Guaranteed Sunshine: The Best Time to Visit Arizona

12/30/2014

 

There’s never a bad time to visit Arizona! The state is full of great events, breathtaking landmarks, and delicious food from top chefs. But if you’re looking to enjoy the very best time to see all the Copper State has to offer, you’ll find great opportunities in January, February, and March. (Check out our January Newsletter!) Then, you can enjoy temperatures that are warm, but not too hot, and there are plenty of unique events to check out. We here at Toscana put together lists for each month featuring three of the most exciting events the state has to offer around those months of sunshine!

 

January

 

Weather in January ranges on average from 41°F to 66°F. Check out these January events!

 

  • Barrett-Jackson is a world leader in classic and antique automotive auctions, and you’ll see the most unique, rare, and in-demand cars the company has to offer at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, held in Scottsdale January 10-18. Barrett-Jackson set a record top sale of $385 million in 2014 and this year, they’re looking to top that record. If you’re a fan of collector cars, you won’t want to miss this!

 

  • If you’re a nature lover or a bird watching buff, you’ll want to be in Willcox on January 14-18 for the Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival. This annual gathering is the perfect time to see many species of migratory bird return home after a long winter, and there are plenty of great tours, guest speakers, and chances to meet and learn from professional wildlife photographers. Wildlife enthusiasts of all levels will have a great time at this event.

 

  • Golf fans need to make the trip to Scottsdale January 29-February 1 for the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open, a regular stop on the PGA tour. With a purse of over six million dollars, a winning share of over one million, and many of the top names in the sport scheduled to appear, there’s no better time to experience professional golf at its finest. Plus, you’ll get the chance to see the newly-renovated TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course!

 

February

 

Check out these events in weather ranging from 45°F to 71°F.

 

  • For a truly unique experience, you won’t want to miss the Arizona Renaissance Festival, open Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 7. This fair features games and rides for the whole family, great food, a jousting tournament, and a 30-acre circus. You’ll also be able to purchase great merchandise from hundreds of artisans of all kinds, and you’ll also have be able to enjoy a great meal at the festival’s two daily pleasure feasts.

 

  • If you’re a football fan, you know exactly why you need to be in Arizona in February: Super Bowl XLIX. The biggest event in sports kicks off February 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, where the two best teams in the league will square off for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. Be there and see the action live, meet and cheer with fellow fans, and enjoy a halftime show by singer Katy Perry.

 

  • Independent film fans will want to be in Sedona February 21-March 1 for the 21st Annual Sedona International Film Festival. Over 160 films will be shown over the nine days in this festival, which has been called one of the top in the nation. No matter what kind of independent film you love, you’ll find something amazing here at this festival.

 

March

 

March weather hits between 49°F and 76°F on average, but there’s nothing average about these events.

 

  • There’s nothing quite like fair food, great weather, and a 9-foot bird racing around a track. Sound good to you? Then check out the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival, held March 13-15. You’ll enjoy great music, carnival rides, classic fair food, and of course, you’ll see The Great American Ostrich Races. It’s a unique experience, and you’ll want to be in Chandler to see it!

 

  • Are you an art lover? Check out the Scottsdale Arts Festival, a three-day gathering of Scottsdale’s best and most inspiring artists. Held March 13-15, the festival takes advantage of the great, sunny weather with outdoor exhibitions by 200 great artists, and hungry visitors can grab lunch from food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition. There’s also an online art auction and great live music!

 

  • There’s nothing like enjoying fresh air and warm sun at a ball park, and you’ll get all of that when you attend Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Games. Come see the 2001 World Series champions battle it out in exhibition against top teams like the Royals, Giants, Brewers, Dodgers and more. Get to know the team before the season begins!

 

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