The Best Time to Visit Scottsdale Is Right Now

If you're going to make one trip to Scottsdale this year, make it in February. Daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s, cool sweater-friendly nights, brittlebush and palo verde starting to bloom across the McDowells, and a sports and event calendar that punches well above its weight. It's the cleanest week of weather Scottsdale produces all year.

Why February Is the Magic Window

Most of the country is gray, cold, and a month past the holiday adrenaline crash. The Valley is the opposite: blue skies, dry air, and resort pools heated to swim-friendly temperatures. The high-90s of summer feel like a different city. It's the reason Scottsdale resort ADRs hit their annual peak in February and March—but it's also the reason the trip is so worth taking.

What's Happening in February

• Cactus League Spring Training—pitchers and catchers report in mid-February; full-squad workouts and the first Cactus League games run from late February through March. Fifteen MLB teams play within an hour of Old Town.
• WM Phoenix Open afterglow—the Open itself wraps in early February, but TPC Scottsdale stays buzzy and the city retains the energy for weeks
• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show—a Scottsdale institution that draws horse enthusiasts from around the world in mid-February
• Barrett-Jackson collector car auction wraps in late January but its spillover energy across north Scottsdale lasts well into February
• Wildflower season begins—a wet winter usually means a spectacular February-into-March bloom across the McDowells, Cave Creek, and beyond. If you'd rather plan for the warmer months, our full Scottsdale getaway guide covers the rest of the year.

A Perfect February Long Weekend

Friday: Arrive, settle in, late lunch on a Scottsdale Waterfront patio (Olive & Ivy is the easy call), early evening cocktails at The Whining Pig, dinner at The Mission Old Town with the tableside guacamole, walk Old Town after.

Saturday: Sunrise hike at Pinnacle Peak or Tom's Thumb in the McDowells. Coffee and breakfast at Cartel or Morning Squeeze. Pool afternoon. Spring training game in the late afternoon. Dinner at Toca Madera or Citizen Public House.

Sunday: Drive to Cave Creek for brunch and a Black Mountain hike. Barbecue lunch at Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue. Back to the pool. Casual dinner at Diego Pops, then the rooftop at Hotel Adeline or El Hefe.

Monday: Slow morning. Spa or golf or one more hike. Late check-out, head home.

Practical February Notes

• Book dinners 2-3 weeks ahead—February is peak season; the best Old Town tables sell out
• Bring layers—daytime is t-shirt weather, evenings drop into the 50s and require a real layer
• Rent a car—the Valley is spread out and rideshare costs add up fast
• Buy spring training tickets in advance—prime games (Cubs, Dodgers, Giants) sell quickly

Where to Stay

Resort rates are at their annual peak in February. For groups of 6 or more, a private rental with a heated pool almost always wins on both experience and economics — see our places to stay across Scottsdale, Montana and Oklahoma City.