The weather in Flagstaff, Arizona, is unlike most other areas in the state, offering a unique seasonal experience. Flagstaff has four distinct seasons and much cooler average temperatures due to its elevation of 6,910 ft (2,106 m). Typically, it's 20-30° F cooler than Phoenix at any given time of the day year-round.
Downtown Flagstaff in winter. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Distinct Seasons and Average Temperatures
Each season in Flagstaff is fantastic for visiting and living in, especially if you like four distinct seasons. Most summer days in Flagstaff do not exceed 85°F, which makes it a wonderful escape from the much hotter surrounding desert areas. Flagstaff experiences intense sunny days as well as an average of 100 inches of snow during the winter months.
Most fall days are sunny and warm with just a touch of crisp mountain air causing the leaves on the trees to change from green to gold. Aspen groves on the San Francisco peaks are a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the fall colors. Nights begin to feel very chilly, and jackets are usually necessary after sunset. This is a wonderful time to spend time outdoors enjoying physical activities. It's warm enough to be outside, but cool enough that it's difficult to get overheated.
The San Francisco Peaks, Lockett Meadow, and Snowbowl Road get quite busy with fall leaf seekers. Winter months in Flagstaff are usually very brisk with the average daytime temperature around 38 to 40°F. Jackets and layers are a necessity, especially when the snow begins to fall. Luckily, even if a winter storm hits, the Arizona sunshine is bound to appear within a day or two and newly fallen snow will glisten under a beautiful bright blue sky.
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Snow in November
Snow tends to come in late November and may last on the San Francisco Peaks until June. Many people make the mistake of thinking that an Arizona "winter" is not to be taken seriously. Flagstaff is at 7,000ft elevation with alpine conditions. In addition, the dry climate makes for bigger drops between day and evening temperatures.
Driving to and in Flagstaff during or just after a snowstorm will require extra precautions such as checking road conditions, bringing chains for your tires or have a 4WD or AWD vehicle. During and after snowstorms, Highway I-17 from Phoenix will likely have a car accident that will back up traffic for hours to half a day. Unfortunately, it's just always to be expected if you are on I-17 anytime after 8am, so check your traffic sources before you leave or be prepared to get stuck in traffic. The road up to Snowbowl Ski Resort will also have someone on staff checking for chains for 4WD for heading up Snowbowl Road.
Spring and Summer Conditions
As the daily temperatures begin to rise, tulips and daffodils will speckle the town with their cheerful color. Days will usually be sunny; however, there is no such thing as a spring day without a chilly breeze. In fact, Snowbowl's resort conditions are consistently better in February and March than they are from December through late January. Flagstaff gets great snow during the spring and is typically a wonderful time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Night temperatures still drop down to almost freezing which makes layering clothing a good idea, especially closer to the evening.
There is almost no better place to experience summer in Arizona than in Flagstaff. Daily temperatures average in the mid-70s°F and nights are often enjoyed with a light sweater. Monsoons happen nearly every afternoon in late July and August. These intense rainstorms disappear as quickly as they arrive and leave the earth fresh and damp and glowing in the summer sun.
Flagstaff tends to be windy in the spring and now more so into the midsummer months as weather patterns change. This makes for high forest fire danger during the summer until monsoon rains come during the late summer months beginning in late July and into August. During monsoon season, Flagstaff is bathed in heavy afternoon rain most days.
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November Weather Details
The average temperature in Flagstaff in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 57°F (14°C) to a low of 32°F (-0°C). Some would describe the temperature to be moderately chilly. The general area may also feel breezy.
In Flagstaff in November, there's a 10% chance of rain or snow on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.44 in (11.2 mm) of precipitation. In more common terms of how much that is, some would describe it as flurries.
The average amount of time that the sky is clear or sunny (partly cloudy or less) in Flagstaff during November is 16.9 hours (70% of the day).
Historically, the wind in Flagstaff during November blows at an average speed of 13.0 mph (21.0 kph). With an average high of 57°F (14°C) and a low of 32°F (-0°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy.
Since 1898, the average date of the first 1 inch of snow is Nov. 20. However, notice that the average date is Nov. 30 if we only go back to 2000. Last year the first 1 inch of snowfall greeted Flagstaff on Nov. 7.
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What to Wear in November
Given the fluctuating temperatures and potential for snow, layering is key. Here's a suggested packing list:
- Warm pants
- Winter coat
- Gloves
- Boots
- Heavy socks
- Light jacket
- Sweater
A guide to layering clothes.
Additional Tips for Visiting Flagstaff
Flagstaff enjoys 161 sunny days per year, 101 partly cloudy days (40 - 70% cloud cover) and 103 cloudy days (80 - 100% cloud cover). Be sure to pack a brimmed hat, comfortable sturdy shoes, a camera and a high SPF sunscreen year-round. At Flagstaff's high elevation, UV rays are more intense and damaging, increasing your risk for skin and eye damage.
Flagstaff Weather Averages
Below is a table summarizing important weather averages for Flagstaff:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Chance of Precipitation | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 57 | 32 | 10% | 13.0 |
| July | 88 | 61 | 24% | N/A |
| January | 46 | 25 | N/A | N/A |
| April | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15.2 |
| August | N/A | N/A | N/A | 9.8 |
Remember to apply sunscreen before venturing out. At higher elevations, you may also experience fatigue and shortness of breath. No matter what time of year you visit, layering and comfortable clothes are a must in northern Arizona.