Escape the winter chill and embrace Arizona’s sunny skies! Snowbirds flock to the desert each year for warm weather, outdoor adventures, and a lively mix of dining, entertainment, and shopping. From teeing off at world-class golf courses to exploring scenic hikes, enjoying spring training, or indulging in local cuisine, the Valley offers something for everyone. Check out everything that makes the season special and the best places to stay while you enjoy it all!
Best Time to Visit
Snowbird season runs October through April, with the biggest wave of arrivals in November and December and peak crowds in January and February. Most snowbirds head home by late March or April. For great weather with lighter crowds, October–November and March are the sweet spot.
Outdoor Activities
Arizona’s mild winters make it the perfect destination for snowbirds looking to stay active and soak up the sun. Between golf, hot air balloon rides, and desert excursions, the season is filled with ways to make lasting memories.
Tee off in style at Scottsdale’s renowned courses. With GoodNight Stay’s partnership with GolfTrip, you can enjoy curated golf trips with prime tee times, personalized itineraries, and a 10% discount on select homes using code GOLFTRIPAZ10. Nearby courses include
- TPC Scottsdale (Where WM Phoenix Open is held)
- Grayhawk Golf Club
- StarFire Golf Club
Adventure
For thrill-seekers, Extreme Arizona offers ATV and SXS rentals in Cave Creek and Flagstaff, along with guided off-road tours through rugged desert terrain and hidden canyons. Explore challenging trails, dramatic desert landscapes, and breathtaking vistas, all within a short drive from Scottsdale.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Rides provides a bucket-list experience, soaring above the Sonoran Desert for sweeping views before celebrating with a post-flight toast. Guests of GoodNight Stay enjoy an exclusive discounted rate of $165 per person for sunrise shared basket flights; just use code GNSRR when booking.
For a more grounded adventure, Windwalker Expeditions offers small-group horseback rides through the desert and Tonto National Forest. Each ride is personalized to your skill level, with expert guides, well-trained horses, and off-the-beaten-path trails showcasing Arizona’s wildlife and panoramic desert vistas, plus exclusive pricing when you mention you’re a GoodNight Stay guest.
Top Events This Season
Arizona is buzzing with must-see sports, music, and entertainment this season. From baseball to equestrian shows and music festivals, there’s something for every visitor:
- The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Match (Nov 7, 2026): Catch the action on the field and soak up the lively mix of polo, fashion, and entertainment
- American Cup Arabian Horse Show (Nov 13-15, 2026): Witness the beauty and athleticism of Arabian horses in a weekend filled with competition, elegance, and community spirit at WestWorld
- Rate Bowl (Aug 21, 2026): Kick off bowl season with a spirited college football showdown at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium
- Fiesta Bowl (Dec 30, 2026): Close out the season in grand fashion as top-ranked teams face off in one of college football’s most iconic games at State Farm Stadium
- Waste Management Phoenix Open (Feb 8–14, 2027): Catch all the action at the legendary 16th hole, known for its unmatched energy and fan-fueled atmosphere
- Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (Feb 11–21, 2027): Held at WestWorld, featuring top equestrian competitions and a shopping expo
- Innings Festival (Feb 26-28, 2027): Tempe’s music and baseball celebration blends live performances with ballpark excitement
- Cactus League Spring Training (TBA – March 2027): Catch 15 MLB teams in action across Arizona stadiums, perfect for baseball enthusiasts
Shopping & Entertainment
Scottsdale offers an array of shopping and entertainment options to keep visitors busy all season.
Scottsdale Fashion Square & 5th Avenue Shops: Luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Hermès sit alongside charming local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants such as Din Tai Fung and Nobu
Scottsdale Quarter & Kierland Commons: Whether you’re after a little shopping or sunshine, these spots have you covered. Stroll through open-air promenades lined with stylish retailers, cafés, and restaurants
High Street & PV Mall: Check out local dining, boutiques, and a Sunday farmers market at High Street (9 a.m.–1 p.m., Oct–Apr), then explore the updated PV Mall with Whole Foods, Sephora, Wren House Brewing Co., and more
Interactive Entertainment: Families and groups can enjoy unique experiences like Game Show Battle Rooms, Bam Kazam, House Rules, and Octane Raceway, offering playful competition and high-energy activities beyond shopping. Nearby, Arizona Boardwalk brings together attractions like OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and its new Ferris wheel for a full day of family-friendly entertainment.
Restaurants & Bars
Arizona’s culinary scene is diverse, with new hotspots and established favorites:
Butters Pancakes + Cafe is a cozy, welcoming spot known for classic pancakes, omelets, and comfort dishes, making it a great way to start the day.
The Montauk is a Hamptons-inspired spot in Old Town known for its lively indoor-outdoor vibe and New American coastal comfort food, with favorites like burrata and crispy rock shrimp making it a great laid-back midday stop.
Buck & Rider is an upscale seafood and steak spot known for fish flown in daily, a lively raw bar, and hand-rolled sushi, with a beach house-inspired patio that’s perfect for happy hour, running daily from 3 to 7pm.
The Mission serves modern Latin cuisine from chefs Matt Carter and Brian Raab in a sophisticated yet casual setting, and the table-side guacamole is not to be missed for a special night out.
Where to Stay
Settle into a GoodNight Stay home with comfort, convenience, and easy access to Arizona’s top golf courses, dining, and winter events.
Palisade
5 Bed | 5 Bath | 12 Guests
Set within the exclusive enclave of Paradise Valley, Palisade is a 12,000+ sq. ft. estate that embodies luxury on every level. This remarkable home features grand living spaces adorned with designer furnishings, original artwork, including a rare piece from the Bill Gates Estate, and five marble fireplaces. Enjoy unforgettable gatherings on expansive patios, relax in the resort-style pool and oversized jacuzzi, or challenge friends on the private sports court. With two fully equipped kitchens, multiple gathering spaces, and a dedicated fitness room, Palisade is built for memorable stays.
Nyx
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 6 Guests
Tucked near Troon North Golf Club, Nyx is a desert escape that blends comfort with style. The open living area invites you to unwind by the fireplace or gather around the bar cart for sunset cocktails, while the chef-ready kitchen makes big breakfasts and late-night hangs effortless. Just minutes from Troon North and a short drive to TPC Scottsdale, it’s an easy home base for golf lovers, with Scottsdale Quarter’s shopping, dining, and sunset patios also close by for when you want to head out.
Scottsdale Chic Condo
2 Bed | 2 Bath | 6 Guests
This modern condo sits in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, offering a stylish, comfortable base within walking distance of the Arizona Canal and the Entertainment District’s nightlife. Guests can dive into the community pool and spa, then unwind with cocktails on the private balcony as the sun sets over the desert. With a fully equipped kitchen and open-floor living area, it’s an easy, walkable stay for anyone wanting to be close to Old Town’s shops, restaurants, and bars.
Make This Winter One to Remember
Arizona’s snowbird season offers sunshine, outdoor adventures, and plenty of reasons to stay a little longer. Tee off at championship courses, attend seasonal events, or enjoy evenings gathered by the fire at your GoodNight Stay home, it’s the best way to experience winter in the desert. Visit our specials page for exclusive offers!
