Thinking about spending St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona? You’ll probably want to know what the weather usually feels like. Most years, daytime highs run in the 70s to near 80 degrees, and mornings can dip down to the 50s. Rain rarely shows up, but hey, it’s happened a few times—so knowing the patterns helps before you make plans.
You’ll see that the weather depends a lot on where you are in Arizona. Phoenix usually gives you warm, dry afternoons, but if you head up to Flagstaff, it’s still chilly and sometimes even wintry. Arizona’s range is pretty wild, so your experience really changes depending on your destination.
If you check out climate data and past weather, you’ll notice St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona is often sunny, but it can turn cooler or even a little wet on rare occasions. Knowing that makes it easier to enjoy parades or outdoor events without surprises.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona
St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona usually brings mild to warm days, cooler evenings, and a slim chance of rain. Sunshine dominates, though clouds sometimes drift through, especially in higher spots.
Average Temperatures and Highs
Temperatures around mid-March really depend on where you are. In Phoenix, daytime highs usually hit the mid-70s °F, and nights cool off into the upper 40s or low 50s °F. Tucson feels a bit cooler, with highs close to 70°F and lows in the mid-40s °F.
Head north to Flagstaff, and you’ll need a heavier jacket. Highs average in the upper 40s °F, and lows can dip down into the 20s °F. Snow’s still possible up there, though it doesn’t happen as much as in January or February.
This big difference means you might wear short sleeves in the desert and need a coat in the mountains. Packing layers is your best bet if you’re traveling between regions.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 75°F | 50°F |
| Tucson | 70°F | 45°F |
| Flagstaff | 48°F | 25°F |
Precipitation Trends and Rainfall Chances
Most of Arizona doesn’t see much rain by mid-March, but it’s not impossible. Phoenix gets about 0.9 inches of rain in March, usually spread over just a few days. Tucson’s similar, while Flagstaff can see closer to 2 inches—sometimes as rain, sometimes as late snow.
Storms that do show up tend to move in and out fast. Rain usually doesn’t last long, and steady showers are rare. In the desert, your odds of rain on St. Patrick’s Day are usually under 15%.
If you’re in northern Arizona, keep in mind the weather can get a bit more unpredictable. Snow showers might pop up, but they’re not as common as earlier in winter.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Arizona’s famous for its sunshine, and March is no different. In Phoenix, you’ll get clear or mostly clear skies about 70% of the time. Tucson gets about the same, so you’ll have plenty of daylight.
Flagstaff, since it’s higher up and closer to storm tracks, sees more clouds. Still, you’ll usually get a mix of sun and clouds, not endless gray.
By mid-March, you get around 12 hours of daylight. That’s plenty for outdoor plans. In the desert, the sun feels strong in the afternoon, so don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses, even if it’s cool out.
Regional Weather Variations Across Arizona
Arizona’s climate really depends on where you are. Elevation makes the biggest difference. The low desert cities stay warm and dry, while higher spots get cooler and more unpredictable. In mid-March, afternoons in the desert feel mild, but higher elevations bring chillier mornings and bigger temperature swings.
Phoenix Area Climate Overview
Phoenix in mid-March usually brings warm afternoons—average highs near 78°F—and mornings around 54°F. The desert air keeps things dry, and the sky’s often clear. Rain barely makes an appearance, with only about 3 days of measurable precipitation in March.
You’ll notice longer daylight hours, about 12 hours per day. Outdoor stuff feels comfortable. Winds tend to stay light, around 7 mph, so you rarely deal with strong gusts.
Humidity stays low, making even the warmest afternoons manageable. Nights cool off enough that you might want a light jacket, but frost isn’t really an issue. Phoenix almost never gets rain showers at this time, and snow doesn’t happen.
The city’s desert climate gives you dry, warm weather that’s great for sightseeing, hiking, or just relaxing by the pool.
Tucson Weather Trends
Tucson sits a bit higher than Phoenix, so it’s a little cooler. In mid-March, daytime highs average about 76°F, and overnight lows drop near 49°F. That means crisp mornings but pleasant afternoons.
Rain barely shows up, with just 3 days of light precipitation in the month. Most days are sunny. Winds average around 8 mph, enough to notice but not enough to bother you.
The desert air keeps humidity low, so you won’t feel muggy. By afternoon, it’s t-shirt weather, but evenings cool off fast. If you’re out after sunset, bring a sweater or light jacket.
Tucson’s March weather is pretty reliable. You get mild desert warmth without the crazy heat that comes later.
Weather in Tempe
Tempe’s mid-March weather matches Phoenix since they’re both in the same valley. Average highs reach the upper 70s°F, and lows settle in the low to mid-50s°F. The air stays dry, and the sun shows up most days.
Rain barely makes an appearance, usually less than an inch for the month. Maybe you’ll see a quick shower, but most days are dry. Daylight stretches to about 12 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time for outdoor plans.
Winds are usually light, and the low humidity keeps things comfortable. Evenings cool off, but it rarely feels cold. You can count on steady weather for outdoor festivals, spring training games, or time by Tempe Town Lake.
Tempe’s climate during this time gives you dry warmth that makes planning easy.
Historical Weather Data for St. Patrick’s Day
Arizona’s weather on St. Patrick’s Day usually shows the shift from winter to spring. Afternoons feel mild in many places, but temperatures and weather can swing a lot, especially if you move around the state.
Temperature Records and Extremes
Mid-March in Arizona means cool mornings and warm afternoons. In Phoenix, highs usually land in the mid-70s °F, and lows dip into the upper 40s or low 50s °F. Tucson is a bit cooler, and places like Flagstaff average highs in the 50s °F with freezing mornings.
Sometimes, the weather gets extreme. Phoenix has hit the upper 90s °F on March 17 in some years, while Flagstaff has dropped into the teens. These swings show how much elevation and season can change things.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| City | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Record High °F | Record Low °F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 75 | 50 | 97 | 38 |
| Tucson | 72 | 46 | 94 | 34 |
| Flagstaff | 52 | 25 | 73 | 11 |
These numbers help you plan for warm afternoons and chilly mornings, especially if you’re bouncing between desert and mountain towns.
Notable Weather Events
St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona has brought everything from calm, sunny days to weather surprises. In the deserts, strong spring winds sometimes kick up dust and make highways tricky. Southern Arizona gets this more often, and it can affect travel in the afternoons.
Northern Arizona can still get late-season snow. Flagstaff has picked up snow on March 17 several times, from just a dusting to over half a foot. That’s a big contrast to the dry, warm weather you might find in Phoenix on the same day.
Rain doesn’t happen much, but it’s not impossible. Tucson has seen scattered showers on St. Patrick’s Day in wetter years, usually when Pacific systems roll through. Rain is usually light, but it can cool things off fast and make outdoor events feel chilly.
These unpredictable moments are a good reason to check the forecast, especially if you’re driving between the desert and the mountains in one day.
Weather Impacts on St. Patrick’s Day Events
St. Patrick’s Day weather in Arizona usually means mild afternoons but cooler mornings and evenings. That shapes how you plan your outdoor events and travel.
Outdoor Celebrations and Parades
Most St. Patrick’s Day events in Arizona, like parades in Phoenix or festivals in Tucson, happen outside. Mid-March highs usually run from the mid-60s to mid-70s in southern Arizona, while places like Flagstaff stay in the 40s or 50s.
You’ll want to be ready for big temperature swings. A sunny afternoon feels great, but shade or a breeze can cool things down fast. Dressing in layers is the way to go.
Rain isn’t likely, but it can happen. March averages bring light rain to parts of Arizona, more so in the north. Most years stay dry, but a quick shower could change parade routes or outdoor seating.
If you’re hitting a festival, remember a lot of things happen outdoors—open-air stages, food trucks, and temporary seating. A hat, sunscreen, and water are just as important as a jacket.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Traveling around Arizona on St. Patrick’s Day takes a little planning since the weather shifts by region. In the deserts, roads usually stay clear and dry, but evenings can cool off quickly after sunset.
If you’re heading north to higher elevations, you might run into cooler weather and, sometimes, leftover snow near Flagstaff or the White Mountains. That can make for slick roads, especially at night.
Traffic gets heavier around big events. Parades in Phoenix or Scottsdale often close streets, and parking fills up fast. Check event maps and road closure info before you go to skip the hassle.
On longer drives, keep an eye on the forecast. Quick-moving spring storms can bring gusty winds or light rain, which might cut visibility on highways. Packing extra water and a light jacket helps you stay ready for changing weather.
What to Expect: Packing and Planning Tips
Arizona’s mid-March weather feels mild during the day but cools off in the mornings and evenings. Bring layers, expect lots of sun, and plan for dry air that can sneak up on your comfort if you’re outside for a while.
Recommended Clothing for the Weather
Daytime highs in Arizona around St. Patrick’s Day usually hit the upper 60s to mid-70s °F. You’ll want lightweight clothing—think short-sleeve shirts, breathable tops, and comfortable walking shoes for daytime plans.
Mornings and nights can get chilly, sometimes dropping into the 40s or 50s °F. Grab a light jacket, sweater, or fleece so you’re not caught shivering when the sun disappears.
Dressing in layers really helps since the temperature can shift quickly. You can peel things off or add them back as needed.
If you’re heading to outdoor events like the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade or maybe a Scottsdale pub crawl, you might be on your feet for hours. Pick some comfortable shoes, and don’t forget a hat or sunglasses for the sun.
The desert sun doesn’t mess around, even in spring. Toss some sunscreen in your bag, and bring a refillable water bottle so you don’t dry out.
A small backpack or crossbody bag makes it easier to carry your stuff as you move between events.
Preparation for Weather Changes
Arizona usually means dry, sunny skies, but March can surprise you. Sometimes, a light rain shower pops up, especially up north.
Throw a compact umbrella or thin rain jacket in your bag just in case, but don’t stress about it too much.
Wind can pick up in the afternoons. If you’re planning to be outside for a while—parades, festivals, or even hiking—a windbreaker comes in handy.
If you’re heading up to higher elevations like Flagstaff or Sedona, you’ll notice it’s cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Temperatures can run 10–20 degrees lower, so bring warmer layers for those mountain areas.
Arizona’s dry air can leave your skin and lips feeling chapped. I always carry lip balm and a small bottle of moisturizer, and honestly, it makes a big difference during long days outside.
Comparing St. Patrick’s Day Weather to Other Times of Year
St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona usually lands right between chilly winter days and the start of real spring warmth. You’ll get temperatures and rainfall that aren’t as cold as January but haven’t hit May’s heat yet.
March Weather Versus Winter and Spring
Most Arizona cities see mild daytime highs and cooler nights in March.
For example, Phoenix averages highs in the low 70s °F, with lows dipping into the upper 40s °F. That’s definitely warmer than January, when highs stick to the 60s °F and nights can drop into the 40s °F or even the 30s °F up in the mountains.
Rainfall stays pretty limited in March, with Phoenix getting about 0.9 inches on average. That’s less than the wetter months of January and February, which sometimes bring over an inch.
By April, rain drops off even more, and May is usually bone dry.
Compared to late spring, March feels much more comfortable. By May, highs in Phoenix often hit the 90s °F, and Tucson can get up into the upper 80s °F.
March really is that sweet spot—warm enough for outdoor fun but not roasting yet.
How Arizona’s Climate Stands Out
Arizona’s climate really sets St. Patrick’s Day apart from most of the country. In the northern states, March 17 can still bring snow, freezing nights, or those stubborn late-winter storms.
But in Arizona? Most regions greet you with sunny skies and air that actually feels good.
Elevation shapes a lot of this. Flagstaff, for example, sits above 6,000 feet. Highs in March usually reach the 50s °F, and lows dip close to freezing.
Snow can still fall up there, which is a world away from places like Phoenix or Tucson. You almost never see snow in those cities during March.
So, you get options. Want a holiday that feels like winter? Head north. Craving warmth and spring vibes? Southern Arizona’s got you covered with bright afternoons and plenty of sun.
Honestly, this range is what makes Arizona’s March weather so interesting.