Ask anyone who lives in Scottsdale year-round when the best time of year is, and you will get the same answer: right now. From November through April, the weather is warm and dry, the golf courses are green, patios fill up, and the calendar gets busy in the best way.
If you are visiting this winter, or thinking about making Scottsdale your winter home, here is what the season looks like.
What the weather is really like
Winter days are usually sunny and comfortable, often in the 60s and 70s, which is why so many people trade snow for the desert. Nights are cooler than most visitors expect, especially in the higher desert of North Scottsdale and Carefree, so bring a jacket for evenings. Every few years, the high desert even sees a dusting of snow on the saguaros.
The winter calendar
- January: the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction takes over WestWorld of Scottsdale.
- February: the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, one of the best-attended events in golf, and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld.
- Late February and March: spring training. The Diamondbacks and Rockies play at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, and the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town.
- All season: farmers markets, art walks, patio dinners and some of the best hiking weather of the year.
Golf season
Winter is peak golf season in Scottsdale. Courses are overseeded and green, tee times fill up quickly, and clubs are at their busiest. If you are a member somewhere, this is when you will see your friends on the course. If you are not, book public and resort tee times well ahead, especially around the Phoenix Open.
Plan ahead
- Reservations: popular restaurants book up, especially on weekends and during big events.
- Traffic: roads near TPC Scottsdale, WestWorld and Old Town get busy during major events. Leave extra time.
- Rentals and hotels: winter is high season, so book early if family is coming to visit.
Why winter matters for buyers and sellers
Many people fall in love with Scottsdale during a winter visit, and a lot of home shopping happens between January and April as seasonal buyers arrive. If you are thinking about buying, winter is a great time to tour communities and see what daily life feels like when everything is in full swing. If you are selling, it helps to have your home ready to show when those buyers are in town.
Quick answers
What is the weather like in Scottsdale in winter?
Usually sunny and mild, with many days in the 60s and 70s. Nights are cooler, especially in North Scottsdale and Carefree, so a jacket helps in the evenings.
When is the WM Phoenix Open?
It is held each February at TPC Scottsdale. Check the tournament’s official site for this year’s dates.
Is winter a good time to buy a home in Scottsdale?
It is the busiest season, with the most buyers and the most activity. It is a great time to tour communities, though competition can be higher than in summer.
If you are coming to Scottsdale this winter and want to see a few communities while you are here, let me know your dates. The North Scottsdale area guide is a good place to start planning.
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