Late summer · Weather & things to do
Phoenix in August
Phoenix edges cooler than July, with highs of 105°F (41°C), lows of 81°F (27°C) and about 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 57/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by heat.
- Avg high
- 105°F (41°C)
- Avg low
- 81°F (27°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (33 mm)
- Humidity
- 35%
- Cloud cover
- 38%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 57/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 105°F (41°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 13°C (24°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 35%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is moderate at about 1.3 in (33 mm) for the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Comfort holds steady from July (56 → 57/100).
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes105°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 81°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Phoenix in August
Afternoons run hot (105°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio, seen on guided tours.
Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizza in a 1929 brick building at Heritage Square.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 105°F.
Heard Museum
Deep collection of Native American art, jewelry and Hopi katsina dolls.
Why now A break from 105°F afternoons.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Old Town Scottsdale saloon, open since 1951, with live country music.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail
Steep, rocky 1.2-mile climb to the city's best summit view.
Why now Best first thing, before the 105°F afternoon heat.
Nearby in August
- Papago Park & Camelback in August~7 mi · highs 105°F, 1.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in August~100 mi · highs 92°F, 2.7 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Catalina Foothills in August~106 mi · highs 97°F, 2.1 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Downtown Tucson in August~106 mi · highs 98°F, 2.5 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
These averages also cover Downtown Phoenix.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~494 m to Phoenix's ~331 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Phoenix in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Phoenix?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 57/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are November – April. Expect highs of 105°F (41°C) and 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Phoenix in August?
Average highs are 105°F (41°C) and average lows 81°F (27°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in August?
Not much: about 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Phoenix in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (105°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 81°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
Planning Phoenix in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.