Photo: Alan Stark from Goodyear, AZ, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0Travel Tips
Practical Phoenix travel tips: best time to visit, heat and monsoon safety, getting around by car and light rail, the airport, budget, tipping and packing.
These Phoenix travel tips are built for real trips, not postcards. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the heart of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, spread across the Sonoran Desert in what locals call the Valley of the Sun.
It is known for its sunny winters, its resorts and golf courses, spring training baseball and its access to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, and also for some of the hottest summers of any large American city.
Understanding the heat, the seasons, the distances and the driving culture will save you time, money and possibly your health.
The Valley is easy to understand once you know its main parts. Downtown Phoenix sits near the center, with Sky Harbor International Airport just to the east.
Scottsdale and Paradise Valley lie to the northeast, at the foot of Camelback Mountain, Tempe and Mesa stretch to the east along the Salt River, and the West Valley spreads out toward Glendale.
Mountains such as South Mountain, Camelback and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve rise within the urban area and help with orientation. Most streets follow a grid, with Central Avenue dividing east from west.
Below you will find season-by-season timing, honest safety guidance on heat and storms, how to move around by car, light rail and rideshare, airport logistics for Sky Harbor, realistic budgeting, tipping norms and a packing list tuned to a desert city where winter nights can be chilly and summer afternoons dangerously hot.
The currency is the US dollar, and cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere. English is the main language, and Spanish is widely spoken. Prices usually exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout, and many resorts add daily resort fees.
Valley Metro runs the region's light rail, buses and the Tempe streetcar. Pay with the Valley Metro mobile app or fare cards sold at stations. The PHX Sky Train, which links the airport terminals with a light rail station, is free, as are some neighborhood circulators such as the Scottsdale Trolley and Tempe's Orbit buses.
Tipping is expected in the United States. At sit-down restaurants, 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is standard, and $1 to $2 per drink is typical at bars. Resort staff, such as pool attendants, valets and housekeeping, also expect tips.
Phoenix follows a grid. Central Avenue divides east from west, and Washington Street divides north from south. Freeways such as Interstate 10, Interstate 17, Loop 101 and Loop 202 connect the Valley's cities. Mountains within the city, like Camelback and South Mountain, help you find your bearings.
In Phoenix, the seasons matter more than in most cities. Winter and spring are the high season, with perfect weather for hiking, golf and patios. Summer is extremely hot and is the low season for hotels. The monsoon brings storms in late summer, and fall cools gradually.
Choose your dates based on how you plan to spend your time.
Warm, sunny days and cool nights, sometimes near freezing. Peak season for snowbirds, golf and the Barrett-Jackson auction.
Ideal weather, blooming cacti and spring training. The busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Heat builds quickly, with many days above 100°F (38°C). Saguaros bloom with white flowers.
Extremely hot, with highs often above 110°F (43°C). Best for resort pools, spas and indoor attractions, with low hotel prices.
Thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms and flash floods, usually in the afternoon or evening.
September remains hot; October and November bring pleasant weather and the return of outdoor life.
Major League Baseball's Cactus League runs from late February through March, filling hotels.
Golf tournaments, auctions and spring training raise hotel prices; check the calendar.
Visit popular trails and attractions early in the morning, especially in high season.
Phoenix is generally safe for visitors, and most trips are trouble-free. As in any large city, petty crime and car break-ins occur, and some areas feel less comfortable at night.
But the biggest danger for visitors is the climate: heat illness, dehydration and sudden storms can be life-threatening. Respect the desert, plan around the heat and stay aware.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly. Drink water constantly, rest in the shade and seek help if you feel dizzy, confused or stop sweating.
Hike only early in the morning in warm months, carry more water than you think you need and never hike alone. The city may close popular trails during extreme heat warnings.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute; temperatures inside can become deadly very quickly.
If a dust storm reduces visibility while driving, pull off the road as far as possible, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake, following Arizona's "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" advice.
Never drive into flooded roads or washes during monsoon storms. Turn around and find another route.
Watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions on trails, and keep your distance from cactus, especially cholla, whose spines attach easily.
The sun is intense all year. Use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, especially at trailheads.
Dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies.
Phoenix is built for cars, and most visitors drive or use rideshare. But public transit can be useful for some trips: the light rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, and free circulators serve parts of Scottsdale and Tempe.
Plan your routes ahead and leave extra time in traffic.
The light rail runs through central Phoenix, downtown, Tempe and Mesa, with stops near museums, stadiums and Arizona State University.
A free automated train links the airport terminals with a light rail station.
Buses cover the metro area, though service can be infrequent in outlying areas.
A streetcar connects downtown Tempe with nearby neighborhoods.
The Scottsdale Trolley and Tempe's Orbit buses are free and useful for short trips.
Uber and Lyft are widely used, but long distances can make fares add up.
Freeways connect the Valley's cities. Avoid rush hours and allow extra time.
Parking is easy at most attractions and resorts, though downtown and Old Town Scottsdale may charge.
Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Tempe are walkable in pleasant weather.
Canal paths and park trails are good for cycling in the cooler months.
Use the Valley Metro app and a mapping app for routes and schedules.
For most visitors, a car is the easiest way to explore Phoenix and the surrounding desert. Distances between attractions are large, and day trips to Sedona, the Superstitions and the Grand Canyon require one.
If you stay downtown or in Tempe and focus on nearby sights, you can manage with light rail and rideshare.
A car makes it easy to reach trailheads, museums and resorts across the Valley.
Downtown, Tempe and Mesa are connected by light rail.
Sedona, the Superstition Mountains and the Grand Canyon all require a car or a tour.
In summer, cars become extremely hot; use a sunshade and be careful with hot surfaces.
Freeways can be busy at rush hour and during big events.
Some resorts charge for parking or valet; check in advance.
Slow down in rain and dust, and avoid flooded roads.
On desert drives, keep your tank full and carry extra water.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is only a few miles from downtown, which makes arrivals quick and easy. The free PHX Sky Train connects the terminals with the light rail, and rideshare, taxis and the rental car center are well organized.
A free train connects the terminals, parking areas and a light rail station.
From the Sky Train connection, the light rail runs to downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup areas.
Taxis wait at marked stands outside the terminals.
Rental companies operate from a consolidated center reached by shuttle bus.
Many airport-area and Tempe hotels offer free shuttles.
Downtown Phoenix is only a short drive from the airport.
Rideshare and taxis are the easiest options late at night.
Expect intense heat when you step outside; carry water.
Some resorts offer transfers; check with your hotel.
Phoenix can be expensive in high season, when resorts and hotels charge premium rates, but it offers excellent value in summer. Many of the best experiences, hiking, sunsets and arts districts, are free. Plan your dates carefully and watch for resort fees.
Resorts and hotels offer their lowest rates from June to September.
Daily resort fees and parking can add significantly to the cost.
Hiking trails, Papago Park, Dobbins Lookout and Tempe Town Lake are free.
The Arizona Capitol Museum is free to visit.
Lawn seats at spring training games are often affordable.
Taquerias, Sonoran hot dog stands and fry bread spots offer great food at low prices.
Many restaurants and bars offer discounts in the late afternoon.
Use the free Scottsdale Trolley and Tempe Orbit buses for short trips.
Sales tax is added at checkout and varies by city.
Budget for tips at restaurants, bars and resorts.
Tipping is an important part of service culture in the United States, and Phoenix follows national norms. At resorts, many staff members expect tips, from valets to pool attendants. These guidelines will help you tip appropriately.
Tip 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill.
Tip $1 to $2 per drink or 18 to 20 percent of the tab.
Tip around 15 to 20 percent of the fare.
Leave a few dollars per night.
Tip a few dollars when your car is delivered and per bag.
Tip for towel and chair service at resort pools.
Tip 15 to 20 percent for a good guide.
Tipping caddies and course staff is customary.
Tip 18 to 20 percent for treatments, unless a service charge is included.
Packing for Phoenix is all about sun and temperature swings. Summer calls for light, breathable clothing and serious sun protection, while winter evenings can be chilly in the desert.
Casual dress is acceptable almost everywhere, though resorts and fine restaurants may expect smart-casual attire.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are essential year-round.
Loose, light-colored clothes help in the heat.
Bring a jacket for cool evenings from November to March.
Carry water everywhere and refill often.
Electrolyte packets help on hot days and hikes.
Sturdy shoes for rocky desert trails.
For resort pools and water parks.
The desert air is very dry.
Useful during monsoon season.
For resort restaurants and nights out in Scottsdale.
Three to four days suits first-timers, covering the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum, Old Town Scottsdale, Taliesin West, a sunrise hike and the Musical Instrument Museum. With five days or more, add Sedona, the Superstition Mountains or the Grand Canyon.
From about November to April, when days are warm and sunny and evenings are cool. March is especially popular for spring training and blooming cacti. Summer is extremely hot, but hotel prices drop sharply.
No. Most of Arizona, including Phoenix, stays on Mountain Standard Time all year. In summer, Phoenix has the same time as Los Angeles; in winter, it has the same time as Denver.
Very hot. Daytime highs often exceed 110°F (43°C) in June, July and August, and nights stay warm. Heat illness is a real danger, so avoid outdoor exertion in the middle of the day and drink water constantly.
In most cases, yes. The metro area is huge and attractions are far apart. The light rail serves downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, and rideshare is widely available, but a car is the easiest way to explore.
The monsoon season, officially from mid-June to the end of September, brings humid air, thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, flash floods and dust storms. Storms are usually brief but can be dangerous, especially on the roads.
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