During any season in Arizona, some part of the state enjoys near-perfect weather. Generally, peak season in the desert areas (in the southern half of the state) lasts from January through March, shoulder season is from April to May and September through December, and value season is June through August.

Peak and value seasons in the mountainous

regions (in the northern half of the state) are the opposite of the desert areas. Generally peak season is from June through August, shoulder season is April to May and September through December, and value season is January through March. Peak season in some mid-climate areas of the state, such as Sedona, is from April to May and September through December, with shoulder season from June through August and value season from January through March.

What to Wear

Depending on the time of year and where one plans to travel in Arizona, anything from a swimsuit to a winter jacket may be appropriate. Overall, though, dress is pretty casual in Arizona, with an emphasis on comfort. Few restaurants require jackets and ties for dining, so throughout the year just about anything goes. Jeans and Western wear are always in style. If you plan on attending a cultural event or dining at one of our finer restaurants, do bring along a couple of more formal outfits. During the summer throughout the state, shorts and sandals are appropriate during the day and a sweater or light jacket is perfect for the evenings. In the cooler months, a sweater or light jacket is perfect in the desert areas for evenings and a winter jacket is recommended in the mountain regions. Also, widebrim hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended year-round.

Traveler Services

Police, Fire, Medical—911 Arizona Highway conditions—(888) 411-7623 Arizona Office of Tourism—(602) 230-7733 Better Business Bureau—(602) 264-1721 Doctor Referral—(602) 230-2273 Main Public Library—(602) 262-4636 Main Post Office—(602) 225-3158 Passport Information (local)—(602) 506-6350 Passport Information (U.S.)—(415) 538-2700 US Customs—(602) 379-4791 Weather—(602) 265-5550 Alcoholic Beverages Arizona law prohibits anyone younger than age 21 from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Liquor is not sold between 1 A.M. and 6 A.M. Monday–Saturday and between 1 A.M. and 10 A.M. on Sundays. It is against the law to drink in a motor vehicle or from the original container in public places.

Tips on Tipping

Tipping is voluntary in Arizona and generally not included in the bill. (There are exceptions at some restaurants where a 15% gratuity is automatically added for groups.) Generally, restaurant servers and taxi drivers are tipped 15-20%. Bellhops receive $1 to $2 per bag taken to a room and airport sky caps are tipped 50 cents per bag.
Currency Exchange
For currencies, exchange locations, and hours of operation, please contact individual banking institutions, see your hotel concierge or consult the Yellow Pages. Also, a Travelex foreign currency exchange office is conveniently located at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Time Zone

Arizona is in the Mountain Standard Time zone. Most of Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time in the summer. The exception is the Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state.

Arizona Highways

All parts of Arizona are accessible by federal and state highways. The speed limit on most interstate freeways is 75 miles per hour; it drops to 65 or 55 near metropolitan areas. Most state highways and U.S. routes in rural Arizona are 65 miles per hour.