Winter in Scottsdale: Weather, Snowbird Season & Vacation Rentals

Winter in Scottsdale: Clear Skies, Holiday Cheer & Luxurious Vacation Rentals

While most places across the country are gearing up for a dreary winter filled with chilly temperatures and feet upon feet of snow, Scottsdale is preparing for one of its best seasons of the year!

Winter in Scottsdale is characterized by clear blue skies, mild weather, and cool nights, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 70°F and winter nights dropping to lows around 40°F. Scottsdale winter conditions provide the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, and the great weather also brings some of Scottsdale’s most anticipated annual events to town! Winter in Scottsdale also promises fewer crowds than peak season, making it a bit of a “secret season” for snagging savings.

If you plan to visit Scottsdale this winter, book a luxury getaway with Stay With Style Scottsdale and enjoy these top picks for seasonal events, winter activities, and can’t-miss day trips from Scottsdale.

Popular Winter Festivals and Events in Scottsdale

From festive holiday traditions to major annual events, including the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and WM Phoenix Open, winter is undoubtedly the best season to visit Scottsdale for well-known events and activities. Whether you’re an avid golfer, car enthusiast, or ready to experience some holiday cheer, you’ll find an event (or two!) from Scottsdale’s winter roundup that will surely pique your interest.

Winter Events & Festivals in Scottsdale

Christmas at the Princess

Get in the holiday spirit at Christmas at the Princess. Held annually at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this event features millions of twinkling lights, delicious treats and drinks, and fun activities for all ages, including ice skating, train rides, s'mores fire pits, and photos with Santa Claus.

Explore

Scottsdazzle

Spend the entire month of December celebrating the festive season in Old Town Scottsdale during Scottsdazzle, which runs from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. From tamale-making and wine-and-craft workshops to movie showings and tree lightings, this annual tradition promises fun for all ages.

Explore

Decadence Arizona

Party into the new year at Decadence Arizona, one of the most highly anticipated NYE events in Greater Phoenix. Hosted at the Phoenix Raceway, this two-day EDM music festival promises high-energy performances from more than 30 talented artists and bands.

Explore

Barrett-Jackson Car Show

Head to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January to see one-of-a-kind vehicles and automotive collectables from 500+ exhibitors. Car collectors and automotive enthusiasts look forward to this event (the company's largest and longest auction!) each year at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

Explore

WM Phoenix Open

Watch the most talented players on the PGA Tour face off during the tour's most anticipated tournament. The WM Phoenix Open is held each year in early February at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course in North Scottsdale, welcoming more than 700,000 golf fans during the entire week.

Explore

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Attend the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld of Scottsdale — the world’s largest Arabian Horse Show — to meet 2,400+ beautiful horses. You can also attend educational seminars, participate in breed demonstrations, shop or snack from vendors, and watch live entertainment.

Explore

Spectacular Things to Do in Scottsdale During Winter

The promise of sunny days and clear skies provides the perfect backdrop for Scottsdale’s most popular outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, and mountain biking. Discover our favorite ways to experience the desert’s picturesque beauty and perfect weather from this curated list.

Winter Activities & Things to Do in Scottsdale

Golf at Championship Courses

Hit a hole-in-one at one of Scottsdale's championship golf courses, ideal for all-day excursions during the winter months. Choose from over 200 golf courses available year-round, including top picks like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and Grayhawk Golf Club.

Hike or Mountain Bike on Scenic Hiking Trails

Venture onto Scottsdale's 200 miles of hiking and biking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or on other popular mountains in Phoenix, like Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak. You can find hiking trails for all skill levels in the Sonoran Desert, from smooth walks to adrenaline-pumping climbs.

Go Stargazing in the Winter Sky

Take advantage of the early winter sunsets in Scottsdale to go stargazing. From desert viewpoints to dark sky parks and preserves, Scottsdale is filled with excellent places to admire planets, constellations, and other celestial bodies.

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

Admire over 50,000 desert plants at one of Scottsdale's most popular tourist attractions, the Desert Botanical Garden. The crisp, cool winter weather is ideal for strolling and looking at massive saguaros, rare succulents, and vibrant wildflowers.

Go Holiday Shopping in Scottsdale

Shop 'til you drop and snag deals during the holiday season at Scottsdale's charming boutiques, high-end malls, and luxe retailers. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and Scottsdale Fashion Square for the premier shopping experience in Scottsdale.

Embark on a Thrilling Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar above the picturesque desert landscape in Scottsdale during a winter hot air balloon ride. The clear skies, cool weather, and later morning start times for sunrise rides make winter one of the ideal seasons to enjoy this iconic Scottsdale experience.

Cozy Winter Day Trips from Scottsdale for Sparkling Snowfall & Winter Adventures

Scottsdale might see 300 days of sunshine each year and virtually no rain during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience a winter wonderland during your trip to Arizona. While visiting Scottsdale, consider adding the following day trips to your itinerary to experience some skiing, snowboarding, and holiday cheer.

Winter Day Trips from Scottsdale

Flagstaff & Arizona Snowbowl

Hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona's premier destination for skiing and snowboarding, before heading into Flagstaff for dinner and drinks at a local restaurant or brewery.

Explore

Prescott

During the Christmas season, plan a day trip to Prescott, known as Arizona's Christmas City, for local parades, tree lighting events, holiday shopping, small-town charm, and festive cheer.

Explore

Grand Canyon National Park

For a chance to see the snow-dusted canyon with fewer crowds, lower prices, and empty trails, head to Grand Canyon National Park on a day trip from Scottsdale during the winter.

Explore

Tucson & Mount Lemmon

Think you need to head north for fresh powder? Think again. Take a road trip down to Mount Lemmon in Tucson this winter to ski on more than 20 trails at Ski Valley, the southermost ski resort in the country.

Explore

Winter in Scottsdale: Clear Skies, Holiday Cheer & Luxurious Vacation Rentals

Popular Winter Festivals and Events in Scottsdale

Winter Events & Festivals in Scottsdale

Christmas at the Princess

Scottsdazzle

Decadence Arizona

Barrett-Jackson Car Show

WM Phoenix Open

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Related Content

Spectacular Things to Do in Scottsdale During Winter

Winter Activities & Things to Do in Scottsdale

Golf at Championship Courses

Hike or Mountain Bike on Scenic Hiking Trails

Go Stargazing in the Winter Sky

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

Go Holiday Shopping in Scottsdale

Embark on a Thrilling Hot Air Balloon Ride

Related Content

Cozy Winter Day Trips from Scottsdale for Sparkling Snowfall & Winter Adventures

Winter Day Trips from Scottsdale

Flagstaff & Arizona Snowbowl

Prescott

Grand Canyon National Park

Tucson & Mount Lemmon

Related Content