Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Papago Park & Camelback in September
Papago Park & Camelback cools off: highs slip to 100°F (38°C), from 105°F in August, with lows of 74°F (23°C) and about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 60/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 100°F (38°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Humidity
- 31%
- Cloud cover
- 27%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 60/100 · Good
What September feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 100°F (38°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (26°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 31% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.9 in (22 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 27%.
Plan around September
September is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Comfort improves from 56/100 in August to 60/100.
- Our Phoenix New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — September falls outside it.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes100°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 74°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Papago Park & Camelback in September
Afternoons run hot (100°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Hole-in-the-Rock
Sandstone butte with a natural opening, reached by a short trail, looking out over Phoenix and the zoo.
Why now September scores 60/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Desert Botanical Garden
Garden of saguaros, agaves and desert wildflowers set against the Papago Buttes, with trails of under a mile each.
Why now Highs near 100°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
La Grande Orange
Arcadia's long-running cafe, bakery and market at 40th Street and Campbell, busy with brunch crowds.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Phoenix Zoo
Zoo in Papago Park whose ZooLights season ran from late November to mid-January in 2025-26.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 100°F.
Nearby in September
- Phoenix in September~7 mi · highs 101°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in September~98 mi · highs 86°F, 1.5 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Catalina Foothills in September~101 mi · highs 94°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in September~102 mi · highs 95°F, 1.6 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Papago Park & Camelback in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Papago Park & Camelback?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 60/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are November – April. Expect highs of 100°F (38°C) and 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
How hot is Papago Park & Camelback in September?
Average highs are 100°F (38°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Papago Park & Camelback in September?
Not much: about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Papago Park & Camelback in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (100°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 74°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Papago Park & Camelback
Planning Papago Park & Camelback in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.