Climate

From the desert floor to the highest mountain peak, Arizona's renowned sunshine ensures that nearly every day is a perfect one for sightseeing, playing golf, skiing a slope, or simply relaxing by a sparkling swimming pool. Generally, peak season in the desert lasts from January through March, shoulder season is from April to May and September through December, and value season is June through August. Peak and value seasons in mountainous regions are the opposite of the desert areas.

What to Wear

Depending on the time of year and where one plans to travel in Arizona, anything from a swimsuit to a winter jacket may be appropriate. Overall, dress is casual with an emphasis on comfort. Few restaurants require jackets and ties for dining. Jeans and Western wear are always in style. If attending a cultural event or dining at one of our finer restaurants, bring along a more formal outfit. During summer, shorts and sandals are appropriate during the day and a sweater or light jacket is perfect for the evenings. In the cooler months, a sweater or light jacket is perfect in the desert for evenings and a winter jacket is recommended in the mountains. Also, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended year-round.

Tips on Tipping

Tipping is voluntary in Arizona and generally not included in the bill. (There are exceptions at some restaurants where a 15% gratuity is automatically added for groups.) Generally, restaurant servers and taxi drivers are tipped 15-20%. Bellhops receive $1 to $2 per bag taken to a room and airport sky caps are tipped 50 cents per bag.

Currency Exchange

For currencies, exchange locations and hours of operation, please contact individual banking institutions, see your hotel concierge or consult the Yellow Pages. Also, a Travelex foreign currency exchange office is conveniently located at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Terminal Four.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The main airport serving Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor entertains more than 36 million passengers per year and is served by 21 airlines which provide nonstop service to over a hundred cities in the U.S. and around the world. Nonstop international service is provided by Aeromexico (Mexico), British Airways (London's Gatwick Airport), Lufthansa German Airlines (Frankfurt, Germany), Air Canada (Toronto), Air Jamaica (Montego Bay) and America West Airlines (Canada and Mexico).

Sky Harbor operates three passenger terminals. Ten national car rental agencies have service counters in the baggage claims area in each terminal. Some companies have cars available at the terminal while others use a courtesy van or bus to shuttle visitors to their off-airport location. In addition, limousine, taxi and shuttle service are available from any terminal.

Reliever Airports

Glendale Municipal Airport provides complete airport services for general aviation and corporate jet traffic. Amenities include the Airport Restaurant (open all day), corporate meeting space, enclosed hangars, flight instruction and car rentals. The Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Goodyear operates as a general reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offering fuel sales, overnight parking, a flight planning and lounge area, and a conference room.

Time Zone

The State of Arizona is located in the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST). Arizona is one of only two U.S. states that does not make an adjustment for Daylight Savings Time, and during the months of April through October, Arizona time mirrors Pacific Daylight Time.

Arizona Highways

All parts of Arizona are accessible by federal and state highways. The speed limit on most interstate freeways is 75 miles per hour; however it drops to 65 or 55 near metropolitan areas. Unposted state highways have a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour.

Alcoholic Beverages

Arizona law prohibits anyone younger than age 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Liquor is not sold from 1-6 a.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1-10 a.m. on Sundays. It is against the law to drink in a motor vehicle or from the original container in public places.

Radio & Television

Radio: 18 AM stations and 25 FM stations
Television: Local channels are KTVK, 3; KPHO, 5 (CBS); KAET, 8 (PBS); KSAZ, 10 (FOX); KPNX, 12 (NBC); KNXV, 15 (ABC); KTVW, 33 (Span.); KUTP, 45 (UPN); KPPX, 51 (PAX); KASW, 6 or 61 (WB).

Newspapers

The Arizona Republic, (602) 444-8000

Average Temperatures