperatures.
The highest humidity levels are observed in January and December, reaching 49% and 47% respectively.
The combination of low humidity and high temperatures, particularly in summer, makes Scottsdale’s climate challenging for those not accustomed to such dry conditions.
Summer months are notably arid, contributing to the characteristic desert environment of Arizona.
Average Wind In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona experiences mild to moderate wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed is around 6 mph, with variations depending on the season.
The highest wind speeds are typically observed in the spring months, especially in April.
During this time, the winds can reach up to 8 mph, making April the windiest month in Scottsdale.
In contrast, the fall months, particularly October, experience lower wind speeds, averaging around 4 mph.
Here’s a table summarizing the average wind speeds in Scottsdale for a few key months:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 5 |
| April | 8 |
| July | 7 |
| October | 4 |
Spring is known for its breezy conditions, while summer winds are typically consistent with brief gusts.
The average wind does not usually interfere with daily activities, making Scottsdale a great place for outdoor activities almost all year round.
Average Air Quality In Scottsdale, Arizona
The air quality in Scottsdale, Arizona is tracked daily and reported through various tools. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure and report air quality in a specific area.
On most days, Scottsdale’s air quality falls within the “Good” range with an AQI between 0 and 50. This indicates that air pollution poses little or no risk.
For instance, recent reports show that the AQI in Scottsdale is often as low as 38. This level is considered very healthy for the general population.
Common Pollutants:
- PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers)
- Ozone
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
The primary sources of pollution in Scottsdale include vehicle emissions and dust from the desert environment.
During the summer months, higher temperatures can sometimes lead to elevated ozone levels.
The local weather also affects air quality.
Warmer temperatures and low wind speeds can cause pollutants to linger in the atmosphere, reducing air quality.
Here’s a quick look at the AQI categories:
| AQI Level | Description | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | No risk |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Some risk for sensitive groups |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy (SG) | Risk for sensitive groups |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Increased risk for everyone |
Monitoring air quality helps residents make better lifestyle choices and protect their health.
Topography Of Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, boasts diverse topography.
The city stretches for 31 miles and covers varied elevations. The highest elevation reaches 3,914 feet, while the lowest point is 1,004 feet.
Latitude and Longitude:
- Northern boundary: 33.90053° N, 111.75607° W
- Southern boundary: 33.33422° N, 112.08602° W
Elevation:
- Average: 1,358 feet
- Minimum: 1,004 feet
- Maximum: 3,914 feet
Scottsdale’s terrain is part of the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert. The city is set in the Salt River Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Sun”.
Timezone:
- Mountain Standard Time (MST) all year, as Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.
Scottsdale is depicted on the “Paradise Valley” USGS topo map, which aids in understanding the city’s elevation changes. The most significant topographical features include the McDowell Mountains to the northeast and the vast, flat expanses spreading westward.
Scottsdale features a variety of terrains, from rugged mountainous areas to low-lying desert valleys. The mix of elevations creates unique landscapes that are significant for local surface movement.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its dry, hot climate, but it also experiences various extreme weather events.
Flash Flooding
Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, especially during the monsoon season. The sudden downpours overwhelm the dry, hard soil, which cannot absorb water quickly. This results in rapid runoff and flooding in low-lying areas, washes, and streets.
Severe Storms
Severe storms occasionally strike Scottsdale. These storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail. For instance, damaging storms with winds and large hail have hit the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale.
Wildfires
Due to the hot and dry conditions, wildfires are a significant concern. The region has experienced numerous wildfire events, often exacerbated by strong winds. These fires can be dangerous and cause large-scale evacuations and damage.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is common, with summer temperatures often soaring above 100°F. Prolonged periods of this heat can lead to heatwaves, severely impacting health and safety.
Dust Storms
Dust storms, or haboobs, are another weather phenomenon in Scottsdale. Strong winds lift loose soil and create massive dust clouds, reducing visibility and impacting air quality.
Rare Snowfall
While uncommon, snowfall can occur in Scottsdale. Such events are typically light and brief but can surprise residents accustomed to warmer weather.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a destination with unique weather patterns that vary each season. The best times to visit depend on personal preferences, such as mild temperatures and outdoor activities.
What Is Scottsdale, Arizona Like In Spring
Spring is a popular season to visit Scottsdale. In March and April, the temperatures range from the 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. Spring also features various events and festivals. The weather is generally dry, and the wildflowers bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
What Is Scottsdale, Arizona Like In Summer
Summers in Scottsdale are very hot. June, July, and August often see temperatures soaring above 100°F, making it the hottest time of the year. Despite the heat, the summer months have fewer tourists, which can be a plus for those looking to avoid crowds. Indoor attractions, air-conditioned venues, and poolside relaxation are common ways to cope with the extreme heat.
What Is Scottsdale, Arizona Like In Fall
Fall offers a reprieve from the summer heat. Mid-October to November presents milder temperatures, typically in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. This season is perfect for exploring the desert and engaging in outdoor activities like walking tours and outdoor dining. The crowd levels are moderate, and visitors can enjoy beautiful, clear skies.
What Is Scottsdale, Arizona Like In Winter
Winter in Scottsdale is mild and pleasant. December to February temperatures generally range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit during the day, with cooler nights.
Winter also marks the coldest month, with some rain, but it’s typically dry.
This season is great for travelers looking to escape harsh winter weather elsewhere. There’s a balance of tourists, making it suitable for leisure and relaxation.