Phoenix is a huge desert city with a variety of outdoor and indoor activities for visitors to enjoy. As a local, I know there’s something to do here every month of the year, whether it’s enjoying desert views on a hike, playing golf, or dining on Southwestern food. That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind during your visit. Here are some common mistakes I see visitors make:
Underestimating the desert nature of the city while hiking
In my opinion, the biggest mistake visitors to Phoenix make is underestimating nature. Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, so it can get very hot.
I have personally witnessed people being unprepared for the weather outside, especially on hiking trails. Some of the most common mistakes I see on hiking trails are people wearing street shoes instead of hiking shoes or appropriate hiking sneakers and sandals, not carrying enough water, and walking long stretches in the summer.
Many of our plants are thorny and are home to creatures such as scorpions, rattlesnakes and spiders, although they are often hidden.
I recommend avoiding trails in the midday heat of summer. Many trails close when it gets too hot, and there are usually signs warning against hiking above a certain temperature. I advise hiking with a friend and bringing more than enough water. A water backpack is ideal; I like to aim for a liter of water per hour I’m outside.
I always use sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day. Over the years I’ve been here, I’ve also found that I save physical energy, feel cooler, and protect my skin better by covering up more when it’s hot outside. A light-colored, lightweight long-sleeved shirt is my go-to option for a summer hike to keep me cool and protect my skin from the sun.
Not drinking enough water
I’ve been with visitors and even locals who suffer from mild to severe dehydration from not drinking enough water here. Phoenix is a very dry area, so I typically commit to drinking two liters a day and more if I’m outdoors or doing an activity.
If you are visiting, I recommend increasing your regular water intake to help your body adjust to the dry climate.
Avoid visiting during the summer months
June through September are the hottest months of the year in Phoenix, with highs hovering around 100 degrees and barely dipping below 90 degrees, even at night.
But while activities like hiking and outdoor sports are off-limits during this season, I still think it’s a great time of year for a more relaxed and budget-friendly stay in Phoenix.
The summer months are the off-season for travel in Phoenix, and that’s when I’ve seen the biggest discounts on hotels in the city, including high-end resorts. During this time of year, I recommend setting up base at one of the city’s many resort pools and taking a day trip north to Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon, where temperatures are more temperate, in the 70s and 80s.
Thinking it’s hot all over the state all year round
Winters in Phoenix can be colder than many tourists imagine, with average highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
I once had friends visit me in Phoenix in January and they wore only shorts and t-shirts for their entire stay. This included a visit to Flagstaff, which is at a higher altitude than Phoenix and snows in the winter. It was a huge mistake on their part and they were soon choosing a new vacation wardrobe to accommodate the cold temperatures.
I recommend bringing a warm jacket and a heavier winter coat that can handle snow if you plan on driving north to areas like the Grand Canyon. When I took my mother to the Canyon a few years ago, there were blizzard-like conditions and we were grateful to have adequate warm clothing.
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