Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Phoenix in September
Phoenix cools off: highs slip to 101°F (38°C), from 105°F in August, with lows of 75°F (24°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
- 101°F (38°C)
- Avg low
- 75°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Humidity
- 31%
- Cloud cover
- 25%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 60/100 · Good
What September feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 101°F (38°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 75°F (24°C), about 14°C (26°F) below the afternoon high.
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 25%.
Plan around September
September is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Comfort improves from 57/100 in August to 60/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 101°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 75°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Phoenix in September
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Desert Botanical Garden
Trails through saguaros, cacti and wildflowers from deserts worldwide.
Why now September scores 60/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Matt's Big Breakfast
Downtown diner known for thick bacon, griddle cakes and long weekend lines.
Why now A break from 101°F afternoons.
Musical Instrument Museum
Thousands of instruments from about 200 countries, with headphone audio at each display.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizza in a 1929 brick building at Heritage Square.
Why now Highs near 101°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio, seen on guided tours.
Nearby in September
- Papago Park & Camelback in September~7 mi · highs 100°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in September~100 mi · highs 86°F, 1.5 in rain · 8°C (15°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Catalina Foothills in September~106 mi · highs 94°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in September~106 mi · highs 95°F, 1.6 in rain · 4°C (6°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Phoenix?
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 101°F (38°C) and 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Phoenix in September?
Average highs are 101°F (38°C) and average lows 75°F (24°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix 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 Phoenix in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 101°F), 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 75°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
Planning Phoenix in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.