When it comes to planning your visit to Scottsdale, timing is everything.
This vibrant city in the heart of Arizona offers something special every month of the year, from exciting events to beautiful weather.
Whether you’re a fan of arts, sports, and cars, or a cultural foodie looking to delight culinary cuisines, Scottsdale has something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at what each month has to offer in this month-by-month guide to help you determine the best time to visit Scottsdale.
January
With mild temperatures and sunny skies, January is the perfect time to visit Scottsdale and for outdoor activities like hiking and golfing, though there is also one special event that individuals should look to attend. Here is the biggest event in January:
Events
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale is an annual automotive extravaganza where enthusiasts from around the world gather to bid on and admire some of the most rare and iconic vehicles ever produced. From classic muscle cars to vintage Ferraris, this event showcases the best in automotive history and culture.
Celebration of Fine Art
The Celebration of Fine Art is one of the most noteworthy annual events in Scottsdale.
Spanning over several weeks, the art show allows attendees to meet critically acclaimed artists in their studios. You get to view the creative process of the artists in action and take a tour of some of their finest pieces. Want to know the understanding of each piece? Many of the artists are willing to discuss and elaborate on their work in detail.
Weather
Cool temperatures, average high of 69 degrees, with a low of 39.
February
As the year moves forward, February becomes an ideal time for outdoor events and romantic celebrations with the outdoor weather. Here three of the most popular events for February:
Events
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
The Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale is a prestigious equestrian event renowned for its beauty and heritage. You can see top breeders and trainers come together to celebrate the Arabian horse and perform events.
The Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival
Looking for elegance and sophistication? The Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival in Scottsdale blends fine art with wine tasting to create an exploitative experience for guests and artists. Featuring a variety of local art pieces—some of which are found on the water—the art festival allows guests to walk around the waterfront while drinking wine from the regional venues.
WM Phoenix Open
Home to the largest golf crowd and one of the most iconic PGA holes in the world, the WM Phoenix attracts fans from all over the world to watch some of the game’s most famous athletes compete. Not to mention, the event has raised over $208 million for local Arizona charities!
Weather
Mild temperatures, average high of 73 degrees, with a low of 42.
March
With warm temperatures, March is the one of the best times to visit Scottsdale becuase you can catch a baseball game or explore the diverse arts scene in the city. You can’t go wrong with missing these events:
Events
Spring Training Baseball
When Spring hits, so does the MLB Spring Training Cactus League. This annual sporting tradition draws thousands of fans to the city. 15 of the league’s teams all play within 47 miles of each other, making this the ultimate location for baseball fans.
Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week
Showcasing 120 galleries, the Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week combines Southwest culture and contemporary art. From cultural performances to sculptures and paintings, there’s something to explore, and you can gravitate to the rooms and collections that you find most interesting.
Are you an art collector or enthusiast? If so, the volume of the art festival makes it easy to appreciate art and network with others—not just from the area, but around the world.
Weather
Mild to warm temperatures, average high of 78 degrees, with a low of 46.
April
With mild to warm temperatures, April is one of the best months for indulging in delicious cuisine and delightful outdoor music. These are some of the most noteworthy events:
As spring blooms in Scottsdale, the city comes alive with events like the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the continuation of the Scottsdale Arts Festival. Events
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a culinary extravaganza—one that brings together top chefs and restaurants together—to give others the opportunity to explore the taste of Scottsdale.
Not only can you participate in cooking tutorials and shows, but you can also explore a variety of different culinary foods from the diverse community in the area.
Scottsdale Jazz Festival
Music is a central component to the Arizona area, and the Scottsdale Jazz Festival is one of ways they celebrate its love for music.
Featuring performances by local and regional renowned musicians, the event let’s visitors enjoy all kinds of Jazz music while enjoying food from local venues and the Scottsdale scenery.
Weather
Mild to warm temperatures, average high of 86 degrees, with a low of 52.
May
While temperatures increase, there are times for both indoor and outdoor exploration in SCottsdale. Here are two events that let you do a little of both:
Events
Phoenix Comic Fest
Fan of all things comics, anime, movies, and television? Then make sure to visit Scottsdale during May for the annual Phoenix Comic Fest—a thrilling gathering of comic book, sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture fans. There’s always a new set of celebrity guests, panel discussions, cosplay contests, and more.
However, the best part of it all is getting to meet other people both around the United States who appreciate all things entertainment.
Pac-12 Baseball Tournament
The Pac-12 is college baseball’s most difficult conference, which is why many from around the area—and around the United States—come to watch and support their local baseball team during the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament. Your favorite team isn’t in the Pac-12? Even if your favorite collegiate team isn’t in the area or part of the Pac-12, the games, scenery, and spectators make attending the event a must-see event.
Weather
Warm to hot temperatures, average high of 95 degrees, with a low of 60.
June
With the temperatures getting hot, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in Scottsdale. Here are two of the most interesting:
Events
Wonderspace
Wonderspace is the place for fashion in Scottsdale. Extraordinary artwork from around the world makes its way to the causal areas of Scottsdale so that families and friends can explore the artwork along streets where bars and restaurants are serving food, cocktails, and more.
The best part? There’s new pieces every month, which means there’s always something new to see.
Children’s Learning & PlayFestival
Looking for fun, educational activities for your kids during the summer vacation? Attend the Children’s Learning and Play Festival in Scottsdale. It’s a public event that lets your children meet their favorite authors, illustrators, and musicians. There’s a host of activities for toddlers, children, and young adults—though some of the most notable are the STEAM activities ranging for different ages.
Weather
Hot temperatures, average high of 103 degrees, with a low of 68.
July
Despite the outdoor heat, visitor and residents of Scottsdale look for ways to bring the communities together. Here’s how:
Events
Summer Spectacular ArtWalk
Unlike most of the art events on this list, the Summer Spectacular ArtWalk is a lively event that transforms the Scottsdale city into hubs of art galleries that feature special exhibitions, artist demonstrations, and live music. Despite the summer heat, it’s one of the most popular events for both locals and visitors alike.
Scottsdale 4th of July
Curious to see the largest Fireworks display in Scottsdale history? What about a gathering of traditional American activities? If so, you should visit the Scottsdale Fourth of July Celebration at Westworld.
It’s an event that celebrates America—one full of bull-riding, mutton busting, cheeseburgers, eating contests, and more!
That’s without mentioning the musical chair and cake walk contests—or the presentations from Toyota and Honda.
Weather
Hot temperatures, average high of 105 degrees, with a low of 75.
August
As the summer starts to cool down, Scottsdale hosts events that let individuals celebrate themselves and the culture in the area. One of those events is listed below:
Events
Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival
Although many might not consider quilting to be a larger event, Scottsdale doesn’t hold back. From embroidery machines to longarm quilting, the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing festival has everything in between, hosting a larger, multi-day event. You can attend seminars, workshops, and contests while also exploring a variety of other quilting resources for purchase.
Weather
Hot temperatures, average high of 103 degrees, with a low of 75.
September
As summer comes to an end, Scottsdale celebrates two things: Fashion and Rodeo!
Here’s are the highlights:
Events
Scottsdale Fashion Week
Have a love for fashion? Consider yourself a fashion enthusiast? Or ever thought about attending a fashion show? Scottsdale Fashion Week is one of the most popular showcases for regional and world-renowned fashion designers within the industry.
It’s an event for fashionistas and casual appreciators to admire the history and beauty of modern fashion in one place—and it all happens in Scottsdale
The Western’s Most West Rodeo
The inaugural West’s Most Western Rodeo is a 3-day long PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event located in Scottsdale. It’s perfect for those who have never been to a rodeo before or have been to one several times. Here are all the rodeo events.
Weather
Hot temperatures, average high of 100 degrees, with a low of 68.
October
While the weather continues to cool down, outdoor attractions begin to take center stage, and the cuisine scene begins to take lead. Here’s what we mean:
Events
Arizona Taco Festival
The Arizona Taco Festival in Scottsdale is a celebration of all things taco, featuring the region’s best taco makers. Visitors can savor a variety of original and traditional tacos recipes while enjoying live music, cooking tutorials, and contests. This festival offers a flavorful and festive experience, making it a must-visit event for food lovers exploring Scottsdale, Arizona.
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Car Auction
Among many of the other car shows on this list, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale is arguably the largest, annual automotive show in Scottsdale. It’s a place where enthusiasts from around the world gather to bid on some of the most rare—custom-built—iconic vehicles ever manufactured. Whether it’s muscle cars, original Ferraris, or modern luxury cruisers, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction showcases the best in automobile culture to date.
Weather
Pleasant temperatures, average high of 89 degrees, with a low of 56.
November
With mild temperatures, Scottsdale becomes the best place to enjoy outdoor activities in, which is why we noted the following events:
Events
Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals
Have a hot rod or appreciate vintage vehicles? The Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals has everything you could imagine. Whether it’s an outlet for hundreds of cars to be sold or an autocross race in the desert, there’s something for every car lover, including a selection of hard parts for vehicles looking for upgrades.
US Aircraft Expo
If you enjoy all things luxury aircraft, the US Aircraft Expo in Scottsdale Arizona is for you. It’s an event where global manufacturers present their newest technologies in modern aircrafts so you can make informed, personalized purchases.
You can also find secret market insights to the latest aircraft models and explore a variety of exclusive deals on modern aircrafts.
Another exceptional benefit is being able to network with other aircraft buyers and enthusiasts alike.
Weather
Mild temperatures, average high of 78 degrees, with a low of 45.
December
With cool temperatures and great outdoor atmosphere, holiday lights begin to pop around the Scottsdale area. However, so do some of the biggest events that bring attention to Scottsdale, most notably:
Events
FuelFest Scottsdale
If you’re visiting Scottsdale and are also a huge fan of all things cars and automobiles, one of the best vents for you is Fuelfest.
Featuring some of the best modified and performance built, custom cars and trucks, Fuelfest welcomes car owners from all over to show off their vehicles and host a few live drift course sessions. (You can even ride along with others if you want.)
You can even have meet and greets with well-known companies and interact with others during larger car events.
Fiesta Bowl
As one college football’s most anticipated bowl games of the year, the Fiesta Bowl is a spectacular event that brings football fans and athletes together. If you’re in the Scottsdale area during December, it’s definitely worth attending—even if you don’t normally cheer for either team competing.
Weather
Cool temperatures, average high of 68 degrees, with a low of 38.
Anytime is Best Time to Visit Scottsdale
If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Scottsdale, just remember:
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you’re sure to find something that peaks your interests.
Just plan your trip and pack your bags, because unlike other cities, there’s always something to do with the beautiful weather in Scottsdale.