THE PERFECT YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION

At 7,000 feet (2,135 meters) elevation, Flagstaff is located in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world. However, ecosystems spanning piñon-juniper studded plateaus, high desert, green alpine forest and barren tundra can all be found within the Flagstaff area.

CLIMATE

At high altitudes the sun is more intense and it is possible to experience fatigue and shortness of breath. When visiting Flagstaff drink plenty of water, rest often and wear sunglasses and a hat.

Spending time outdoors at 7,000 feet can lead to sunburn on cool and cloudy days as quickly as on warm and sunny ones. Remember to apply sunscreen before you venture out.

Make layered clothing a key factor when packing. Be prepared for possible (and sudden) changing weather including snowfall in the winter months.

Now that you know, get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

TIPS FOR COMFORT

Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen and lip balm frequently, and rest as often as necessary. At high altitude the sun is more intense and you may experience fatigue and shortness of breath. The altitudes vary in northern Arizona, from over 12,000 feet (3,658 m) atop Flagstaff’s Humphrey’s Peak and nearly 7,000 feet (2,135 m) in Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, to about 4,500 feet (1,372 m) at Sedona and the Painted Desert, and just over 2,500 feet (771 m) in the depths of the Grand Canyon river gorge. No matter what time of year you visit, layering and comfortable clothes are a must in northern Arizona. Bring comfortable shoes, long pants, short- and long-sleeved shirts, a sweater or fleece, a hat and sunglasses.

WHAT TO PACK:

• January – April: Refreshing days and crisp nights! Nights are cold, with temperatures warming up during the day. Layering is key and snow is possible. Bring warm pants, winter coat, gloves, boots and heavy socks.
• May – August: Perfect summer weather! Days are comfortable with cooler temperatures in the evening. During the summer monsoon season of July through mid-September, afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers are possible. Bring shorts, light pants, rain gear and sandals.
• September – October: It’s the perfect season to enjoy the fall colors! Days are comfortably cool and refreshing with slightly chilly evening temperatures. Bring a light jacket, a sweater, and pants for layering in the evening.
• November – December: Enjoy Flagstaff’s beautiful winter wonderland! Nights are cold, with temperatures warming up during the day. Layering is key and snow is possible. Bring warm pants, a winter coat, gloves, boots and heavy socks. 

WEATHER INFORMATION

• National Weather Service
  (928) 556-9161 • weather.gov/flagstaff
• Recorded Weather Information
  (928) 774-3301
• Arizona Department of Transportation
  (888) 411-ROAD (7623) • azdot.gov
  511 (in AZ) • az511.gov • Twitter: @ArizonaDOT
• Arizona Snowbowl
  (928) 779-4577 • arizonasnowbowl.com • Twitter: @AZSnowbowl
• Coconino National Forest
  (928) 527-3600 • www.fs.usda.gov/coconino • Twitter: @CoconinoNF
• Grand Canyon National Park
  (928) 638-7888 • nps.gov/grca • Twitter: @GrandCanyonNPS

Average Annual Days of Sunshine : 266 days
Average Annual Precipitation : 22.96 inches (58.32 cm)
Average Annual Snowfall : 108.8 inches (276.35 cm)