Business Casual
Mauve Happy Hour
At 65–74°F the mauve tie-front cropped linen shirt earns its place over ivory wide-leg linen trousers. Ivory pointed-toe mules and aviator sunglasses make the commute feel like an editorial moment.
What to Wear in Phoenix in December
December in Phoenix is mild and sunny, with daytime highs averaging 66°F and cool nights dropping to 44°F — the city's best weather window for outdoor activity. Light jeans and a medium-weight jacket handle the daytime warmth while keeping you comfortable in the evening chill along the Arizona Canal or South Mountain trails. With only about 3 rainy days, you can safely leave the umbrella at home most of the time.
What to wear
top / Short-Sleeve Top
classic tee
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Sneakers
classic sneakers
cushioned for all-day city walking
Consider bringing:
Sunglasses
Based on typical December conditions in Phoenix. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
Phoenix's December is the payoff month for anyone who endured the summer heat — blue skies, crisp mornings near 44°F, and afternoons that warm to a comfortable 66°F without a cloud in sight. The Camelback Mountain and South Mountain trail systems are at their most hiker-friendly, and the outdoor resort pools along Scottsdale Road see daily use. About 3 days of rain is all December typically brings, making it the most reliably dry month of the winter season. The local style tendency leans relaxed-resort: dark jeans or lightweight chinos paired with a fitted flannel or light merino sweater cover the range from cool morning hikes to afternoon shopping in Old Town Scottsdale. A medium-weight jacket handles evenings when the desert radiates its heat quickly after sunset. Visitors from colder climates tend to over-dress and sweat through afternoon activities — layers that pack down easily are the practical approach.
Curated Looks
Casual
Bright, Blue, and Breezy
Embrace the 65–74°F sunny weather with a breathable linen shirt, classy bermuda shorts, and espadrilles. Pair it with a class bucket bag for that summer ready look.
Chic
White Shirt Wide-Leg
A white oversized button-down with ivory wide-leg linen trousers and a brown woven belt is the warm-clear uniform for someone who doesn't overthink it. Black mule heels are the one decisive choice.
Cozy
Cable Knit and Mules
A grey cable knit with fleece-lined leggings and black mules in warmer weather is cozy without capitulating to the temperature. A knit beanie on a warm-clear day feels like a choice.
Cute
Floral Skirt and Mules
A floral pleated midi skirt with a white fitted tank and black mules reads warm-day dressed-up without veering formal. A crochet bucket hat shifts the mood back to weekend.
Formal
Ivory and Pleated Maxi
An ivory silk-look blouse tucked into a black pleated maxi skirt is the warm-clear formal look with evening flexibility. Espadrilles and a black mini bag make it daytime without losing the occasion feel.
Sporty
Biker Shorts Graphic Tee
A black graphic tee over biker shorts with mule heels is the warm-day sporty look that works from coffee to casual. The olive baseball cap adds a directional touch.
Other Months in Phoenix
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Phoenix in December?+
Light-to-medium layers are the right approach. Mornings near 44°F call for a jacket or light fleece; afternoons at 66°F are comfortable in just a light long-sleeve or sweater. Jeans and breathable tops work well for both the Camelback Mountain trailheads and outdoor dining on Old Town Scottsdale's restaurant row. A medium jacket for evenings covers the gap when the desert temperature drops quickly after dark.
Is December a good time to visit Phoenix?+
December is one of Phoenix's peak visitor months for good reason — the weather is close to ideal for outdoor activities, snowbirds arrive from northern states, and the resort scene along Scottsdale Road is at full capacity. The Fiesta Bowl events in late December draw additional crowds. Book accommodation early; prices reflect the season's popularity. The weather is reliably sunny and comfortable compared to the summer heat extremes.
What shoes are best for Phoenix in December?+
Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners handle the South Mountain and Camelback trailheads as well as Old Town Scottsdale's walkable streets. For evening outings at upscale Scottsdale restaurants or Kierland Commons, a clean leather sneaker or casual loafer fits the resort-casual dress code most venues follow. Rain is infrequent enough in December that waterproofing is not a significant concern.
How cool does it get in Phoenix in December?+
Nighttime lows average 44°F, which feels noticeably cool in the dry desert air — especially after a day at 66°F. Overnight drops can occasionally reach the upper 30s, though prolonged cold spells are rare. The daily temperature swing of 20°F or more is one of the distinctive features of Phoenix's December climate; mornings that start at 44°F can easily reach 68°F by early afternoon.
What should I pack for Phoenix in December?+
Pack light layers: a medium-weight jacket for mornings and evenings, light long-sleeves and jeans for daytime, and one warmer option for cooler overnight stretches. Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners are essential for the outdoor trail systems. Sunscreen and sunglasses are as necessary in December as in summer — UV index remains high even when temperatures are mild. A small day bag handles the layers as you shed them through the afternoon.