Early winter · Weather & things to do
Phoenix in December
This is the coldest month in Phoenix: highs average 66°F (19°C) and lows 42°F (5°C), with about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain.
At 96/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 45%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 96/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs near 66°F (19°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 13°C (24°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Rain is moderate at about 1.2 in (31 mm) for the month.
Plan around December
December is one of Phoenix's best months on the climate data.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 3.8 in (96 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 48 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 99/100 in November to 96/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 42°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Phoenix in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail
Steep, rocky 1.2-mile climb to the city's best summit view.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best sunrise, Oct–Apr.
Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizza in a 1929 brick building at Heritage Square.
Why now December scores 96/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Heard Museum
Deep collection of Native American art, jewelry and Hopi katsina dolls.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Old Town Scottsdale saloon, open since 1951, with live country music.
Desert Botanical Garden
Trails through saguaros, cacti and wildflowers from deserts worldwide.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 1.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Papago Park & Camelback in December~7 mi · highs 65°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in December~100 mi · highs 51°F, 2.0 in rain · 8°C (15°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Catalina Foothills in December~106 mi · highs 62°F, 1.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in December~106 mi · highs 64°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Phoenix?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 96/100. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Phoenix in December?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 42°F (5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in December?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Phoenix in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 42°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Phoenix in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.