Upon
arriving in Greater Phoenix, visitors quickly discover
a few of the hallmarks that make this region a premier
destination - offering unique Southwest Culture and
near-perfect weather, ease of transportation and genuine
hospitality. No matter what time of year you visit
Greater Phoenix, you’ll find plenty of things
to see and do. More than 325 days of annual sunshine
mean you can count on exceptional weather as you experience
the rich diversity of our Sonoran Desert playground.
Our
near-perfect weather goes hand-in-hand with exciting
recreation and adventure activities, which are enjoyed
year-round. Experience a wide range of tours and sightseeing
excursions, whether by Jeep or hot-air balloon, on
horseback, or even by boat.
Of
course, golf is one of the most popular outdoor activities,
as Greater Phoenix provides more than 200 pristine
courses. The peak Season for Phoenix golf is November
through April with shoulder seasons in May and September
through October.
If
visitors aren't playing golf, they can attend professional
events like The FBR Open ( formerly the Phoenix Open
) - the most highly attended event on the PGA Tour
with more than 500,000 annual spectators- the LPGA
Safeway International tournament, and the Nationwide
Tour's Arizona Desert Classic.
More
than three dozen luxurious resorts are scattered throughout
the Valley, many of which provide spectacular spas
that offer special treatments native to Arizona. Visitors
also take pleasure in an exceptional dining scene,
which features everything from savory steaks to exquisite
Southwestern fare. Then, once you’re full, take
advantage of the area’s dynamic nightlife.
Thanks
to several major projects and developments in Downtown
Phoenix – Copper Square, the area is brimming
with energy and excitement. Arts and performances
flourish throughout the metro area, and in terms of
sporting events, Phoenix is a sport’s lover’s
dream. Passionate shoppers will find a cornucopia
of fabulous malls, unique boutiques and antique shops
in which to indulge.
Climate
The
average high in Greater Phoenix is 85 degrees and
with more than 325 days of sunshine per year, smiles
are wide and spirits are high.
With
only 7.66 inches of rain per year and an average high
temperature of 85 degrees, our region offers an ideal
setting for outdoor activity.
The
average low in Greater Phoenix is 59 degrees -- so
temperatures cool quickly once the sun goes down,
especially in the spring, fall and winter. Although
things warm up in the summer, the low desert humidity
makes for a favorable heat index when compared to
cities in the Midwest, Southeast and other parts of
the country.
Phoenix
weather is conducive for playing lots of golf, or
perhaps exploring the Sonoran Desert on a hiking or
biking excursion. All in all, Phoenix offers a climate
that's just about perfect. But don't take our word
on how nice it is, come see Phoenix for yourself.
| AVERAGE
PHOENIX TEMPERATURES |
| January |
65.2 |
18.4 |
39.4 |
4.1
|
| February |
69.7 |
20.9 |
42.5 |
5.8 |
| March |
74.5 |
23.6 |
46.7 |
8.2 |
| April |
83.1 |
28.4 |
53.0 |
11.6 |
| May |
92.4 |
33.5 |
61.5 |
16.4 |
| June |
102.3 |
39.0 |
70.6 |
21.4 |
| July |
105.0 |
40.5 |
79.5 |
26.4
|
| August |
102.3 |
39.0 |
77.5 |
25.3
|
| September |
98.2 |
36.7 |
70.9 |
21.6
|
| October |
87.7 |
30.9 |
59.1 |
15.0 |
| November |
74.3 |
23.5 |
46.9 |
8.3
|
| December |
66.4 |
19.1 |
40.2 |
4.5 |
|
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AMAZING
FACTS ABOUT GREATER PHOENIX
•
Phoenix is the fifth-largest U.S. city with a population
of 1.4 million (U.S. Census Bureau)
•
Greater Phoenix has a population of approximately
3.3 million and covers 2,000 square miles (Greater
Phoenix Economic Council).
•
Maricopa County—where Greater Phoenix is located—covers
9,127 square miles.
•
Phoenix’s elevation is 1,117 feet.
•
Greater Phoenix is located in the heart of the Sonoran
Desert.
•
Phoenix is home to the largest municipal park in the
world. South Mountain Park covers more than 20,000
acres. The area has more than 1,700 acres of traditional
park land.
•
There are six lakes within a 75-minute drive of Phoenix.
•
Phoenix has an average annual rainfall of 7.66 inches,
an average annual high temperature of 85 degrees and
averages more than 325 sun-filled days per year.
•
Greater Phoenix has consistently ranked among the
nation’s top cities in the number of Four and
Five Diamond Resorts.
•
Metro Phoenix has approximately 55,000 hotel rooms.
•
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is served
by more than 20 airlines.
•
More than 13 million people visit Phoenix each year
(D.K. Shifflet & Assoc.). More than 29 million
people visit Arizona each year. (U.S. Dept. of Commerce,
D.K. Shifflet & Assoc., Statistics Canada)
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SPORTS
•
Greater Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses.
•
Three pro golf tourneys have regular stops in Phoenix:
The FBR (Phoenix) Open (PGA), the Safeway International
(LPGA) and the PGA Gila River Classic.
•
Phoenix hosted the NFL’s Super Bowl XXX, January
28, 1996 and will host the Super Bowl again in 2008
•
Metro Phoenix is home to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
(college football festival), Arizona Cardinals (NFL),
Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix
Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Rattlers (arena football) and
the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA). Phoenix joined the ranks
of Major League Baseball in 1998 when the Arizona
Diamondbacks began play at Chase Field (formerly Bank
One Ballpark). The team won the World Series in 2001.
•
Phoenix is home to many different motor sports. Included
are Indy Car and NASCAR events at Phoenix International
Raceway, drag racing at Manzanita Speedway and boat
racing at Firebird International Raceway.
MUSEUMS
•
Phoenix has museums to suit nearly every taste. The
Heard Museum (Native American); Desert Botanical Garden
(the world’s largest collection of desert plants);
Taliesin West (home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation);
the Phoenix Art Museum (the Southwest’s largest
art museum); The Fleischer Museum (American Impressionism);
The Arizona Science Center; The Hall of Flame (featuring
the world’s largest collection of fire-fighting
equipment); Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park
(Native American) and the Phoenix Museum of History
are among the cultural hot spots.
•
The Heard Museum has an extensive collection of Native
American artifacts, including the largest kachina
doll collection—donated in part by the late
Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater—of any museum
in the country.
•
Arizona is home to 23 reservations representing 21
different Native American tribes.
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FAQ's
|
 |
How
should I dress in Phoenix? |
|
 |
Casual and comfortable clothing is commended while visiting
Phoenix. Some restaurants
may require jackets and ties for gentlemen,
but most do not. A sweater or lightweight jacket
is advisable for the cool evenings from December
through March. |
|
|
Is
transportation available from the airport to
Phoenix hotels and resorts? |
|
|
Ground transportation from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Greater Phoenix
resorts and hotels is available via taxis, limousines
and vans. Taxis are located at all airport terminals.
Each company usually posts its fares or you
can check with the driver about the charge per
mile. |
|
|
Are
there any public transportation options? |
|
|
The Phoenix Transit System provides scheduled bus service every
day, but availability of weekend service depends
on what bus route you choose to take. You can
plan your bus route at www.valleymetro.org. Fares, times and
routes are available by calling (602) 262-7433.
The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is also available
for free during weekdays in Downtown Phoenix.
|
|
|
How
far is the Grand Canyon from Phoenix and how do I get there? |
|
|
The Grand Canyon, located in northern
Arizona, is a 5-hour drive
from Phoenix and can be reached
by plane from Phoenix in less than an
hour. If driving, take Interstate 17 north from
Phoenix to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff take Route 180
northwest to the Canyon. The South Rim is open
year-round. Experience it through nature walks
and mule rides into the Canyon, or by driving
around its scenic edge. The North Rim is open
from mid-May through October, depending on weather
conditions. |
|
|
I
only have one day in town, what must I see?
|
|
|
Ah, so much to see, so little time. Downtown Phoenix is a must see.
Attractions include the fabulous Chase Field,
Arizona Science Center, Orpheum Theatre and
Phoenix Museum of History. Plus you don't want
to miss the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Center's new 24-screen
movie complex and other downtown attractions.
But then there's golf, great restaurants, endless
shopping, pro sports, etc. Good luck fitting
it all into one day. |
|
|
What
are the road conditions throughout the state?
|
|
|
Call the National Weather Service forecast office at (602)
379-4000 for updated information. You can also
consult http://www.weather.com for Phoenix weather information.
|
|
|
What
is your time zone? |
|
|
Arizona is on Mountain
Standard Time and is one of the few states that
doesn't change its
clocks for daylight saving time. This means
that Arizona is on Mountain
Time for 6 months of the year and on Pacific
Time during daylight savings time. |
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Dining
Endless dining possibilities exist in Greater Phoenix.
Explore a fresh fusion of flavors in Greater Phoenix.
Here you will undoubtedly tempt your taste buds with
flavors indigenous to this region–flavors that
will leave you craving more.
Respected
authorities such as Wine Spectator and Food and Wine
magazines and the James Beard Foundation have cited
Greater Phoenix restaurants and chefs among America's
best. Phoenix restaurants are especially celebrated
for their unique brand of Southwestern fare derived
from Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences.
Shopping
When
visiting Greater Phoenix, visitors find a wonderful
selection of art and upscale souvenirs such as beautifully
handcrafted Native American turquoise jewelry and
elegant leather goods. You owe it to yourself to check
out the area's fabulous shopping malls, unique boutiques,
antique shops and the terrific deals available at
regional outlet centers.
As
you shop at palatial Scottsdale Fashion Square, enjoy
the upscale ambiance of Biltmore Fashion Park, peruse
antique stores in Glendale or explore galleries and
boutiques in Scottsdale, you'll see why shopping is
such a popular activity in Greater Phoenix.
Original
Southwestern art and eclectic gifts are sure to pique
interests as you peruse art galleries along Main Street
and Marshall Way in Scottsdale. Art collectors and
enthusiasts revel in the vast array of artistic talent
on display here.
For
a shopping experience that is decidedly young at heart,
visit Mill Avenue in Tempe. A stones' throw from Arizona
State University, Mill Avenue is a great place to
find unique gifts, jewelry, souvenirs and clothing–
much of which is made by local artists and designers
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