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Taking a vacation to one of the great states in the American Southwest? We have tips and advice on what to wear in Arizona year round!
What to Wear in Arizona
Written By: Sebrin Elms
Table Of Contents
Landlocked Arizona is situated in the southwest US, and has a diverse geography. In the south, you find the well known desert region, which experiences very hot summers and mild winters.
To the north you find forests, mountain ranges and large deep canyons, with much more moderate summer temperatures and significant winter snowfalls. Travelers flock here to visit ski resorts and the world renowned Grand Canyon National Park
Boots | Backpack | Jacket | Tank | Bottle | Longsleeve | Leggings | Sunglasses | Shorts
What to Wear for the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon: it’s one of the greatest natural wonders in the world and the primary reason for tourism through Arizona. There are a number of other cities and towns in the state that are well worth visiting, too!
July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 75°F (although it feels much hotter). The wettest month is August with only a few inches of rain and winter is as cold as 34°F in January.
Always research the weather before your trip. Once you’ve checked the weather forecast, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
For a full packing list, read this post on what to wear to the Grand Canyon!
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe | Sizes S-XL
Naturally, you’re going to want to dress appropriately depending on the time of year you visit. But of course, being stylish is important, too! When wondering what to wear in Arizona for the Grand Canyon, go for hiking gear. It’s perfect for both actual physical activity along with ‘Gram picture taking.
And layers will help with the cool desert air that eventually turns scorching hot. Hiking boots, leggings, a workout tank, long sleeved tops, and a puffer jacket is perfect for year-round travel at the Grand Canyon.
Here are the best leggings for women who travel!
Longsleeve | Tank | Backpack | Sunglasses | Shoes | Sunscreen | Pants | Shorts | Bottle
What to Wear in Page
If you’re traveling through Arizona, you’re traveling to Page for one of two reasons: you’re an adventurous hiker looking for a challenge, or you’re a Pinteresty, Instagram-loving traveler looking for the perfect picture. This is because of Page’s main tourist attractions: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Page’s weather and climate is similar to that of the Grand Canyon. It’s cold at night and in the winter, and super hot at midday and in the summer. This will impact your decisions on what to wear in Arizona.
Find out how to choose the best hiking boots and shoes for you!
Skechers Go Walk 4 Charcoal Comfortable Sneakers
Antelope Canyon’s tight caverns make it incredibly claustrophobic in the heat, so make sure you dress super cool with shorts and a tank top (and closed-toed shoes so your feet don’t get stepped on). Even in the winter, you’ll want layers so you can peel them off as you go.
Take a look at these comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Dress 1 | Shorts 1 | Shorts 2 | Dress 2 (other colors) | Crossbody | Sneakers | Hat
What to Wear in Sedona
Interested in a more spiritual and natural side to Arizona? Then a trip to Sedona is calling to you! Alien lovers and the spiritually-inclined will love all of the vortexes and gemstones found in this beautiful land of red rock.
L’Auberge de Sedona is a posh and tranquil getaway with several accommodation options. Nature lovers might prefer the creekside or garden cottages with outdoor showers and private balconies. But if you’re in for spectacular red rock views, the vista cottages offers unparalleled views. Pair this accommodation with the highest restaurant rated in town as well as a highly-rated spa and you’ll feel like you’ve found heaven in Sedona.
Need the best hiking gear? Check out our favorite picks!
ZESICA Rayon Wrap Dress | Sizes XS-XXL
Many people come here to enjoy the vibes and the spas, but Sedona is also known for its hiking scene. Beat the heat around the resort scene with light and airy dresses (both short and maxi) as well as shorts and floral tank tops.
And for those of you looking for outdoor physical activity, hike the Fay Canyon Trail or the Devil’s Bridge Trail in workout shorts, athletic shoes, and a workout hiking tee.
Going hiking? Make sure to head out in lightweight and comfortable hiking pants!
Top | Dress | Pants | Earrings | |Sunglasses | Bag | Sandals
What to Wear in Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and probably worthy of a single night stay (unless you’re visiting your college friends at ASU which might require a recovery day). There’s not as much to do in this city and there aren’t many hikes available, but its nightlife scene brings a more cosmopolitan vibe to this Arizona road trip.
Shop Madewell Lucie Jumpsuit: Sizes XXS-XXL | Sizes 1X-4X
Keep cool with cute little dresses and a floral romper by day. Enjoy the Mexican cuisine and exciting bar scene with cute skinny jeans, a billowy top, and heels.
Here’s our roundup of cute summer rompers, perfect for your warm weather travels!
Earrings | Hat | Sandals | Sunglasses | Jeans | Dress | Crossbody | Top
What to Wear in Scottsdale
Hipsters and families flock to Scottsdale for its foodie and art culture scene that is seriously lacking in downtown. This is the epicenter of all things food, fun, and design and it’s time to dress the part!
While it’s still just as hot here as in the rest of the state, bring out a little more of your edgier and trendy side. So before you finalize what to wear in Arizona, don’t forget to pack your sun hat, skinny jeans or tights, boho dresses, and trendy tanks with cute designs and colors. Accessories like handmade jewelry and shades are also necessary.
Take the stress out of packing with these 3-day weekend getaway outfits for summer!
Teva Anaya Leather Chelsea Boot
Given the number of families that live here, preppy attire is also perfectly acceptable. Casual jeans, a business casual blouse, and ballet flats or booties can be found worn by the locals.
Here’s our top picks for the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
What are your tips on what to wear in Arizona? Please share in the comments below!
For more tips on what to pack for the American Southwest, please read:
- What to Wear in Las Vegas
- What to Wear in Utah: National Parks in Summer
- What to Pack for California: Cities, Deserts, Beaches, Mountains
- What to Pack for a USA Southwest Road Trip
Suggested travel resources:
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Author Bio: Sebrin is a newlywed, flower child, and travel-obsessed blogger. When she isn’t traipsing the globe with her husband, you can find her curled up with a book, snuggling with her kitty babies, or binge-watching Netflix. Follow along her travels on her blog or instagram!
Thank you for posting destinations! Hubby and I leave for Arizona and Nevada very soon and I was seeking recommendations and this site did not disappoint. I can say confidently that I am ready to pack for our 2-week trip to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Las Vegas.
Thank you for these options. I have never been to Phoenix + this gives me some guidelines to follow for a September wedding.
What to wear in October ? Are skinny jeans with a flowy top with sandals okay for night time? How about maxi dresses with a dressy flip flop? What type of clothing do you recommend?
Hi Samantha, thank you for reaching out! You might find this post helpful for tips for what to pack for fall: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/grand-canyon-clothing-tips/
For more packing advice, I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about what to pack for your trip: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.
Have an awesome time! ?
December Traveling with my husband for my 60th. We are a young 60 !
Hiking,( a day trip to the Grand Canyon) shopping, dining
Not sure what to wear ? I never go anywhere without 4” heels !
Hi Cheryl, happy birthday!!! ?
We have some more tips to help you with your packing here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/grand-canyon-clothing-tips/
To get the best packing advice, we would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about the weather in Greece: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.
Have the most incredible time, and enjoy your birthday! ???
(i live in tucson and i wear shorts and a hoodie year round)
Hi Dorothy, thank you for sharing this with us!! 🙂
As a lifelong Arizona resident I can say don’t wear dark colors here during the day any month. Instead pick basics in lighter colors using layers. Walking around from the Grand Canyon to Scottsdale in black in June is going to be uncomfortable and sweaty. Only the tourists are wearing black anywhere during the daylight hours in the summer. Dress in lighter colored layers where you can add on during our always operating air conditioning inside and take off when it’s 110 degrees on the sidewalk. Wear comfy and stylish shoes and sandals from Vionic, Allbirds or Skechers. Wear a cute hat during the day to keep blazing sun off of your face. A sundress is perfect for Scottsdale shopping. You’ll be driving or taking an Uber from place to place because public buses and trains are very limited. It’s too far to bike or walk to every place you’ll want to visit. To quickly cool down your 120 degree car interior open the back windows up all the way for a couple of minutes and blow out all of that hot air. Also do not forget sunscreen. You can burn in 15-20 minutes outdoors. Lots and lots of water is your best friend for feeling great all day. Yes it’s a dry heat which only means your sweat might be drying before you even feel it. Summer months feel like a blast furnace all over the state. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re prepared. Light colors, layers, sunscreen and water are four musts.