Phoenix Weather in December 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
December delivers the year's coolest package: 19.7C/67F highs that require a light layer, cold 6.8C/45F nights with occasional freeze warnings for outlying Anthem and Cave Creek, active 31mm of Pacific-storm rainfall across 3.9 wet days, and short 8.2 hours of low-angled sunshine barely clearing Camelback by noon. The Sonoran Desert takes on a subtle winter cast with dormant grasses and quiet birdlife; javelina herds move openly across suburban washes and coyote choruses echo at dawn from every open desert perimeter.
On the ground December operates as full-holiday high season: Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias illuminates 8,000 hand-lit paper bag lanterns across the cactus paths, ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo runs nightly with 3 million bulbs, and the Fiesta Bowl brings 60,000 college football fans downtown around New Year's. APS Electric Light Parade on Central Avenue draws 200,000 spectators the first Saturday, and Old Town Scottsdale's Christmas in the Old West rebuilds Wild West theming for gaslamp-era evening strolls. Snowbird population hits maximum by month-end.
10-year records show December warming 0.9C since 2016 with rarer hard freezes; 2022 delivered a rare Christmas Day rain event while 2019 recorded three sub-zero nights in North Phoenix. December 2026 forecasts favor near-normal temperatures with above-average precipitation possible under a developing El Nino signal, so pack for genuine rain rather than the sun-drenched postcard version.
2026 travelers should book Las Noches de las Luminarias tickets by early November because sellouts happen weekly, target early December for pre-holiday rate windows before Christmas week doubles pricing, and rent a car with all-weather tires because unexpected rain events cause spectacular multi-car accidents across Loop 101 in 2026. Downtown hotels near Chase Field spike hardest during Fiesta Bowl week.
Phoenix is 25 municipalities pretending to be one city and driving is mandatory; the Light Rail only helps if you live along it. Scottsdale is Old Town party, Tempe is ASU student, Chandler is tech, and downtown Roosevelt Row is the actual creative district. Best Sonoran hot dogs at El Guero Canelo in the Nogales tradition, best chimichanga at Macayo's since it was invented there in 1946. Never touch a saguaro; it is a state felony to harm one.
What to pack for Phoenix in December
December requires the year's most versatile wardrobe for genuine range:
- Light down jacket or heavy fleece for evening light events
- Long-sleeve tees and one warm sweater for restaurant hopping
- Long pants and closed shoes daily; shorts rarely comfortable
- Rain jacket that packs small for Pacific-storm surprise showers
- Warm hat and gloves for 6am Camelback attempts
What to pack for Phoenix in December
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Where to stay in Phoenix
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Phoenix
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Phoenix?
Flights to Phoenix in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Walk Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden, watch ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo, attend Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium, cheer APS Electric Light Parade downtown, and stroll Christmas in the Old West Old Town Scottsdale.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Phoenix. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Phoenix
While December has its own character in Phoenix, the data-backed best months to visit Phoenix are January, February, March, November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for PhoenixOther places with a similar climate right now
Phoenix in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Phoenix in December?
Should I visit Phoenix in December?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, Phoenix averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 7°C (44°F), with 31mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days. Late February-early March Saguaro flowers start blooming while Cactus League baseball spring training packs every ballpark and the pool water hits swimmable 22C.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Phoenix during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Phoenix during December?
The average high temperature in Phoenix during December is 20°C (67°F), with an average low of 7°C (44°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January 8C nights are Phoenix winter; snowbirds triple population, Papago Park hiking peaks, and Verde River tubing closes for the season.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Phoenix?
Is December a rainy month in Phoenix?
Phoenix averages approximately 4 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 31mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Phoenix in December?
How should I dress for Phoenix in December?
For Phoenix in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A steering wheel sun shade and oven mitts for seatbelt buckles: metal in July hits 80C and burns skin in one second.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Phoenix?
Is December a busy travel month for Phoenix?
Tourist crowds in Phoenix during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Phoenix is 25 municipalities pretending to be one city and driving is mandatory; the Light Rail only helps if you live along it. Scottsdale is Old Town party, Tempe is ASU student, Chandler is tech, and downtown Roosevelt Row is the actual creative district. Best Sonoran hot dogs at El Guero Canelo in the Nogales tradition, best chimichanga at Macayo's since it was invented there in 1946. Never touch a saguaro; it is a state felony to harm one.