You’re thinking about Phoenix in December. Maybe you’re fleeing a blizzard in Chicago or just tired of the gray slush in Seattle. You’ve heard the rumors: it’s basically summer all year, right? You can pack your flip-flops, hit the pool, and forget that winter even exists.
Well, kinda. But also, not really.
If you show up at Sky Harbor International Airport with nothing but tank tops and shorts, you’re going to have a very chilly realization the second the sun drops behind the White Tank Mountains. The weather in december in phoenix is a weird, beautiful, and sometimes frustrating mix of "perfect patio weather" and "why is my windshield covered in frost?"
Honestly, it's the desert’s most deceptive month.
The "Two-Season" Day: Highs and Lows
Phoenix doesn't do "average" weather very well, even though the charts say otherwise. If you look at the National Weather Service data, the average high is around 66°F or 67°F. The average low is about 45°F.
But those numbers are like a weighted average that doesn't tell the whole story.
On a typical December day, you’ll experience two completely different climates within 12 hours. At 2:00 PM, you’re sitting at a cafe in Old Town Scottsdale, soaking up 72°F sunshine. It’s glorious. You’re thinking, I should move here. Then 5:30 PM hits.
The sun disappears, and because there’s no humidity to hold the heat in, the temperature plummets. It doesn't just "cool off"—it drops like a stone. By the time you’re walking to dinner, it’s 48°F. That breezy linen shirt you were rocking two hours ago is now a liability.
Recent Heat Records and the "New Normal"
We have to talk about how things are changing. Just recently, in December 2025, Phoenix was still smashing records. We saw days hitting 82°F mid-month. That’s not normal, but it’s becoming more frequent.
The record high for the month is 80°F (set in 1996), but we’ve been flirting with those numbers way too often lately. If you get a "heat wave" in December, it feels like a dream. But if a cold front moves in from the north, you might see a "cool high" that struggles to reach 50°F.
Does it Actually Rain?
Short answer: sometimes, and when it does, it's actually kind of nice.
December marks the start of Arizona’s secondary rainy season. We aren't talking about the violent, lightning-heavy monsoons of July. This is more of a gentle, persistent Pacific rain. It smells like creosote—that earthy, spicy scent that every Arizonan obsesses over.
- Average rainfall: About 0.74 to 0.87 inches for the month.
- Rainy days: Usually only 3 or 4 days out of the whole 31.
- Snow: Forget about it. Unless you drive two hours north to Flagstaff, you aren't seeing snow in the valley.
If it does rain during your trip, don't panic. It rarely lasts all day. Usually, it’s a morning drizzle that clears up by lunch, leaving the desert air incredibly crisp and the mountains looking like they’ve been scrubbed clean.
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What You Should Actually Pack (The Survival Kit)
Forget fashion for a second; let's talk utility. You need layers. This isn't just a suggestion; it's the law of the desert.
- The Base Layer: A t-shirt or light long-sleeve. You’ll want this for the 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM window.
- The "Medium" Layer: A hoodie or a denim jacket. This is for the shade. Even if it's 70°F in the sun, it feels 10 degrees colder the moment you step into the shadow of a building.
- The Heavy Hitter: A genuine warm jacket. Not a parka, but something substantial. If you’re going to the Phoenix Zoo for "ZooLights" (which you absolutely should), you will be standing outside in 40°F weather. You’ll want a beanie.
Pro tip from a local: Wear socks. I know, you want to show off your pedicure in sandals. But once that sun goes down, cold ankles are the fastest way to ruin a night out at Roosevelt Row.
Hiking and Outdoors: The December Sweet Spot
This is where the weather in december in phoenix really shines. In the summer, hiking Camelback Mountain is a death march. In December? It’s a literal walk in the park.
You can start a hike at 10:00 AM without worrying about heatstroke. The trails are packed, though. Everyone else has the same idea. If you want some peace, head further out to the Superstition Mountains or the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
The sun is intense here, even when it’s 60°F. Because the air is so dry, you won't feel yourself sweating as much, but you are dehydrating. I’ve seen so many tourists end up with "desert headaches" because they thought they didn't need water since it wasn't "hot." Drink double what you think you need.
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Events that Depend on the Weather
Most of Phoenix’s best holiday traditions happen outdoors because, well, we can.
- Desert Botanical Garden: Their "Las Noches de las Luminarias" is iconic. Thousands of hand-lit bags line the paths. It’s chilly, romantic, and perfectly captures the vibe of a desert winter.
- Golfing: December is peak season. The greens are overseeded and bright emerald green. Just expect to pay a premium for tee times.
- The Tumbleweed Tree: Over in Chandler, they build a massive Christmas tree out of tumbleweeds. It’s weird, it’s Arizona, and it’s a great photo op.
The Dryness Factor
People talk about the "dry heat," but they forget about the "dry cold."
Your skin will feel it within 48 hours. Your lips will chap. Your nose might even get a little bloody if you aren't used to 15% humidity. Pack a heavy-duty moisturizer and some saline nasal spray. Honestly, it makes a huge difference in how comfortable you feel.
Is the Pool an Option?
This is the most common question. "Can I swim in Phoenix in December?"
If your hotel pool is heated to 84°F, then yes. You’ll have a great time while you are in the water. The struggle is the walk from the pool back to your towel. That 65°F air hitting wet skin feels like an ice bath.
Most locals wouldn't dream of touching a pool in December. But if you're coming from Minnesota, you’ll probably think it’s paradise. Just make sure the "heated" part is confirmed. An unheated pool in December will be sitting at a brisk 55°F. That’s for polar bears, not vacationers.
Actionable Steps for Your December Visit
- Check the Hourly Forecast, Not the Daily High: Look at the temperature for 6:00 PM. That’s the "real" weather you need to dress for if you're planning dinner or events.
- Book Hiking Early: If you’re hitting popular spots like Piestewa Peak, the parking lots fill up by 8:00 AM even on weekdays because the weather is so prime.
- Moisturize Before You Feel Dry: Start using lotion and lip balm the day you land. Don't wait for the desert to crack your skin.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: You can still get a sunburn in 65-degree weather. The UV index in the Southwest remains high enough to catch you off guard, especially if you’re out on the golf course for four hours.
- Plan for the "Sun Set" Shift: If you’re doing an outdoor activity that transitions from afternoon to evening, bring a backpack to stash your jacket. You will go from sweating to shivering in the span of thirty minutes.
The reality of Phoenix in December is that it’s the most comfortable time of year to be in the Valley of the Sun—as long as you respect the desert's ability to get actually cold once the lights go out.