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In a typical year, millions of visitors from all over the world come to Arizona during the winter. Affectionately known as "snowbirds," they usually head to southern Arizona, which is internationally known for its sunny desert climate that can beat the winter blues.
Arizona Places To Visit In December
With about 350 sunny days a year and winter days, the average is high in the 60s and 70s. Fahrenheit (high to mid-20s Celsius), can be the perfect destination in December, January or February. Many retirees stay for months at this time of year.
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Of course, the entire state isn't all sunshine and cacti, so if you're looking for a more typical winter vacation, head upstate. Flagstaff is a mountainous pine forest popular with skiers in the winter, and the national parks are open year-round. No matter which part of Arizona you visit, winter is the perfect time to go to the Copper State.
If you go to Phoenix, Tucson, or anywhere south of the state in the winter, your days will likely be sunny and pleasant. You probably won't even need a jacket during the day. It can rain a little in January - we know the tourists look forward to the sun, but the desert needs every bit of rain and it will smell like heaven.
In very rare cases, the area may experience some excitement. In winter, the temperature in the desert drops drastically at night, often to the freezing point, so bring a jacket for the evening and early morning. It is typical to take off your jacket and wear a T-shirt in the afternoon.
If you want to visit the Grand Canyon or other famous natural attractions in the northern part of the state in winter, you should know that the area will be cold all day and snow may fall.
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Don't expect to be able to camp overnight, and some areas may be closed for the season, so be sure to check ahead. No matter what part of the state you visit, be prepared for anything, as the temperature and weather can change quickly.
Driving in southern Arizona in the winter should be pretty easy. The only thing you have to watch out for is increased traffic from hikers and snowbirds hitting the road. You should be especially careful on the freeways in and around Phoenix, which has one of the largest and most congested freeway systems in the country.
There isn't much of a public transport system, so driving in the city can be stressful and you can often get stuck in traffic jams. Always give yourself more time for an event nearby.
However, driving in northern Arizona in the winter can be very different. Snow is possible, so check weather reports before driving.
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And be especially careful on roads that can be icy, or when you wind through mountains on roads that have many bends. You may need tire chains if you drive on snow in the mountains.
If you need to rent a car for your trip to Arizona, you can browse Rentalcars.com, which collects prices from many different car rental companies.
Winter is the so-called warmest season to visit Arizona. While you may like to visit the state to get away from winter wherever you are, remember that this is the most expensive and busiest time to visit southern Arizona.
Hotel and car rental prices will be at their peak and some areas can be fully booked, especially on holiday weekends, so it's best to plan your trip well in advance and look for deals. Whichever month you decide to come, there will be plenty to do in Arizona during the winter.
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One of the advantages of visiting Arizona in December is that it can be a little cheaper and less crowded than in January or February. For many families, visiting Arizona around the holidays is a tradition because so many grandparents come to the state.
In Southern Arizona, there are plenty of family and holiday things to do in December besides the snow: check out Tucson's Winterhaven neighborhood festival of lights and ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, among many other events.
There are also two ski destinations and traditional winter activities that are very popular with families in the state: Flagstaff's Snowbowl and Mount Lemmon Ski Valley in Tucson, although they do not always have natural snow in the winter.
Arizona in January and February is prime time for festivals and national events that bring people from all over the country to visit the state.
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There can be an abundance of things to do at this time of year, so you can pack your schedule with activities if that's more your pace, or just spend your vacation by the pool in the sun once you've arrived to relax.
January can bring some rain to Southern Arizona, so if you want to spend every day outside in the sun, it may not be the ideal time.
The weather starts to warm up a bit in February, especially towards the end of the month, so if you want to hike or have an outdoor adventure every day, Arizona in February might be the most ideal winter month to visit. .
It's also the most eventful month, so it can be the perfect time for a long vacation for active people who want to make the most of every day.
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You know the desert is dry, but how dry? The humidity can get into the low single digits in the winter, which can be really rough on your body.
If you visit Arizona for the first time, it can be a shock to the system. Bring eye drops, lip balm and plenty of hand and body moisturizer because your skin will really feel it. Even if you're not exercising, you need to hydrate throughout the day.
Like most western states, Arizona has many national parks, national monuments, state parks, and federal lands that are open to hiking and camping. Some of the most scenic spots are also on tribal reserves and open to the public.
Many of these areas are very remote and safety precautions must be taken when visiting at any time of the year, but especially in winter. Every year, many locals and hikers are rescued in the mountains of Arizona due to problems such as dehydration, frostbite, getting lost or injured on the trail.
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Everyone knows how easy it is to dehydrate in the desert in the summer, and the same is true in the winter. When hiking in Arizona in the winter, make sure you carry plenty of water, more than you think you need. Electrolyte drinks can also help with dehydration and muscle cramps.
In the winter, you'll likely need multiple layers of clothing throughout the day, so be sure to pack moisture-wicking fabrics for outdoor activities, a good hat or two, and plenty of sunscreen.
While it may be warm during the day, the weather will freeze at night in both northern and southern Arizona, so don't consider camping unless you're an experienced winter camper and have the right gear.
Check the weather beforehand, but be aware that snow, sleet and rain can come unexpectedly during the winter months in Arizona's mountain regions. You may also want to bring some northern Arizona winter hiking gear, such as hand warmers, hiking poles, and a heavier jacket.
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Make sure you check when the sun sets when you are hiking on a day so you can calculate for sure when you will return to the car.
If youare taking your kids to Arizona for Christmas, you might want to consider a train trip they will never forget.
The Grand Canyon Railway, a train from Williams to the South Rim, transforms into the Polar Express every December, decked out in Christmas decorations and Santa roaming the aisles. You can also rent a private vintage VIP car for an extra special experience.
At the South Rim you can stay in one of the five lodges at Christmas, but you may need to book about a year in advance.
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A visit to the Grand Canyon in the winter can be a great time. It may be cold, but you will avoid the hordes of tourists and experience the beauty of the canyon at a much quieter time.
In early January, tents go up all over Tucson for what is collectively known as the annual Tucson Gem Show. It brings together hundreds of vendors from around the country and the world who sell rocks, fossils, gems, jewelry and related crafts.
It is not just one event, but a series of several weeks
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