It's Too HOT To Live In Or Visit Arizona In The Summer! Are You Sure?

When I talk to people who are not from our state, they usually say that Arizona is a wonderful place to visit in the winter but they could never live here in the summer! What is wrong with 300+ days of sunshine each year?

Arizona gets a bad rap when it comes to the weather. When people listen to their weather reports, they may hear that Phoenix hit 115 degrees today! Or they might hear that Phoenix has had 90+ days this year of over 100 degree weather. Monsoon Sedona in Summer

The monsoon weather which includes the dust storms usually makes the national news. However, some of the bestg photgraphs are taken during monsoon. It is a wonder of nature.

Does it get warm in Phoenix? During June thru mid September, it gets downright hot. BUT the mornings and evenings are enjoyable and definitely bearable.

Remember, when other areas are shivering and trying to stay warm in the winter, those who live or visit Phoenix or southern Arizona are playing golf, biking and enjoying outdoor activities.... I think that people tend to forget what a great place Phoenix is to live most of the year especially if you like year round outdoor activities.

ENOUGH ABOUT PHOENIX!

I want to dispel misinformation that the rest of the state has the same kind of weather as the southern half. Northern Arizona and mountain regions have a whole different climate that "beats the heat" in the summer.

Let's talk about Sedona Arizona. Our weather is about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the "Valley of the Sun". Sedona is around 4200 to 4600 feet above sea level and has a very temperate climate. Looking to Schnebly Hill during reverse sunset

Looking to Schnebly Hill during reverse sunset

We get the seasons but not the extremes that other areas see. In the summer, where other areas can see temps over 90 degrees at 10 PM, we see temps in the low to mid 70s. Quite a difference from the Valley of the Sun.

As for Prescott, the temps are generally about 10 degrees lower than Sedona which makes that area very enjoyable during the summer months. Flagstaff and the White Mountains are a tad cooler than Prescott but a great get-away for those who live in Phoenixor Tucson. The Colorado River basin gets really hot but the proximity to the water makes for a fantastic recreation area.

I personally have not spent a lot of time in Tucson so I am looking for comments on how the Tucson region's summer weather compares to the rest of the state.

Check out some more pictures showing our seasons and weather!