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Arizona Vacation Packing TipsShorts to Sweaters - What to Pack for a
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Jeans and t-shirts are typical Arizona attire. In summer, just about everybody is wearing shorts.
In keeping with Arizona’s Old West history, cowboy boots and jeans are still accepted attire at most venues.
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| A late afternoon monsoon thunderstorm along Interstate 17 |
Business casual is usually sufficient for most cultural events such as the opera, symphony or ballet and for most gourmet restaurants.
Only a few high-end restaurants require a jacket and tie.
As you might expect, our Arizona vacation packing list depends upon the season when we’ll be traveling and also what part of the state we’ll be visiting.
Arizona Vacation Packing for Summer
Arizona summers are hot. The temperature in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson range anywhere from 100°F to 114°F.While most people wear shorts and t-shirts, you want to pack a light sweater and pants even for summer in the desert. Why?
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| Can you believe this is August in Arizona? A summer monsoon shower over Interstate 40 east of Williams |
Because Arizona’s monsoon thunderstorms start around mid-July and continue into mid-September.
When these storms hit, temperatures can drop by 20°F or more.
Summer thunderstorms generally begin in the late afternoon and even though they may blow through quickly, you may want a light layer for a little extra warmth.
Read more about the Arizona monsoon season and get monsoon safety tips.
A sweater or long sleeve shirt is also useful if you will be spending much time in shopping malls or theaters.
These places are notorious for having the air conditioning blowing at temperatures cold enough to keep a polar bear happy.
If you’ll be traveling in Arizona’s mountain areas, you will need a sweater or light jacket and pants after the sun goes down, as temperatures drop considerably.
Arizona Vacation Packing for Winter
You’ll definitely need a coat, long-sleeved shirts and pants from about December through March in the desert. |
| Snow blankets the forest in winter outside of Flagstaff (Photo: iStockphoto) |
While temperatures are often mild during the day, nighttime temperatures are cold.
Winter storms can even bring brief snowstorms in Tucson and the temperature can dip down to freezing, even in Phoenix.
If your Arizona travel will be taking you to the mountains or canyon country - Flagstaff, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Prescott, Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains - in winter, you’ll need to pack for snow conditions and cold weather.
Bring warm clothes such as a winter coat, gloves, scarf, warm hat, turtleneck sweaters and boots.
Dressing in layers is your best strategy in winter as Arizona temperatures can be everything from snow to swimming weather.
Arizona Vacation Packing Checklists
Arizona Vacation Packing Checklist for Arizona Summer Travel
- short sleeve shirts/blouses, t-shirts or tank tops
- shorts
- pants – especially if you plan to eat an upscale restaurant or see a show or you will be in the mountains
- skirts or a dress for women
- light sweater for travel during monsoon season or in mountains
- swimsuit
- sandals
- flipflops for the pool
- dress shoes, if you’ll be attending theater, etc.
- sneakers
- hiking boots are recommended if you’ll be hiking. Desert trails are rocky and often slick
- wide brimmed hat
- sun block or sunscreen
- sunglasses
- bandanna or scarf for protecting neck from sun
Arizona Vacation Packing Checklist for Winter Travel
- long sleeve shirts – both lightweight and heavier for cold weather
- short sleeve shirts/blouses or t-shirts if you’ll be in the desert
- pants
- crewneck or v-neck sweaters for layering
- turtleneck sweaters
- winter coat
- warm gloves
- thick scarf
- warm hat
- long underwear if hiking or skiing
- dress shoes
- sneakers
- boots if you’ll be in snow country
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