13 BEST Things to do in Phoenix in Winter

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From hiking in the winter sun to exploring the famous Desert Botanical Gardens, these are the best things to do in Phoenix in winter!

I’m one of those hopeless romantics who loves winter. When the days are getting shorter and people are starting to wrap up warm, I start planning a few wintery adventures. To me, winter doesn’t always mean snow. It doesn’t even always mean cold. Take Phoenix in winter for example.

Arizona is a desert region. In fact, it’s the only US state home to all four North American deserts. You’re not going to find snow there in the winter. In fact, you probably won’t see rain either!

But it’s still a brilliant place for a winter holiday. See, in Phoenix, you get to do all of the things you wouldn’t get to do in winter in somewhere like Europe.

You can go outside without packing on the layers, and you can go hiking without the vague fear of needing to call Mountain Rescue. And it goes without saying that if you’re one for chasing the winter sun, you’re going to love Phoenix, especially after reading this blog.

This place is packed full of adventures and activities. From beautiful lakeside walks to experiencing the Arizona Bowl, there’s something for everyone. Right, it’s time to tell you all about the best things to do in Phoenix in winter!

If you’re planning a Texas adventure, then make sure to read my guides on the Austin, Dallas, and Houston. There are some incredible activities in these!

Phoenix at a glance

Best months: December to February. Warm days, cold nights, almost no rain.
Typical temperatures: highs of 20 to 22°C, lows around 7°C
Flights from the UK: no direct route, so expect one stop
Getting around: hire a car. Phoenix is enormous and public transport won’t cut it
Busiest week: early February, when the WM Phoenix Open and spring training collide
Book ahead: Desert Botanical Garden luminarias, ZooLights, Camelback parking (arrive at sunrise)

Winter weather in Phoenix

If you’re from the UK like me, the weather in Phoenix in winter might come as a shock. Expect highs of 20-22°C ( 68-71.6°F) from December to February, with lows of a puny 7°C (44.6°F).

Rainfall is almost non-existent, with a measly 2 or 3 days expected throughout each winter month. You won’t get a forecast like that in Europe! As there is a big swing in temperature during the day and the night, it’s important to pack lots of layers.

How much do things in Phoenix cost?

Things to do in Phoenix in Winter

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

I can’t talk about Phoenix, summer or winter, without recommending the Desert Botanical Garden. These gardens prove that the desert isn’t just dirt, sand and tumbleweeds: this is 140-acres of vibrant desert plants, nestled within the beautiful Sonoran deserts. 

Because ‘winter weather’ isn’t so much of a thing in Phoenix, the gardens will still be in all their glory. Plus, if you visit in December, you’ll get the added beauty of twinkling festive lights.

Enjoy the outdoors at Papago Park

If you’re already visiting the Desert Botanical Gardens, you might as well check out Papago Park too. This is where the gardens are located, but there’s plenty else to do here. You can go fishing, play golf, or go hiking – including along the famous Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. 

One of the best things about Phoenix is that you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the confines of the city. Papago Park is a great example of this.

Take a trip across Canyon Lake

Another reason to love winter in Phoenix: you can get out on the water without bothering with thermals. Canyon Lake is one of the prettiest spots in Arizona, and the best way to see it is with the Dolly Steamboat.

They’ve been running cruises here since 1983 and the 90-minute nature cruise takes you six miles up the canyon, with a decent chance of spotting bighorn sheep on the cliffs. This is an amazing tour from Phoenix where you get to go hiking in the stunning Sonoran Desert before enjoying the views on Canyon Lake cruise, so check that one out.

One thing to know before you book. The lake was drained through autumn 2026 for dam safety work, and the Dolly is back on the water from early January 2027 with new engines and a full refit. If you’re visiting in December, save this one for the next trip. If you’re here in January or February, you’ll have a freshly done-up boat and a lake that’s been empty of visitors for months.

Or hike Phoenix’s many trails

There are tons of mountains in and around Phoenix, so it’s a brilliant place to hike in winter when the temperatures actually make sense.

Camelback Mountain is the famous one and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown. Just don’t let the short distance fool you. Both routes up are graded Extremely Difficult, the top section of Echo Canyon is a proper hands-on scramble with handrails bolted into the rock, and there’s no shade anywhere.

Parking is the bigger problem. The Echo Canyon lot fills by mid-morning on weekdays and stays full all day at weekends, and once it’s full they shut the gate. You can’t wait on McDonald Drive either, they’ll ticket you. Get there for sunrise or don’t bother.

If you want the views without the scramble, South Mountain Park has miles of easier trails and you can drive most of the way to Dobbins Lookout. Tom’s Thumb Trail near Scottsdale is a four-mile round trip through the McDowell Mountains and is a much friendlier introduction to desert hiking.

Climb the Superstition Mountains

I like all of the hikes in Phoenix, but my favourite has got to be the Superstition Mountains. This is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in Arizona, and for good reason too.

It’s beautiful here. Its name comes from the superstition the mountain was once regarded with, and the mystery that surrounds such landmarks.

Wander through the Japanese Friendship Garden

Phoenix might feel like the last place you’d find an authentic Japanese garden, but you’d be surprised. You can easily step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and step into tranquillity at the Japanese Friendship Garden, created in partnership with Phoenix’s Japanese sister city, Himeji. 

Here, you’ll find a 3.5 acre park, home to an authentic tea house, a 12-foot waterfall as well as a large Koi pond packed full of fish. It’s hands down one of my favourite spots in Phoenix.

Have an adventure at the Arizona Snowbowl

Though this is a blog about Phoenix winter activities, I realise most of these haven’t been very wintery. Don’t worry – if you like a proper cold winter, you can still get a taste of it at the Arizona Snowbowl.

Located on the slope of Humphrey Peaks, the tallest point in the state, you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content. The usual season is between November and April, so it’s one of the best things to do in Phoenix in winter for sure. As a word of warning though, it is a good 2-hour drive from Phoenix, so it’s not exactly the closest.

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum

If you do happen to be in Phoenix on one of its rainy days, head to a museum and soak up some culture. My personal favourite is the Musical Instrument Museum.

The museum is the largest of its type in the world, and houses more than 15,000 musical instruments and other objects. Its collection is from almost 200 countries and territories, and covers every inhabited continent – so there’s TONS to see.

$20, open daily 9am to 5pm, free parking, and the headset audio guide that triggers automatically as you walk, which is the thing people remember.

Check out the Roosevelt Row Arts District

If art is more your thing than music, no worries. Head down to the Roosevelt Row Arts District, home to art galleries against a backdrop of unique, colourful street art. 

There’s always loads to see here, including exciting exhibitions. No matter how much you visit Phoenix, you’ll always have something new to see.

Head down to Old Town Scottsdale

One of Phoenix’s most iconic downtown spots is Old Town Scottsdale. Crammed with local businesses, such as bars, restaurants, shops and galleries, you’ll also find galleries, museums, and public art installations.

There’s plenty to see and do, with a touch of Old West desert charm. What’s not to like?

Go on a day trip to the Grand Canyon

If you’re already in Arizona, you might as well head to one of North America’s most incredible spots: the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a relatively easy trip from Phoenix and yep, you can visit in the winter (although be aware the North Rim closes for vehicles in winter). Though you do need to be mindful of the weather, you’ll have the experience free from the usual hoards of crowds.

To visit the Grand Canyon, rent a car and make it a road trip, or alternatively take a guided tour.  

What a Grand Canyon day trip costs from Phoenix

Right, this bit has changed and it’s worth reading properly before you set off. Since January 2026, visitors who aren’t US residents pay a $100 per-person surcharge at eleven of the busiest national parks, and the Grand Canyon is one of them. That’s on top of the standard $35 per vehicle. Under-16s are exempt.

So two British adults in a hire car are looking at $235 to get in, not $35. A family with two teenagers pays more again.

If you’re visiting more than one park on the same trip, the annual America the Beautiful pass costs $250 for non-residents and covers everyone in the car. Two adults hitting the Grand Canyon and Zion in the same fortnight are better off with the pass. One park and one visit, pay at the gate.

One more thing for winter. The North Rim is closed anyway from December, and it’s still recovering from the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and most of the visitor buildings. Partial access reopened in May 2026 with very limited services. The South Rim is where you’re going, and in winter you’ll have it almost to yourself.

Where to see the Christmas lights in Phoenix

Walk the luminaria trails at the Desert Botanical Garden

Las Noches de las Luminarias is the Garden’s oldest tradition and it’s been running since 1978. More than 8,000 hand-lit paper bags line the trails, there are twinkle lights in the trees, live music dotted around the gardens and hot chocolate to carry while you wander.

It runs on selected nights from late November through 31 December, roughly 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Two things to plan around: the Garden closes at 4pm on Luminaria nights, so you can’t do a normal daytime visit and stay on, and you have to book a timed entry slot in advance. Last admission is 8pm. Parking is free.

See ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

This is the one I’d take kids to. The Phoenix Zoo covers itself in millions of lights from late November to mid-January, with a synchronised lake show, a glow garden and animal presentations most nights. Gates open at 5:30pm and it runs until 10:30pm.

Tickets were $35 for the 2025/26 season, with a small booking fee on top, and under-twos go free. It’s on Galvin Parkway, right next door to the Botanical Garden, so if you’re organised you can do the two on different nights from the same base.

Or take in the bright lights of Glendale Glitters

Glendale Glitters is the free one, and it’s a proper hometown tradition rather than a ticketed attraction. Historic downtown Glendale gets covered in about 1.5 million lights around Murphy Park, and it’s been going for more than thirty years.

The lights go on with a ceremony in late November and stay up nightly until 1 January, with free performances at the Murphy Park amphitheatre at weekends. There’s free parking in the downtown garage. Go on a weeknight if you’d rather not share it.

Where to stay in Phoenix in Winter

Luxury: Arizona Biltmore

If you want to explore Phoenix in style, stay at the Arizona Biltmore. This hotel has 39 whole acres of gardens for you to explore, and doubles as both a resort and spa. You’ll be in total tranquillity, and there’s cool on-site facilities too. Want to go swimming? Check out one of 7 pools. Literally spoiled for choice.

Mid-range: RISE Uptown

RISE Uptown is also a good option, though it’s adults only so not suited to families. However, it’s great for older travellers: it has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and a bar too. Plus, it’s in a good location, with many attractions easily reachable.

Budget: Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown

If you want a cheaper stay – and you want to be right in the heart of the action – head to the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Phoenix. With a restaurant, fitness centre, free bike hire and bar right in the centre of the thick of the city, it’s a super convenient base for exploring Phoenix.

Camping near Phoenix

If you’re planning to extend your trip beyond the city and want to sleep under the stars, there are some brilliant campgrounds within striking distance of Phoenix. One of the most popular is the Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey (only around 30-odd miles from downtown Phoenix) where you’re tucked away just enough to feel in the desert, but still close enough when you want a proper coffee or WiFi.

Whether you’re in an RV, towing, or simply pitching a tent, these sites are perfect for mixing the city buzz of Phoenix with the calm of the great outdoors. Booking early always helps, especially if you’re going in high-season or over a weekend. And don’t forget – pack for warmth at night, and bring along a torch if you plan to roam after dusk.

What’s new for 2027?

Phoenix has plenty of new openings, events, and experiences in 2027, making this winter a great time to explore the city. From fresh cultural spots to new hotels and lively nightlife, there’s so much to discover beyond the usual desert scenery.

• International Dark Sky Discovery Center. This is the one I’m most interested in. A 22,000 square foot science centre near Fountain Hills, due to open in early 2027, home to the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area plus a Hyperspace Planetarium and a night sky exhibit hall. Arizona’s winter skies are absurdly clear, so the timing is good.
• Pablo’s, downtown Phoenix. Set inside a reimagined 1952 Spanish-style building, Pablo’s brings together three bars, a courtyard, a handful of lounges and a nightclub called Night Tiger. Useful when the sun disappears at half five and you’re wondering what to do with the evening.
• Denū Hotel & Spa. A 236-room, 17-floor opening in downtown Phoenix with a rooftop pool bar, and the first full-service spa in a downtown Phoenix hotel. Worth knowing if you’d rather be in the city than out at a Scottsdale resort.
• Drake’s Hollywood, Old Town Scottsdale. A supper club from the Dallas group behind Hudson House, all vintage glamour and what they’re calling the world’s coldest martini. One for an Old Town evening.
• WM Phoenix Open, 8 to 14 February 2027. The loudest week in golf returns to TPC Scottsdale. Even if you couldn’t care less about golf, plan around it, because it takes Scottsdale hotel availability with it. Book early or dodge it entirely.

Have you already ticked Phoenix off your bucket list? Let me know your own favourite winter activities in the comments. And if your own trip is yet to come, add these to your list and have an awesome time!

If you’re heading further west, then check out what to do in San Francisco and the best day trips from San Diego.

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