Flagstaff, AZ

Holidays in Arizona are like gazing into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and patterns that swirl, twist, and melt into one another to create more wondrous forms and textures. The vast, rugged, and primeval wilderness of the Grand Canyon, the flaming-red rocks of Sedona that light up the landscape, rivers that thunder through gorges, and majestic saguaro cacti that bloom in the arid deserts and along the dusty highways of the state—Arizona hides away awe-inspiring vistas. Keep your eyes open during your holiday in Arizona for intriguing contrasts as well. The streets of Phoenix house edgy architectural pieces while just hours away are landscapes dotted with Mother Nature’s wind- and water-carved rock formations. The bustling college-town of Tucson and the cultural epicentre of Phoenix buzz aloud with beats of the latest chartbusters while the vibes of the Old (wild) West still fill the air in the small towns of the state.

With 300 days of sunshine in the year, you can go on a holiday to Arizona in just about any season. There are four distinct seasons here, and they show up in a myriad of hues.  

The temperatures during summer are bearable. The winters are mild and pleasant in most parts of the state and bracing in others. There is no distinct monsoon season here, so you need not worry about rain playing spoilsport. You can be outdoors and enjoy the sights and sounds of the different seasons or take part in the many festivals that dot the social calendar throughout the year.  

Winter: A Time for Outdoor Fun

When the rest of the country battles freezing temperatures, blizzard conditions, and all-round bleak weather, Arizona dazzles in glorious sunshine throughout winter. The temperatures in the desert region sometimes dip below freezing point at night, but you can still enjoy the beauty of the sands. Head up to the Desert Botanical Garden during the Las Noches de las Luminarias festival when thousands of paper lanterns light up the landscape and shine on the barren beauty of the environs. The skies are absolutely clear at this time of the year, which is ideal for a night of star-gazing. The higher reaches of the state get snow, making Arizona a great skiing destination.  Arizona is the go-to destination for golfers and golfing enthusiasts in winter. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, dubbed the “Greatest Show on Grass” gets underway in January.

Spring: A Time for Festivities

As temperatures rise, Arizonians get ready to welcome spring with a lineup of festivals while Mother Nature decks up in more pops of colour. Head out into the vast natural spaces to see wildflowers put up colourful shows. The giant saguaros also bloom in spring and are resplendent in their dazzling white blossoms. Spring is also the time for festivities. The Indian Fair & Market showcases Native American arts and is a great opportunity for culture vultures to get acquainted with art forms that date back centuries and speak the language of a people who still live in tune with the natural world and hold on to a set of beliefs that seem alien to most of us.

Summer: Nature’s Best-Kept Secrets Revealed

Arizona’s summers get a bad rap (for nothing though), which is good for you because the tourist hotspots are less crowded during this season. Imagine having the Grand Canyon all to yourself! Arizona holidays in summer are bearable because unlike many other hot regions, there is no humidity here. So you can be outdoors and still be comfortable. There are also no insects to buzz around and bite or bother you. Summer does see a few thunderstorms brew, especially at night. Count yourself blessed if you happen to catch one of these events. Storm clouds gather over the horizon and slowly darken the landscape. The rumbles soon give way to the sharp clap of thunder that resonates and shatters the silence of the desert while jagged streaks of lightning bolt across and light up the pitch-black skies—it is a spectacle that is as beautiful as it is awe-inspiring!

Autumn: Mild, Mellow Beauty

As the temperatures start to come down, the days turn more pleasant while the evenings are not yet freezing. The outdoors are still fun and comfortable. The Arizona State Fair gives you the chance to have fun the old-fashioned way and in the Wild West tradition—roping calves and arm wrestling. The mild, mellow beauty of autumn is also the perfect time to meet up with new friends or other tourists and enjoy an evening of drinks and music at the Oktoberfest. During your holidays to Arizona, pause awhile, put away your phone, and immerse in festivities that let you mingle with “real” people and listen to their hearts as you sing long-forgotten cowboy ballads, together.