You’ve probably heard the rumors. People claim that November is the absolute "sweet spot" for visiting the Valley of the Sun. They aren't lying, but they also aren't telling you the whole story. If you’re expecting a monolithic block of perfect 75-degree days, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening when the sun drops behind the White Tank Mountains and the desert floor turns into a literal refrigerator.
Phoenix is weird.
One minute you’re sweating in a t-shirt while eating a taco at a food truck, and two hours later, you’re frantically digging through your suitcase for a fleece because the temperature just cratered by 30 degrees. This is the reality of phoenix arizona weather november. It is a month of wild transitions, deceptive sunlight, and—if you aren't careful—the kind of dry skin that makes you feel like an ancient parchment.
The Statistical Reality vs. Your Actual Experience
On paper, November looks like a dream. The National Weather Service records an average high of roughly 76°F and an average low of about 54°F. That sounds like a light sweater and a pair of jeans, right?
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Sorta.
The catch is the "slide." At the start of the month, you can still hit 85°F. It feels like an extension of October. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the highs might struggle to reach 68°F. You aren't just dealing with a "cool month"; you're watching the seasons change in real-time. In 2024 and 2025, we saw some of the warmest fall seasons on record, with November temperatures staying stubbornly high. But 2026 is showing signs of a return to the classic "crisp" desert autumn.
Why the humidity (or lack thereof) ruins your plans
Relative humidity in Phoenix during November averages around 29%. For context, that is incredibly dry. While this makes the 80-degree afternoons feel "comfortable" rather than "sticky," it also means the air has zero ability to hold onto heat.
The moment the sun sets—which happens around 5:25 PM in November—the heat just... vanishes. It radiates back into space. You will literally feel the chill start at your ankles and work its way up. If you are out at the Phoenix Zoo Lights or the Tianyu Lights Festival at Camelback Ranch, do not be the person in shorts. You will regret it by 6:30 PM.
What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
Most tourists pack for the "High." They see 77°F on their weather app and think California beach vibes.
Stop.
Unless you want to spend $80 on a souvenir hoodie you didn't want, you need to master the art of the mid-weight layer. A denim jacket is the unofficial uniform of Phoenix in November. It’s heavy enough to block the evening breeze but light enough to toss over your shoulder when you're hiking Camelback Mountain at noon.
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The "November Survival" Kit:
- The Base: A breathable cotton t-shirt.
- The Middle: A flannel or a light cashmere sweater.
- The Shell: A windbreaker or a jean jacket.
- The Feet: Socks. Seriously. Your flip-flops are great for the resort pool, but once the sun goes down, your toes will be numb.
And let’s talk about the sun. Even though it’s "cool," the UV index is still high enough to burn you during a midday stroll at the Desert Botanical Garden. The air is thin and the sky is usually 72% clear. You won't feel the burn because the air is chilly, but you'll see it in the mirror later. Wear the sunscreen.
Rain, Hail, and the "Monsoon Hangover"
You’d think November is bone-dry. Usually, it is. But every few years, a Pacific storm system wanders in from California and dumps a month's worth of rain in 48 hours.
Historically, Phoenix averages only about 0.57 to 0.62 inches of rain in November. It’s one of the drier months. However, 2025 threw everyone for a loop when a series of storms brought hail to the northwest Valley and turned the East Valley into a swamp for a weekend.
Honestly, if it rains, just stay inside. Phoenix drivers and wet roads are a combination that rarely ends well. The city isn't built for drainage, and the "slickness" of the roads after months of oil buildup is no joke.
Is it still "Pool Weather"?
This is the most common question. The answer is: Only if the pool is heated.
Most unheated pools in Arizona have lost their summer warmth by the first week of November. The water temperature will likely be in the 60s. That is "polar plunge" territory. If your hotel or Airbnb doesn't specifically list a "heated pool," you’re going to be spending your vacation looking at the water rather than being in it.
The Best Things to Do When the Weather Cooperates
November is arguably the best time for outdoor events because you won't die of heatstroke. The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in the country, and the weather is usually spectacular for standing on a sidewalk for two hours.
If you're into food, the Phoenix Pizza Festival usually happens when the weather is at its peak. Eating a hot slice of wood-fired pizza when it’s 74 degrees outside is a religious experience.
Hiking Nuance
People flock to McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Papago Park this month. Because the air is cooler, you might be tempted to bring less water.
Don't.
The dry air wicks moisture off your skin so fast you won't even realize you're sweating. You can become dehydrated in 65-degree weather just as easily as in 90-degree weather—it just takes a little longer. Locals usually recommend one liter of water for every hour you’re on the trail, regardless of how "nice" it feels.
Actionable Advice for Your November Trip
If you are planning to experience the phoenix arizona weather november firsthand, here is how you actually handle it like a pro:
- Book dinner reservations for 6:00 PM or later? Bring a coat. Patio dining is huge in Phoenix, and while they have "space heaters," they don't always cover every table.
- Watch the "Dew Point": If you see the dew point rising into the 50s, expect a humid, "muggy" feel that is rare for the desert. If it's in the 20s or 30s, buy extra moisturizer and lip balm the moment you land.
- Check the Sunset Time: Plan your hikes to end at least 30 minutes before sunset. Once the sun is behind the mountains, the trails get dark and cold incredibly fast.
- The "North Valley" Factor: If you're staying in North Scottsdale or Cave Creek, expect temperatures to be 5-7 degrees cooler than Sky Harbor Airport. It’s higher elevation and less "urban heat island" effect.
Basically, November in Phoenix is a reward for surviving the summer. It’s the month where the desert finally lets its guard down, the cacti look a little less threatening, and you can finally breathe without feeling like you're inhaling a hair dryer. Just don't forget your jacket.
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To make the most of the season, check the local "burn counts" if you have allergies; the transition in plants can trigger late-year hay fever for some. Otherwise, grab a coffee, head to a park, and enjoy the few weeks of the year where Arizona actually feels like paradise.