What is winter like in Scottsdale?

Mild and sunny, with cool nights. Using NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for Phoenix, the average high is about 66°F in December, 68°F in January and 71°F in February, with lows in the mid-40s to upper 40s. Bring layers, because evenings drop quickly after sunset.

Is winter a good time for an ATV or UTV tour in Scottsdale?

Yes. Cooler air makes winter one of the most comfortable seasons to be on the trail. Dress in layers, wear long pants and closed shoes, and expect a helmet, face shield and neck gaiter on every tour.

What should snowbirds do their first week in Scottsdale?

Do one big outdoor thing early, such as a guided desert tour or a hike, so you learn the landscape and the weather. Then build a weekly rhythm around markets, hikes and a standing dinner out.

How much does a guided desert tour cost in winter?

The standard U-Drive tour is $299 per two-seat buggy plus tax and fees, about $150 per person, and solo riders pay $199. Pricing is the same through the year.

Winter in Scottsdale: A Snowbird's Guide to the Season

Name: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Address: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268, US
Telephone: (480) 837-3966
Price range: $$

Winter is the reason people move to Scottsdale for a season: highs in the upper 60s and low 70s, cool nights, and almost no reason to stay indoors. If you’re arriving this month as a snowbird, or planning a long winter stay, here’s what the weather actually looks like, how to set up a weekly rhythm, and why the desert is at its best from December through February.

What Winter Weather Really Looks Like

These are 30-year averages for Phoenix from NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 normals, as published by Current Results. Scottsdale runs close to them.

Month	Average high	Average low
November	77°F	54°F
December	66°F	45°F
January	68°F	46°F
February	71°F	49°F

The numbers hide the daily swing. Afternoons feel warm in the sun, but the temperature falls fast after sunset, so a jacket matters more than people expect. Our what to wear on an ATV tour guide covers the layers.

Set Up a Weekly Rhythm

Long stays go best with a few anchors. A simple pattern many winter residents settle into:

Monday to Wednesday: Morning hikes while the trails are cool. See our best hikes near Scottsdale.
Thursday: A standing lunch or dinner with new friends.
Weekend: Markets, Old Town, and one bigger outing.
Once a month: A day trip, such as the Superstition and Apache Trail country or a Fountain Hills afternoon.

Add the season’s events as they come up. Our Scottsdale events calendar and holiday guide are good starting points.

Do One Big Desert Thing Early

Most snowbirds wait weeks to get out into the real Sonoran Desert, then wish they’d gone sooner. A guided tour in your first week teaches you the landscape quickly: how the saguaros grow, where the washes run, which mountains you’re looking at. It’s also a good way to meet other visitors.

Our guides lead you on a 20 to 25 mile route in the Tonto National Forest, about 45 minutes from Scottsdale. You drive your own two-seat buggy, and no off-road experience is needed. Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid license, and passengers 8 or older.

What Winter Riding Is Like

It’s comfortable. Cool air is easier on you than the long hot days of summer. For the contrast, see our monsoon season guide.
The light is low and warm. Golden hour comes earlier, so the sunset tour starts around 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. depending on the season.
You’ll want layers. A fleece or light jacket, long pants, and closed shoes. We provide the helmet with a face shield and a neck gaiter.
Dust is part of the day. Keep sunglasses handy, and read what to bring if it’s your first ride.

For the month-by-month answer on timing a trip, see the best times of year to book an Arizona desert tour.

Settling In: A First-Month Checklist

Week one: Get your bearings. Take a guided ride, pick a hiking trail, and find your grocery store and coffee shop.
Week two: Join something recurring, such as a group hike, a club, or a class, so the calendar fills with people rather than errands.
Week three: Take the first day trip and keep a list of places to bring guests.
Week four: Look ahead at the big events on our events calendar, because the busiest weeks book hotels and restaurants early.

Safety Basics for Winter Newcomers

Cool weather makes it easy to forget the desert’s basics. Carry water on every outing, even in January. Wear sunscreen, because the sun is strong year-round. Stay on marked trails, and learn the local wildlife. Our first-timer safety guide covers what to expect on a tour, and the rattlesnake guide covers the rest.

Why the Desert Looks Different in Winter

Cooler months change the look of the Sonoran Desert as much as the feel. The light stays low and golden for more of the day, the washes are quiet, and the skyline is crisp enough that the mountains look close. It’s also when many first-time visitors fall for the place, which is why a winter ride tends to turn into a repeat habit. Bring a camera, or let the guide take the photos for you.

Winter Visitors and Guests

If you winter here, expect visitors. Keep a go-to plan for them. A guided ride is an easy one, since it works for mixed ages and takes about two hours plus travel. Gift cards also make a simple thank-you for hosts and for the friends who showed you around.


Price	$299 per two-seat buggy (about $150 per person), solo riders $199, plus tax and fees
Duration	2+ hours, 20 to 25 miles
Drive from Scottsdale	About 45 minutes

Ready to Ride This Winter?

Book a guided Scottsdale ATV tour or time it for golden hour with the sunset U-Drive tour. Staying in Phoenix? Our Phoenix ATV tours page has drive times. Questions about timing for your stay? Call Desert Dog Offroad Adventures at (480) 837-3966.