Phoenix, Arizona is a top winter driving destination, offering sunshine and warm desert temperatures when much of the country is cold. The Valley of the Sun attracts snowbirds and road trippers from the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and Midwest. Routes to Phoenix often cross dramatic desert and mountain terrain with big elevation changes.
Use the route weather tool below to plan your drive to Phoenix. Desert conditions can vary significantly along the route, with cooler mountain passes and hot valley floors, so an hour-by-hour forecast helps you prepare.
The route to Phoenix crosses arid desert terrain where conditions can be extreme. Summers bring intense heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F, while winters are pleasantly mild in the 50s to 70s°F. Rain is rare year-round, and the low humidity makes warm days more comfortable. Be prepared for large temperature swings between day and night.
The best time to drive to Phoenix is from October through April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable in the 60s to 80s°F. Late fall and early spring are especially ideal. Summer driving in the desert can be dangerous with extreme heat; if you must travel June through August, drive early in the morning and carry extra water.
Use the route weather tool above to check the forecast along your specific route to Phoenix, AZ. Enter your starting location to see the distance, estimated drive time, and weather at multiple stops between your origin and destination. You can adjust the departure date and time to find the best window for your trip.