When to go · Phoenix
Phoenix in May
Good month. Outside the best window (Nov–Apr). Across United States: Warm and green; Memorial Day (last Monday) opens the summer season; timed-entry systems start at some parks.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C) / 21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 1
- Crowds
- Medium
- United States overall
- Prices
- Medium
- United States overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Nov–Apr). Across United States: Warm and green; Memorial Day (last Monday) opens the summer season; timed-entry systems start at some parks.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated good. These months rate higher:
Weather in May
- PhoenixHighs around 35 °C (95 °F), lows around 21 °C (70 °F), rain on about 1 dayHighs around 95 °F (35 °C), lows around 70 °F (21 °C), rain on about 1 day
- Desert Southwest, United States · Las Vegas, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Death Valleybest weather
Spring and autumn are park season; June–August tops 40–45 °C (104–113 °F) in the low desert, and July–September monsoon storms bring flash floods in canyons.Spring and autumn are park season; June–August tops 104–113 °F (40–45 °C) in the low desert, and July–September monsoon storms bring flash floods in canyons.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Memorial Day big impact
Last Monday of May · United States
Start of summer; roads and beaches full.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United States overall
- Medium
- Prices · United States overall
- Medium
United States overall: Warm and green; Memorial Day (last Monday) opens the summer season; timed-entry systems start at some parks.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Phoenix, side by side.
Verdict
May: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 35 °C (95 °F)95 °F (35 °C)
Jan: 20 °C (68 °F)68 °F (20 °C)
Night low
May: 21 °C (70 °F)70 °F (21 °C)
Jan: 8 °C (46 °F)46 °F (8 °C)
Rain days
May: 1 (better)
Jan: 4
Crowds
May: Medium
Jan: Low
Prices
May: Medium
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
May: 1
Jan: 0
May: Outside the best window (Nov–Apr). Across United States: Warm and green; Memorial Day (last Monday) opens the summer season; timed-entry systems start at some parks.
January: Inside Phoenix's best window: Nov–Apr.
Phoenix: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen