Scottsdale in January
Great time to visit
Peak snowbird season means perfect weather but crowded restaurants and higher prices. This is Scottsdale at its most expensive but also its most comfortable.
Weather
January brings perfect desert weather to Scottsdale. Days are crisp and sunny with bright blue skies, while nights drop to jacket weather. You'll get maybe 2-3 rainy days all month.
20°C high7°C low3 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$280/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction
- •PGA Phoenix Open (late January/early February)
- •Scottsdale International Film Festival
January Tips
- •Book hotels 2-3 months ahead for snowbird season
- •Pack layers - 40-degree temperature swings between day and night
- •Make dinner reservations early, especially in Old Town
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
BUILD YOUR SCOTTSDALE PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.