If you live in the Valley, you know that it offers a variety of scenic landscapes, unique events and a vibrant culture year-round. You also know the summer months are scorching hot. If you’re seeking a summertime respite, check out these other Arizona cities and towns where you can enjoy similar activities in cooler climes.
Flagstaff
About two hours outside of Phoenix, Flagstaff offers a high-desert escape. Daytime highs in August are around 80 degrees and drop down to 60 degrees at night. Enjoy hiking trails like Inner Basin or Humphreys Peak, explore shops and restaurants in downtown Flagstaff or examine the stars at the Lowell Observatory.
Tucson
In Tucson, the weather is still warm, but significantly cooler than the Phoenix heat, with daytime highs in the low 90s and evenings in the mid-to-high 70s. About 1.5 hours from Phoenix, Tucson offers an array of historical sites, like the Pima Air & Space Museum, Mission San Xavier del Bac and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Visitors can hike among the cacti at Saguaro National Park or enjoy the rich and diverse food, culture and nightlife in downtown Tucson.
Sedona
Just under two hours from Phoenix, Sedona’s summer weather is warm with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to 80s and cooler nights averaging around 56 degrees. August is also one of the wettest months, with rainstorms often making the red rock landscape even more striking. Take a drive through the iconic red rocks, hike to the unique Cathedral Rock formation, or enjoy a day of shopping and eating in historic downtown Sedona and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Prescott
Located at a higher elevation than the Valley, Prescott also enjoys milder summer temperatures. In August, you can expect highs around 85 degrees and lows in the 50s and 60s. A charming city about two hours away from Phoenix, Prescott is known for its lakes, such as Watson, Goldwater and Lynx, which are known for outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking. Take a hike, bike ride or horseback ride down one of the numerous trails offered at Prescott National Forest. Downtown Prescott, particularly Whiskey Row, is famous for its Old West saloons, shops and art galleries.
Payson
Payson, just 1.5 hours from Phoenix, experiences temperatures in the mid-80s during the day, with nights cooling off to the low 60s. Visit the Mogollon Rim, offering scenic views and activities like hiking, fishing and camping, or the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge.
Globe
Globe is another cooler option about 1.5 hours from Phoenix, with highs in August around 90 degrees and lows at night in the mid-60s. Globe is known for its extensive mining history, which you can learn about by visiting the Gila County Historical Museum and Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, its beautiful natural sites like Roosevelt Lake and the Pinal Mountains, and its historic downtown filled with antique shops and local galleries.
