Thinking about a holiday trip to Arizona for Christmas? You’ll find a surprisingly wide mix of weather, depending on where you decide to go. Usually, mild to cool days greet you in the desert cities, while higher elevations can get downright cold and sometimes snowy. Arizona’s a bit of an oddball that way—some spots soak up sunshine and warmth, while others serve up classic winter scenes.
You might catch daytime highs around 18–20°C (mid-60s °F) in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. Head north to Flagstaff, and you’ll probably see temps hovering near freezing, with snow blanketing the ground.
This contrast really lets you pick between a cozy winter getaway or a sunny escape, all without leaving the state.
If you want to plan the right activities—maybe hiking in the desert or skiing up in the mountains—it helps to know how temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine shift across Arizona. With a little digging into climate data and regional quirks, you’ll know what to pack and how to get the most out of your trip.
Overview of Arizona’s Christmas Weather
Arizona’s Christmas weather usually brings mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and not much rain. The vibe changes a lot by city and elevation, though. Lower desert areas stay comfortable, while higher elevations get colder and might see some snow.
Typical Temperature Ranges
In Phoenix and other desert cities, average highs land in the mid-60s °F (18–20°C). Nighttime lows dip into the low to mid-40s °F (5–7°C).
Some years, the days warm up into the low 70s °F, but cold snaps can drop those nights to near freezing.
If you head up to places like Flagstaff or the Mogollon Rim, you’ll notice it gets much colder. Highs often stick around 40s °F (4–9°C). Lows plunge well below freezing, sometimes into the teens. Snow falls up there pretty regularly, which is a real contrast to the desert valleys.
So, your holiday weather really hinges on where you decide to stay. Central and southern Arizona will probably give you cool but comfortable days. In the mountains, you’ll want full-on winter gear.
General Climate Patterns
December usually means dry season for most of Arizona. Take Phoenix—rainfall averages just 0.02 inches on Christmas Day, and it only rains in less than 20% of years. Snow in the desert? Almost never, though the mountains get it often.
Humidity stays low, so the air feels crisp, not clammy. Winds are generally light, but sometimes a winter storm will whip up stronger gusts, especially up north.
Arizona’s geography is wild. Drive a couple hours, and you can go from mild, dry desert to icy mountain passes. If you’re planning to travel between regions, keep an eye on the roads.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
By late December, the sun doesn’t stick around long—about 10 hours of daylight on Christmas Day statewide. Sunrise is around 7:30 a.m., and sunset hits near 5:30 p.m.
Desert regions get plenty of sunshine. Phoenix usually enjoys clear to partly cloudy skies on most Christmas Days. Up north, clouds are more likely if storms roll in.
With shorter days, evenings cool off fast. If you want to be outside, plan for late morning or early afternoon. Sunshine can make it feel warmer than the thermometer says, especially if you find a spot out of the wind.
Regional Variations Across Arizona
Arizona’s December weather really depends on elevation and location. Mountain areas often deal with snow and freezing nights, while desert valleys stay milder, with cool mornings and comfy afternoons.
Weather in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona—think Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon—sits at higher elevations. Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 40–50°F (4–10°C). Nights can drop into the teens or 20s. Snowfall is common, and icy roads are a real possibility, especially in shaded spots.
You’ll probably see several inches of snow on the ground in many mountain towns. Flagstaff averages over 7 inches of snowfall in December, which makes it one of Arizona’s snowiest places during the holidays.
If you’re heading up there, pack warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Be ready for winter driving. The snowy scenery is gorgeous, but travel can definitely slow down.
Weather in Central Arizona
Central Arizona covers Phoenix and the surrounding desert valleys. Here, temperatures are much milder. Highs reach 65–70°F (18–21°C), while lows land around 40–45°F (4–7°C) in late December. Snow is almost unheard of, and the skies are usually clear.
Rainfall barely shows up—Phoenix averages less than 1 inch of precipitation in December. You’ll get mostly sunny days, though a winter storm can bring a quick shower.
This is the warmest holiday spot in Arizona. You might want a light jacket in the morning or evening, but afternoons are usually pleasant for outdoor fun. If you’re not a fan of snow and cold, this is your best bet.
Weather in Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona, with Tucson and areas near the Mexican border, feels a lot like central Arizona, but nights are a bit cooler. Daytime highs hit about 65–70°F (18–21°C). Nights can dip into the upper 30s to low 40s (3–6°C).
December brings very little rain—less than 1 inch on average. Snow almost never falls in the city, but mountains like Mount Lemmon nearby do get some.
You’ll find sunny afternoons, great desert hikes, and plenty of outdoor events. Mornings can be chilly, but the sun warms things up fast, making this area a pretty comfortable winter destination.
Historical Weather Data for Christmas Week
Christmas week in Arizona usually brings mild days in the desert and colder, sometimes snowy weather up high. Records show big swings in temperature, rainfall, and even the odd snowfall, all depending on where you are.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Phoenix has seen Christmas Day highs from the upper 40s to the upper 70s. The record low for December 25 in Phoenix is 27°F (1953). The warmest high was 78°F (1980). Most years, expect highs in the mid-60s and lows in the low-to-mid 40s.
Flagstaff tells a different story. Highs often land in the 30s, lows in the teens during Christmas week. Sometimes, cold snaps push temps below zero, while rare warm spells bring highs into the 40s. Tucson sits between Phoenix and Flagstaff, with highs in the 60s and lows in the upper 30s.
These differences really show off Arizona’s elevation changes. If you’re driving between regions, pack for both desert warmth and mountain cold.
Average Precipitation and Snowfall
Rain barely shows up in Phoenix during Christmas week—just 0.02 inches on December 25, on average. Out of more than 120 years, measurable rain fell on Christmas fewer than 25 times. Tucson’s pattern is similar: light rain is possible, but rare.
Desert snow is basically a unicorn, but Phoenix did see a trace of snow on Christmas in 1911, 1916, and 1974. Flagstaff, on the other hand, averages several inches of snow in December, and a white Christmas isn’t unusual.
In southern Arizona, peaks like Mt. Lemmon or the White Mountains often get snow, even if valleys stay dry. That makes the mountains popular for holiday ski trips while lower areas stay mild.
Notable Weather Events
A few Christmas weeks really stand out. In 1994, Phoenix got 0.63 inches of rain—the wettest Christmas on record. 1959 saw nearly the same amount, making for a damp, chilly holiday.
Cold can get pretty intense, too. The 1953 Phoenix low of 27°F still stands as the coldest Christmas morning there. On the flip side, 1980 hit 78°F, giving Phoenix one of its warmest holiday afternoons.
Flagstaff has had some wild snowstorms during Christmas week, dropping more than a foot of snow at times. Those storms slow down travel but turn the mountains into a winter wonderland.
Weather in Popular Arizona Destinations
Arizona’s December weather really depends on where you go. Low desert cities stay mild and sunny, while mountain areas can be cold and snowy. Knowing these differences helps you plan for both warm outdoor activities and winter conditions.
Phoenix and Scottsdale
In December, Phoenix averages highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F). Rain is rare, with just a few days of light showers. Sunshine is strong, giving you about 240+ hours of daylight during the month.
Scottsdale is almost the same—expect highs around 18°C (64°F) and lows near 5°C (41°F). Rainfall stays minimal, usually under 30 mm for the month.
Both cities are great for outdoor dining, golf, and hiking. A light jacket at night usually does the trick, and days feel mild. If you want a sunny holiday getaway, these spots are hard to beat.
Tucson and Sierra Vista
Tucson sits a bit higher than Phoenix, so December brings slightly cooler weather. Daytime highs hit 18°C (64°F), and nights drop to about 4°C (39°F). Rain is a touch more likely than in Phoenix, with about 30 mm spread over a few days.
Sierra Vista is even cooler, with highs near 16°C (61°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F). Rain is light, but nights can get cold.
If you’re planning to be outside after sunset, bring warm layers. Days are usually clear and sunny, so both cities work well if you want winter that’s cool but not harsh.
Flagstaff and Grand Canyon
Higher elevations bring a totally different vibe. Flagstaff averages highs near 6°C (43°F) and lows around -9°C (16°F) in December. Snow is common, and storms can dump several inches at once.
The Grand Canyon South Rim is similar, sitting over 2,000 meters up. Expect freezing nights, cold days, and a good chance of snow-covered roads and trails.
If you’re headed that way, pack heavy winter gear and check road conditions. The cold can be biting, but the snowy scenery along the canyon rim is pretty unforgettable, and the thinner crowds are a bonus.
Yuma and Kingman
Yuma is one of Arizona’s warmest spots in December. Highs average 20°C (68°F), lows around 7°C (45°F). Rain is almost nonexistent, often less than 10 mm for the month. Sunshine is everywhere, so people flock here for warmth.
Kingman is cooler and less predictable. December highs hit about 13°C (55°F), while lows often drop to 0°C (32°F). Rain or light snow can show up, but it’s usually light.
This contrast really shows off Arizona’s range. In a single trip, you could feel desert warmth in Yuma and then need a coat for brisk winter air in Kingman.
Outdoor Activities and Travel Considerations
Arizona’s Christmas season feels like a mix of mild desert warmth and snowy highlands. You can get outside and enjoy the weather, but don’t forget to prepare for sudden changes in temperature, icy roads, and the strong desert sun.
Best Activities for Christmas Weather
In northern Arizona, snow covers places like Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Locals and visitors flock to ski, snowboard, or try snowshoeing.
The Grand Canyon sometimes offers crisp, clear views with way fewer crowds. If trails are open, winter hikes feel extra peaceful.
Central Arizona, including Phoenix and Scottsdale, usually stays sunny and mild. Daytime highs often reach the 60s, so you can hike Camelback Mountain, wander the Desert Botanical Garden, or play golf without bundling up.
Southern Arizona, like Tucson and Bisbee, rarely gets snow. You can hike among saguaros at Saguaro National Park, explore historic neighborhoods, or check out outdoor holiday markets.
Warm days and cool nights make it easy to enjoy both cultural events and nature walks without dealing with harsh cold.
Travel Safety and Road Conditions
Road conditions change a lot depending on where you go. High-elevation spots like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon often get snow and ice. You should check forecasts daily and give yourself extra time when driving.
Storms might require you to use chains or snow-rated tires.
Phoenix and Tucson usually have dry roads, but nighttime temperatures can dip into the 40s. Ice is rare here, but mountain passes leading north can get dangerous fast.
Holiday traffic builds up around ski resorts, shopping areas, and light festivals. Expect delays in these spots.
Plan your route ahead of time and keep a paper map handy in case your phone loses signal in remote areas.
Packing Recommendations
Arizona’s climates can be all over the place, so you need to pack for warmth and cold. In the north, bring thermal layers, insulated jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. These are a must for snow activities and freezing nights.
For Phoenix and Tucson, stick to light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses help protect against the strong winter sun, which can still burn you.
Layering works best no matter where you go. Toss a small daypack in your car for water, snacks, and extra layers.
Even in December, the dry air makes dehydration sneaky, so keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
Best Time to Visit Arizona for Holiday Travel
Arizona’s weather shifts a lot depending on the region and season, so timing really matters. Cooler northern areas might get snowy while southern deserts stay mild. December brings a unique vibe compared to spring or fall.
Comparing December to Other Months
Spring (March–May) is often called the best time to visit Arizona thanks to mild highs, wildflowers, and great hiking. Fall (September–November) offers similar perks with cooler nights and fewer crowds.
December, though, gives you a different experience. In Northern Arizona—like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon—you’ll probably see snow, with highs in the 30s or 40s °F.
Central Arizona around Phoenix usually sees highs near 65 °F with cool evenings. Southern Arizona stays warmer, with Tucson reaching the low 60s during the day and nights that are chilly but manageable.
Compared to summer, when desert cities can get brutally hot (think over 100 °F), December feels much more comfortable for outdoor fun. Rain rarely interrupts plans, and most areas get plenty of clear skies.
The downside? You’ll get shorter days and colder nights, especially up in the mountains. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
Pros and Cons of Visiting at Christmas
Visiting Arizona at Christmas has its ups and downs. For starters, you’ll stumble on holiday events in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson, plus all those festive light displays and seasonal markets.
People can actually get outside—hiking, golfing, and wandering through national parks feels way more doable without that brutal summer heat. If you’re up for it, skiing and snow play in Flagstaff or the White Mountains can be a total surprise.
But let’s be honest, it’s not all perfect. Travel costs jump, and you’ll probably bump into bigger crowds at the popular spots.
Hotels near the Grand Canyon and Sedona fill up fast, so you really have to plan ahead. Nights in the north get pretty cold, which might cut your outdoor fun short, and honestly, packing for all those temperature swings isn’t anyone’s favorite thing.
If you’re hoping for some winter charm up north mixed with sunny desert days down south, Christmas week gives you that rare combo. It’s not something you’ll find any other time of year.