Climate
Flagstaff's combination of altitude, low humidity and terrain provide mild weather conditions and clear air throughout the year. At 7,000 feet (2,121 m) elevation, located in a refreshing and green ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff is considered a high desert region. However, ecosystems spanning from pinon-juniper studded plateaus, high desert, green alpine forest and barren tundra can all be found within Flagstaff.
Average Daily Temperature
| Month |
Max. |
Min. |
Precip. |
| January |
42 |
15 |
2.00 |
| February |
45 |
17 |
2.10 |
| March |
49 |
21 |
2.60 |
| April |
57 |
26 |
1.50 |
| May |
67 |
33 |
0.70 |
| June |
78 |
41 |
0.40 |
| July |
81 |
50 |
2.80 |
| August |
79 |
48 |
2.80 |
| September |
73 |
41 |
2.00 |
| October |
63 |
31 |
1.60 |
| November |
51 |
22 |
2.00 |
| December |
43 |
15 |
2.40 |
|
| Average annual days of sunshine |
288 |
|
| Annual precipitation |
22.80 inches |
|
| Annual snowfall |
108.80 inches |
Visitor Tips
To feel your best, drink lots of water, apply sunscreen and lip balm frequently, listen to your body and rest as often as necessary. At high altitude the sun is more intense and you may experience fatigue and shortness of breath. The altitudes vary in Northern Arizona, from over 12,000 feet (3,600 m) atop Flagstaff’s Humphrey’s Peak, 7,000 feet (2,100 m) in Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon’s south rim, 4,500 feet (1,350 m) at Sedona and the Painted Desert to the depths of the Grand Canyon river gorge at just over 2,000 feet (600 m).
The Navajo Nation observes daylight-saving time. The remainder of the state stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round.
Packing
No matter what time of year you visit, layering and comfortable clothes are a must in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. The town’s laid-back attitude calls for comfortable and casual clothes. If you are looking to dress up, cowboy attire will do or a simple skirt, slacks and sweater are perfect for a nice meal or night at the theatre. Year-round bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat.
January – April
Refreshing days and crisp nights. Nights are cold, with temperatures warming up during the day. Layering is key and snow is possible. Warm pants, short and long-sleeved shirts, sweater or sweatshirt, winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and heavy socks.
May – August
Perfect summer weather! Days are comfortable with cooler temperatures in the evening. Shorts, light pants, short and long-sleeved shirts, sun hat, and sandals.
September – October
The leaves are changing! Days are comfortably cool and refreshing with slightly chilly evening temperatures. Shorts, pants, short and long-sleeved shirts, light sweater or sweatshirt, sun hat, and socks.
November – December
Winter in Flagstaff! Nights are cold, with temperatures warming up during the day. Layering is key and snow is possible. Warm pants, short and long-sleeved shirts, sweater or sweatshirt, winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and heavy socks. |