Christmas and New Year in Scottsdale.

The weather in December

December days are comfortable for golf, hiking and the pool, and evenings are cool enough for a fire or a jacket. The golf guide has the full month-by-month picture.

Source: Phoenix normals from the Arizona State Climate Office, 1991 to 2020.

Planning the holiday days

• •Christmas Day: a slow morning, a shared meal in the afternoon, and a quiet evening. Plan the meal with the group before you arrive.
• •Between the holidays: the best days for a round of golf or an early hike, see the best time to golf.
• •New Year’s Eve: a dinner out or a quiet night in. Events and parties are not permitted at the house, so a long celebration at home is not an option.

What to ask before you book

• •Is the whole house booked for the group? Confirm that the property is not shared during your stay.
• •What are the quiet hours over the holidays? Get them in writing.
• •Can the group arrive early or leave late? Ask about check-in and check-out times around the holiday dates.

For dinner out during the holidays, see the restaurant guide and book early.

More for your trip

For weather and what is on all month, see Scottsdale in December and, for the new year, Scottsdale in January. Coming for the College Football Playoff? See Fiesta Bowl 2026: where to stay.