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Phoenix Weather in September

Phoenix weather in September is hot and sunny. Since there is almost no humidity, it will actually feel quite a bit cooler than that and especially if there is a nice breeze. We love this month since you can feel that Fall is on its way.

This is a great time to visit since it is still hot and school is starting, so you are going to see a slight decrease in visitors and tourists.

This is the perfect time to go to see the Phoenix Zoo, go for a hot air balloon ride, or maybe walk around Old Scottsdale and enjoy "classic" Phoenix.

Read on for more details on average temperatures, what to pack, and a few fun things to do this month.

Even though Fall is starting to arrive, the temperatures can range anywhere from the mid-80s to the low 100s.This may sound like it is still blazing hot, but we love this time of year because just a bit of wind can make it feel a good 5 to 10 degrees cooler than it says on the gauge. Also, it is only that temperature during the hottest time of the day, and it drops relatively quickly after the sun sets in the evening.

The morning temps usually average around the low to mid 80s and steadily rise up into the lower 90s and lower 100s in the hottest time of the day. The evenings also usually drop into the upper 70s or lower 80s and are very comfortable. If you are feeling a bit too hot, you can always stop by one of the many restaurants or bars. They all have air conditioning inside. If you want to sit outside, many of them have fans and mister producing machines so you can still enjoy seeing Phoenix, having a great meal or drink, and cooling down at the same time.

Being that Phoenix weather in September has almost no rainfall at all, you can count on it being very dry and you'll want to drink enough water to stay hydrated. This is almost always something you'll want to do, but it is worth taking some precautions and carrying a water bottle with you.

Weather in September graphic with average highs, lows and rain

Average High in September: 100 degree Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)

Average Low in September: 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius)

Average Monthly Rainfall: 0.64 inches

Record High: 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius)

Record Low: 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)

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What to Wear for the Phoenix Weather in September

It is pretty easy to pack because the Phoenix weather in September is still fairly hot. Now, it is nothing like June through August, but you'll probably want to plan to wear comfortable clothes. And, since Phoenix is a pretty casual city, you'll mostly see other people doing the same.

When Jill and I want to go out during this month, we are usually pretty casual.

What to Wear in September, graphic with packing ideas for the end of summer/early fall

Women

Shirts: Jill almost always brings a few tank tops or short sleeved shirts with her. The tank tops are great if she wants to get a tan, but if she wants to get her shoulders out of the sun, she'll switch out of them and put on a t-shirt that is light and breezy so her body can breath easily. It is unlikely it will get cold enough that you will need anything extra for the night times unless it is a very rare situation.

If you are going to be out in the sun for any length of time, you might want to wear a long sleeve shirt that is very light and breezy.

Dresses and Skirts: Both dresses and skirts are a great option for the Valley of the Sun. You'll want something that easily flows and is able to move a bit when you get one of the breezes during this time of the year. Since Phoenix is so casual, you can easily go into nice restaurants with a casual skirt.

Pants/Jeans/Shorts: Shorts are going to be the the best option in addition to skirts and dresses. Pants, even light linen ones, are going to be way to constrictive and hot during this month. As mentioned above, the weather is starting to cool down, but not enough to wear pants just quite yet. You'll see most women in shorts or skirts and the only time you'd wear pants is to a more upscale restaurant in the evening if you are driving there. If you have to walk more than a few blocks, even first thing in the morning or in the later evening, you will be sweating a lot.

Shoes: The go to footwear is either sandals, flip-flops, or tennis shoes since the Phoenix weather in September is still hot. There is a good chance you'll be walking around here through lots of galleries, museums, attractions, so you want to be as comfortable as possible. I would suggest you have a pair of dressier shoes for when you want to go out at night to a nice restaurant, but that is the only time you'd use them. You definitely want your feet to be able to breathe and to be comfortable.

Hats/Sunglasses: You will definitely want to bring sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun, or a light jogging type hat if you are going out in the heat of the day. Anything to help shield you from the intense sun.

Men

Shirts: I tend to wear tank-tops or light t-shirts. Once in a while, it can get a bit cooler in the evening so I might wear a long sleeved shirt, but those are still very light and thin. I want my body to able to breathe and not feel constricted at all. If you decide to go somewhere nice, you could still wear a nice t-shirt or a very light button up shirt to look a little more classy. However, since Phoenix weather in September is still pretty warm, most restaurants, galleries, or attractions aren't going to expect that at all.

Pants/Jeans/Shorts: Without question I'm wearing shorts during the daytime in Phoenix. Even if it cools down, it isn't cool enough for me to wear jeans and the only thing I might imagine wearing is a very light linen pair of pants. Just like skirts or dresses for the women, shorts are acceptable pretty much everywhere. If you don't feel comfortable going to a classier place with shorts, then you can choose to wear jeans or a light weight pair of  pants, but don't wear anything heavier as you'll feel too hot and sticky. Remember, Phoenix is casual, so relax and enjoy.

Shoes: Just like the sandals or flip-flops for women during this month, sandals or very light shoes, like canvas tennis shoes or sandals, are totally acceptable. If you are doing lots of walking, you might want to wear tennis shoes so the soles of your feet are more comfortable, but they can get hot. You really can't go wrong with any of the above choices, and if you are going out to a classier restaurant, you could probably get away with nicer sandals or a dressier shoe if you want.

5 Things to Do in Phoenix in September

Drum at the Musical Instrument Museum

Since the Phoenix weather in September is still on the warm side, I primarily suggest trying to limit the mid-day sun to an hour or two, but the mornings or evenings are great for getting out there and seeing the sites. Here are 5 recommendations of things to do while you are here.

1. Hot Air Balloon Rides: We love to do hot air balloon rides whenever we have the free time. We've done ones first thing in the morning, ones in the afternoon, and ones in the evening. During September, they are all fun and the weather is fine since you will go up between 2,000 to 5,000 feet and get some great breezes. We still prefer the morning or evening ones since we love to see the sun rise or set and admire all the gorgeous colors of the Arizona skyline comes to life.

2. Museums: Phoenix is full of amazing museums. Some of these include the world-class Heard Museum which is dedicated to Native American Indians and their culture including art, history, and ceremonies they performed, the Scottsdale's Museum of Modern Art, the Musical Instrument Museum (with over 15,000 musical instruments!) and so many more.

3. The OdySea Aquarium: This is one of the best Aquariums in the USA. You will see loads of live animals on display from all over the world. There is also a special section just for water-life from Arizona. There are many hands-on exhibits where you can touch sea animals such as stingrays, sea anemones, and others. Jill and I love the penguin exhibits, and the Voyager ride where you actually move around on a spinning movie theater like contraption and see special exhibits. Also, they have the #1 rated bathroom in the USA by Cintas Corporation...yes, we didn't even know that companies rate bathrooms, but they do, and this is a MUST see.

4. Tours In and Around Phoenix: With the hot summer weather ending, there are loads of tours to choose from this month. Some of these include walking tours, bike tours (including electric bikes if you want to just cruise along), Segway tours, food and wine tours, and even tours that go to cities such as Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson. If you really want to do something special, take one of the tours to the Grand Canyon! There are ones that are by bus, by plane, and even some by helicopter! Jill and I have done all three of those trips to the Grand Canyon, and we will never forget them as long as we live!

5. Labor Day Weekend: As expected, there are loads of events happening on Labor Day weekend in Phoenix. Since the Phoenix Weather in September is starting to become more comfortable, you can often choose from either indoor or outdoor events. Just make sure to check to see if the event you are going to is closed for the day as some theaters, museums, and attractions do close for the day to celebrate the holiday. This holiday is the first Monday in September.


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