If you’re planning a trip to the Valley of the Sun, you’ve likely heard that November is the "Goldilocks" month. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. But honestly, if you haven't been here lately, the old brochures might lie to you.
Phoenix is changing. Fast.
While the postcards still show clear blue skies and hikers in light sweaters, the reality of phoenix arizona november weather is becoming a bit more complex—and significantly warmer—than it used to be. Whether you're coming for a golf trip or just trying to escape a Midwestern blizzard, here is the ground truth about what to expect when you land at Sky Harbor this November.
The Highs, the Lows, and the "New Normal"
For decades, the standard line was that November highs hovered around 75°F or 76°F. That’s still the official average. However, the last few years have seen a massive spike. In 2024 and 2025, we saw several days early in the month still flirting with 90°F.
It's a weird vibe.
You’ll see locals stubbornly wearing hoodies because it’s "fall," even while the sun is literally baking the pavement at 88°F. According to data from Climate Central, Phoenix has seen some of the fastest-rising November temperatures in the entire United States, spiking about 6 degrees since 1970.
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Temperature Breakdown (The Real Numbers)
- Early November: Expect highs between 78°F and 84°F. It’s still pool weather, honestly.
- Late November: By Thanksgiving, things usually settle into the 68°F to 72°F range.
- The Overnights: This is where the desert "bite" happens. Lows drop from roughly 59°F at the start of the month to a crisp 48°F by the end.
The sun goes down, and the heat just... vanishes. One minute you’re sweating in a t-shirt at a Suns game, and two hours later, you’re shivering because the dry air doesn't hold onto the day's warmth.
Rain is a Rare Guest
Don't bother packing an umbrella. Seriously.
November is technically the start of the "winter rainy season," but that’s a bit of a misnomer in the Sonoran Desert. On average, Phoenix only gets about 0.57 inches of rain the whole month. It usually comes in the form of one or two fast-moving Pacific storms that blow through in six hours and leave the sky looking even clearer than before.
The probability of a "wet day" is only about 7% to 9%. You have a much higher chance of getting a sunburn than getting soaked.
What to Wear (The Art of the Layer)
If you pack like a normal person, you will be miserable.
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Because the temperature swings can be as much as 30 or 40 degrees in a single day, you have to dress like an onion. You need layers.
I usually suggest a base layer of a light, breathable t-shirt or linen shirt for the afternoon. On top of that, keep a denim jacket or a light hoodie in the car. If you’re heading up to Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak for a morning hike, you’ll want a windbreaker, but you’ll likely be stripping it off by the third switchback.
A pro tip for the "Desert Chic" look:
Bring polarized sunglasses. The November sun sits lower on the horizon, creating a glare that can be absolutely brutal when you're driving west on the I-10 in the afternoon.
Events That Only Happen When the Heat Breaks
The best part about phoenix arizona november weather isn't just the temperature; it’s the fact that the city finally wakes up. When the mercury stays under 90, the entire Valley turns into an outdoor festival.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Starting usually in late November (around November 26), the Phoenix Zoo puts up millions of lights. It’s a local tradition. It’s also one of the few times you’ll see Phoenicians drinking hot cocoa in 60-degree weather like it’s the Arctic.
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Veteran’s Day Parades
Downtown Phoenix and Mesa host massive parades on November 11. Since the weather is almost always "perfect" (sunny and 75), these are huge draws.
The Hiking Surge
November is peak hiking season. If you try to hit Lost Dog Wash or Echo Canyon on a Saturday morning, the parking lots will be full by 7:00 AM. Everyone is trying to soak up the sun before the rare "cold" snaps of December arrive.
The Misconception of "Cold"
Visitors from Chicago or Seattle often laugh when they hear locals complain about a "cold front" in November. To a local, a high of 62°F is a disaster. To you, it’s paradise.
However, don't underestimate the dryness. The humidity in November often hovers around 20% to 30%. This sucks the moisture out of your skin and eyes. Carry a lip balm with SPF and a reusable water bottle everywhere. You won't feel yourself sweating because the moisture evaporates instantly, which is exactly how people get dehydrated without realizing it.
Your November Game Plan
If you want to make the most of the weather, schedule your "heavy" activities—like golf or long hikes—for the mornings. Save the afternoons for patio dining (Old Town Scottsdale is elite for this in November) and keep your evenings flexible for indoor events if the desert chill starts to set in.
Essential Next Steps:
- Check the 10-day forecast specifically for "Low" temperatures, as these dictate your evening plans more than the highs.
- Pack at least one pair of long pants and a versatile jacket, even if the forecast says 80 degrees.
- Book outdoor dining reservations in advance; everyone wants a patio seat this time of year.
- If you're visiting the Grand Canyon as a day trip, remember it will be at least 20 degrees colder than Phoenix. Pack accordingly.