Given the fact that majority of the people tend to correlate Phoenix with hot weather climate, it is often quite hard to picture the winter scene in the area.The options are pretty abundant if you want to explore Phoenix in winter. The majority of the people who have visited Phoenix during the winter seasons tend to say that the place is beautiful and unique around that time. The temperature tends to stay in the realm of 60 degrees, which is pretty impressive for exploring. Here is an ultimate guide that will walk you through the top things to do in Phoenix during the winter months.
17 Top Things To Do In Phoenix In Winter In 2024
Now that we have more or less talked about the weather conditions and what you can expect from the climate, it is time we speak of the fantastic range of activities one can indulge in. Some of the top things to do in Phoenix in January and other months of winter season include:
- Las Noches De Las Luminarias At The Desert Botanical Garden
- Go Hiking
- Topgolf
- Zoolights In Phoenix Zoo
- Shopping
- Visit The Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona Snowbowl
- OdySea Aquarium
- Old Town Farmers Market
- Polar Express Train Tour
- North Pole Experience
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
- Winterhaven Festival of Lights
- Glendale Glitters
- NYE Block Party
- Attend Superbowl
1. Las Noches De Las Luminarias At The Desert Botanical Garden
If you want to experience the overall natural beauty around the place, visiting the Desert Botanical Garden during winter is exactly what you need. Most people who visit during the winter suggest that it accentuates the beautiful Sonoran desert to its full glory. Suppose you are visiting during November and December. In that case, you can even witness the amazing beauty of hand-lit luminaria bags and the twinkle lights which lets you enjoy the fantastic beauty of the desert at night illuminated with the lights.
Price: INR 2000-3000 (Approx)
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2. Go Hiking
Hiking and all the walks along the adventure trails, which are often impossible to do during the scorching heat of the summer, can be indulged in during the winter days. If you are spending winter in Phoenix, going on a long hike is the best way to spend the time. Arizona has many steep hiking trails, especially Phoenix, which you can easily enjoy. If possible, tag your friends along and plan a full-blown camping session with them. If the Phoenix hiking trails don’t interest you, go to Sedona.
Price: INR 7000-8000 (Approx)
3. Topgolf
If you are a golf enthusiast, you would definitely know what we are talking about. While the majority of the people only know and relate to the arcade games around along with bowling alleys, golf lovers will relate more to Top Golf. This includes a 240-yard outfield where you score points by hitting the balls.
You primarily play with your friends and family, and the thrill during the game is actually indescribable. Golfing may seem too much in Phoenix in summer, which is why winter is a good time. The entire place has a majestic view of the mountains, which is an added bonus. If you are worried about the temperature you, they put the heaters on so you won’t feel cold. Phoenix in winter is perfect for golf players.
Price: INR 1,000 (Approx)
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4. Experience The Zoolights In Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is one of the biggest around, and if you are on the lookout for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visiting the Phoenix Zoo during winter is a must. The zoo lights are one of the most popular Phoenix attractions in winter. This is held during December and January, and during these two months, the zoo’s main attraction is not the animals but the scenic beauty of the lights around. This is an amazing site to behold, especially for children.
Price: INR 1500 (Approx)
5. World Lantern Festival
From the end of November until January, Phoenix witnesses one of the most beautiful events of the entire year. Following Chinese tradition, the lantern festival is held during that time of the year. The only change is that they use modern technology and lights. Apart from the main attraction of the lights, it also hosts a plethora of global cultures and cuisines. In winter, you can even indulge in various carnival rides and games in Phoenix.
Price: INR 1500 (Approx)
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6. Explore The Shopping Options
Many people don’t know this, but the shopping options around Phoenix are worth checking out. If you are afraid of visiting the malls around Phoenix because of the rush during the winter season, think twice. The winter does have amazing sales and discounts, which is exactly what you need. Visit the malls and the local stores for the best prices. If you wish, even thrifting can help you save a lot of money. This is one of the most explored things to do in Phoenix in January.
Price: no entry fee
7. Visit The Musical Instrument Museum
Just as the name suggests, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is one of the most popular museums in Arizona. If you are looking to view the widest range of musical instrument exhibits, this is the place to be. It has over 6,500 instruments from around 200 countries, which makes it one of the most interesting visits around.
Price: INR 1500 for adults, INR 1300 for teens, INR 730 for children (Approx)
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8. Arizona Snowbowl
Phoenix temperature in winter is perfect for the season of the Arizona Snowbowl. If you have been looking for ways to have fun with the white blanket of snow around, visiting the Phoenix during the winter season is the perfect place to be in. You also get to experience a different side of Arizona with this place, the pine trees with snowy peaks being one of them. When touring the place you have to try these amazing things to do in Arizona in winters.
Starting Price: INR 3500
9. OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium is primarily a newly built one. It is spread across 200,000 sq.ft and is home to different variants of marine life. It has over 50 different exhibits and over 30,000 animals. Child or old, this place has little to offer everyone. This is one of the must-try things to do in Arizona in January.
Price: INR 2500 (approx)
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10. Old Town Farmers Market
The last on the list is the Old Town’s Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday morning. The best thing about this place is the fact that everything sold in the market is locally sourced and is free of pesticides and any kind of additives. You can get everything from bread and cheese to meats and vegetables. Apart from that, their flower shops are a popular attraction around the place. If you want to experience must try things to do in Phoenix in January, visiting this market once is a definite must.
Price: no entry price
11. Polar Express Train Tour
If you have watched the movie and wished for a similar experience, your wishes have been granted. The Grand Canyon Tour Company allows you to have a similar experience, taking you on a 1.5-hour ride from the Williams Depot to the North Pole and back. It is one of the best things to do in Phoenix in January, as you get to hear classic stories, drink hot cocoa, and eat cookies before you meet Santa and his reindeers.
Price: INR 3000-4000 (approx)
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12. North Pole Experience
One of the fun things for kids to do in Arizona in the winter is to have a North Pole experience. The whole activity lets you sneak peek into Santa’s workshop. The activity takes place in Little America Hotel, where kids are taken on a trolley ride to the North Forest, covering attractions like Santa’s mailroom, toy factory, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, and Elf University. It is one of the most exciting Phoenix winter activities during Christmas.
Price: INR 1,000 (Approx)
13. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
If you are visiting Phoenix in January, you must participate in the Arizona Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon. The event is attended by long-distance runners, but you don’t necessarily have to be a pro to be a part of it. There is a series of races, like a 10k, 5k, and kid’s race. Even if you are not a runner, you will still have plenty of things to do in Arizona in January, such as cheering runners from the bleachers and listening to live music.
Price: INR 10000 (Approx)
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14. Winterhaven Festival Of Lights
Attending the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is one of the most recommended things to do in Phoenix in January. During December, the locals open their homes to the visitors. Their houses are decked with a fantastic display of lights depicting a beautiful scene. It is one of the most amazing things to do in Arizona in winter. You must attend at least one festival in Phoenix to experience the culture of this place.
Price: No entry price
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15. Glendale Glitters
Arizona is all about magical places. One of these places is Glendale Glitters, where you will find 1.6 million LEDs on display across 16 blocks of Glendale. The whole is so lit (pun intended). The display continues from Thanksgiving until January. Visiting this town during this time is indeed one of the best winter activities in Arizona. Glendale has a rich history, making it one of the state’s most interesting places to visit. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Arizona in winter.
Price: No entry price
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16. NYE Block Party
If you have decided to spend winter in Phoenix, why not immerse yourself in New Year celebrations? Head to Tempe to participate in the biggest and most happening NY celebration in Phoenix in winter. Arizona nightlife is known to be phenomenal. The streets are filled with wild party people dancing and jiving to the music and drinks in their hands. The celebration is nothing like you have ever been part of. It’s legit crazy!
Price: INR 1,000 -1500(Approx)
17. Attend Superbowl
One of the most interesting things to do in Phoenix in February is attending the Super Bowl game. Football is a tradition in America, and Superbowl is a custom. If you have never watched a game, then you have all the more reasons to do so. After all, your visit to the USA is all about the most American experiences. Isn’t it?
Price: INR 4000 (Approx)
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Weather In Phoenix In Winter
If the summers between May and August are extreme, Phoenix’s winter weather is actually breathtaking and quite amazing. As mentioned, the weather skirts around 60 degrees, which is amazing for roaming and exploring the place.
The winters predominantly prevail from November until February, more or less. January is believed to be the coldest month of them all, mainly because the temperatures tend to drop to 44 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty chilly.
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Whatever the place is or whatever the kind of activity is, visiting Phoenix in winter is a blessing in disguise. So, if you can’t wait to go on a discovering spree, then plan a trip to Phoenix with TravelTriangle and make the best out of the winter season!
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix In Winter
Is Arizona cold in the winter?
The maximum temperature in Arizona in winter is 21 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.
Is December a good time to visit Phoenix?
Yes, absolutely. December is the time when there are various events planned in Phoenix. You are going to have a great time during Christmas and New Year.
What are the winter months in Arizona?
December to February are the winter months in Arizona. Plan a trip to Arizona during these months if you wish to relish the best weather in Arizona. December to February are the winter months in Arizona. Plan a trip to Arizona during these months if you wish to relish the best weather in Arizona.
Does it snow in Phoenix?
No, it does not snow in Phoenix. 1998 was the last year it snowed in Phoenix. But winters are quite chilly here. Ensure you carry extra layers along.
Can you swim in Phoenix in February?
Phoenix in February is cold when the temperature is between 10-15 degrees Celsius. It is not a good idea to swim in this weather but it is up to you.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
