Scottsdale in December
Great time to visit
Perfect winter escape weather as snowbirds flood in from colder climates. Higher prices and crowds return, but the weather makes it worth it.
Weather
December brings crisp, sunny days and genuinely cold nights that might require a jacket. The desert winter is in full swing with brilliant blue skies and almost zero humidity. Rain is minimal.
20°C high8°C low3 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$250/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
- •Holiday light displays
- •Winter golf tournaments begin
December Tips
- •Pack warm clothes for evening - desert nights get surprisingly cold
- •Holiday decorations look surreal against cacti and palm trees
- •Snowbirds start arriving, so book ahead for New Year's
All Months
October through April is Scottsdale's sweet spot—perfect 75°F days and cool evenings made for patio dining. But here's what travel guides won't tell you: January and February are peak season for a reason. Golf courses jack up rates to $300+ per round, hotels double their prices, and good luck getting dinner reservations anywhere decent. March brings spring training, which means baseball crowds and even higher prices. The smart money visits November or April—still gorgeous weather, but shoulder season rates. Summer? Look, it's 115°F in July. Some people love it, most people don't. Pool parties happen at 6 AM because that's when it's cool enough to be outside. December offers the best value—holiday events like the Canal Convergence light display, perfect hiking weather, and hotels desperate to fill rooms between Christmas and New Year's.
Scottsdale Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
8/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
3/10
Luxury
9/10
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