4 Reasons January & February Are the Best Time to Visit Scottsdale & Phoenix

If you’re dreaming of warm weather, blue skies, and outdoor living while much of the country is bundled up in winter coats, there’s no better place to be than Arizona in January and February.

This is our favorite season of the year — and not just because the weather is perfect. From world-class events and outdoor adventures to patio dining and championship golf, winter is when Scottsdale and Phoenix truly shine.

Here are four reasons why January and February are the best months to plan your Arizona getaway.

1. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auto Auction

Every January, Scottsdale becomes the global center of the collector car world with the iconic Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

This multi-day event features thousands of rare, classic, exotic, and custom vehicles — from vintage Ferraris and muscle cars to modern supercars — all crossing the auction block in front of live crowds. Even if you’re not bidding, the energy, spectacle, and atmosphere make it one of Scottsdale’s most exciting annual events.

It’s part car show, part live entertainment, and a uniquely Scottsdale experience that attracts enthusiasts, celebrities, and visitors from around the world.

When: Mid to late January

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale

Why it’s special: High energy, incredible cars, and a festival-like atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Prime Golf Season in the Desert

Winter is peak golf season in Arizona — and for good reason.

Courses are in pristine condition, the weather is ideal (warm days, cool mornings), and some of the best courses in the country are right here in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Whether you’re playing TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, Grayhawk, or one of the many championship desert courses, January and February offer the best playing conditions of the year.

This is also when tournament season ramps up, adding extra excitement to the local golf scene.

Why it’s special: Perfect temperatures, lush fairways, and iconic desert scenery — no humidity, no heat exhaustion, just great golf.

3. Outdoor Dining, Rooftop Bars & Patio Season

In most places, winter means eating indoors. In Arizona, winter means patio season.

January and February bring mild afternoons and crisp evenings that are perfect for rooftop cocktails, fire-pit lounges, and al fresco dining. Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland, and Paradise Valley are filled with open-air restaurants, scenic rooftops, and sunset views that simply don’t exist in the summer months.

It’s the best time of year to enjoy Scottsdale’s food and drink scene exactly the way it was meant to be experienced — outdoors.

Why it’s special: Golden sunsets, string lights, warm evenings, and the best dining atmosphere of the year.

4. Peak Hiking Season in the Sonoran Desert

Winter is the absolute best time to explore Arizona’s desert trails.

With daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, January and February offer ideal hiking conditions with clear skies, great visibility, and comfortable weather for all activity levels. Popular trails like Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Pinnacle Peak, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are at their best during this time of year.

You get stunning desert scenery, blooming winter vegetation, and panoramic mountain views — without the intense summer heat.

Why it’s special: Comfortable temperatures, beautiful desert landscapes, and perfect conditions for outdoor adventure.

Why Stay with BonVoyageAZ

At BonVoyageAZ, we curate luxury vacation homes across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley that put you close to all of these experiences — while offering the privacy, space, and comfort of a professionally managed home.

Whether you’re visiting for Barrett-Jackson, planning a golf getaway, enjoying patio season, or hiking the desert trails, our homes are designed to elevate your stay with:

• Private pools and hot tubs

• Spacious layouts for families and groups

• Prime locations near events, dining, and outdoor activities

• Local, responsive support throughout your stay

Plan Your Winter Escape

January and February are some of the most popular months in Arizona — and availability fills quickly. If you’re thinking about a winter getaway, now is the perfect time to plan it.

Browse our homes and book your stay at BonVoyageAZ.com, or reach out to our team and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Arizona this winter ☀️