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What to Pack for Scottsdale & Phoenix in Winter
The Phoenix and Scottsdale Sonoran Desert is America's premier winter-sun escape, boasting 300+ days of annual sunshine, world-class golf and family resorts, and dramatic saguaro-studded hiking trails. The desert climate features warm 72°F (22°C) afternoons and rapid 45°F (7°C) evening drops.
Updated August 2026
Quick answer
For a 5-day Scottsdale and Phoenix winter family trip, expect 68–75°F (20–24°C) crystal-clear sunny days and 45–50°F (7–10°C) chilly desert nights. Pack casual resort wear (shorts, t-shirts, sun dresses), swimwear for heated resort pools, light fleece or denim jackets for evening fire pits, trail sneakers for desert hikes, tweezers/fine comb for cactus burrs, and high-SPF mineral sunscreen.
At a glance
- Avg Daytime Temp:
- 70–75°F (21–24°C) sunny & dry
- Avg Night Temp:
- 45–50°F (7–10°C) crisp desert air
- Annual Sunshine:
- 300+ sunny days per year
- Airport:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) — 15 min to Scottsdale
Sample checklist preview
5 days · 2 adults · 2 childrenWhat the generator starts with for this trip type — you can edit everything in the next step.
- Hats×1
- Dress Shirts×1
- Dresses×1
- T-shirts×2
- Pants×1
- Shorts×2
- Socks×3
- Underwear×3
- Sleepwear×1
- Casual Sandals×1
- Passport×1
- Electronic Chargers×1
The full generator adjusts these for weather, laundry, travelers, and destination.
What actually matters in Scottsdale & Phoenix in winter
- •Day-to-night temperature swing is 25–30°F: You will wear shorts and swimsuits by the pool at 1:00 PM (74°F / 23°C), but need a warm fleece, jeans, or sweater when dining around outdoor patio fire pits at 7:00 PM (48°F / 9°C).
- •The "Jumping Cholla" cactus comb trick: If hiking trails with kids in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Papago Park, keep a fine-tooth plastic comb and tweezers in your daypack. If a segmented jumping cholla cactus burr attaches to shoes or clothing, slide the comb underneath to flick it away without touching it with bare fingers.
- •Desert dry air: Sonoran Desert relative humidity often sits below 15%. Nosebleeds in children and chapped lips are very common. Pack saline nasal spray, rich lip balm, and skin moisturizer.
- •Heated resort pools: Luxury family resorts (like Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess) feature massive pool complexes heated to 82–84°F with waterslides and lazy rivers.
- •Morning desert hikes: Hike Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail for teens) or Gateway Loop (McDowell Preserve for kids) between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM when temperatures are crisp and lighting is stunning.
- •Spring Training Cactus League (late February / March): Pack baseball caps, sharpies for player autographs, and sun protection for open-stadium lawn seating.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 24°C / 76°F | 11°C / 52°F | 2 |
| Dec | 20°C / 68°F | 7°C / 45°F | 3 |
| Jan | 20°C / 68°F | 7°C / 45°F | 3 |
| Feb | 22°C / 72°F | 9°C / 48°F | 3 |
| Mar | 26°C / 78°F | 12°C / 53°F | 3 |
Typical monthly averages for planning. Check a forecast closer to your trip.
Seasonal things to plan around
- Dec–Jan cold nightsDesert nighttime temperatures can occasionally touch freezing (32°F / 0°C). Bring warm fleece jackets for evening activities.
Common Phoenix & Scottsdale winter packing mistakes
- •Packing only summer clothes and shivering at outdoor restaurant patios after sunset.
- •Hiking off-trail in desert washes where thorny mesquite and cholla cacti easily puncture soft mesh running shoes.
- •Underestimating hydration because the weather feels comfortable; you lose moisture rapidly in 15% desert humidity without sweating noticeably.
- •Skipping sun protection: winter desert UV is still strong at 33° latitude.
FAQ
Is it warm enough to swim in Phoenix in December and January?
Yes, provided your hotel or resort pool is heated. Air temperatures reach 70–75°F on sunny afternoons, making heated pools and lazy rivers very enjoyable.
What is the best family hike in Scottsdale?
The Gateway Loop Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve features an accessible Bajada Nature Trail with interactive desert learning stations that is 100% stroller-friendly.
Do we need a rental car in Scottsdale?
Yes. The greater Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area is expansive; driving to hiking trails, desert botanical gardens, OdySea Aquarium, and Old Town Scottsdale requires a car.
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