What is the best time of the year to take an Arizona trip if you want to include Phoenix, Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? I know that even though all of these are not that far apart but that weather varies a lot. Is there a certain time of year when the weather at all the places should be pretty nice? What about if I throw in Zion and Bryce Canyon?

We went in mid-april this year. There were still a couple of patches of ice at the beginning of the Bright Angel Trail into the GC but it was warm when we were there (upper 60's to low 70's). It got a little hot in Tucson the last day we were there, but you know it's that "dry heat" so we weren't uncomfortable (yeah right). Overall very decent weather.

Be wary of April at the Grand Canyon. I was there a few years back and it snowed.

Best time of year for all your tri-state locations is either May or late September/early October.

Have fun.
Susan

I agree with the previous comment. I went to all of those locations two years ago the last two weeks of May and the trip was fine. Also, hotel rates at some Tucson hotels go down in mid-May (had a lovely suite at St. Philip's Plaza, I think the name was Windmill Suites, for $99). Enjoy, Karen

I was in Phoenix last October (late in the month) and it rained the entire time I was in town.

I'd recommend late September/early October.

My wife and I went to the GC and for a couple weeks' circuit of the national parks in southern Utah last year in the first couple of weeks of October. The weather was absolutely perfect -- temperatures in the 60s and 70s, sunny skies, mostly shirtsleeves. We found out later, however, that two days after we'd been at Bryce Canyon (which was one of our later stops, and the one at the highest altitude, ~9,000-10,000 feet) they had 6-12 inches of snow. The cold front that caused it also kept things really cool in Las Vegas, where we ended up our trip. We actually wore jackets the whole time we were there!

Keep in mind that altitude makes all the difference: the Grand Canyon rims, especially the north side, and Bryce Canyon are at fairly high altitude, and will be much cooler than Phoenix, Las Vegas and other low-altitude desert areas. Zion National Park is also relatively low-altitude. It's this variety, however, that makes this area so amazing and one of my very favorite places to visit.

Have a great time, whenever you decide to go!

I live in Phoenix and just spent Labor Day weekend in Sedona (just love that place). The BEST is a little hard to predict because of the vast altitude difference in the places you will be visiting. So, if you're emphasis is on Sedona/Grand Canyon, I'd say (1) Sept. and (2)April. It is not uncommon for those places to have snow in Oct. (last year) and March (my 1st trip to Sedona). Phoenix and LV will be tolorable, probably in the 90s....but remember, "it's a dry heat" (hahaha) Seriously, days are still warm but low humidity and dropping temps at night do make a big difference. Sorry, can't help with Zion or Bryce. (ps. temps in Flagstaff were only 45 this morning)

May/June would be a nice time to visit if you're interested in the spring bloom...

Re: "dry heat"... My wife, baby daughter and I had a quick weekend in Phoenix last week. The temperature was 110+ degrees and I must say that it didn't really feel like it was that hot. The low humidity does help... Sure, the frame of the car was scorching hot, but it wasn't too difficult to be outside if you get some shade once in a while (and plenty of water!).

Dodi: We visited these areas in Mid-Late Sept. & the weather was perfect. Not too hot,low humidity,cool nights, nice sunny days most of the time. Couldn't have been better.