How to Survive a Phoenix Winter

by Jay Thompson on December 5, 2007 · Comments

in Phoenix Life

Jennifer Kirby has a two part series on her blog titled, “How to Survive a Minnesota Winter”. Part 1 provides tips if you’re stranded in your car, and Part 2 covers your home.

Jennifer talks about things like tire chains, ice dams, blankets, anti-freeze and black ice. (I linked to info on these things as some Phoenix residents may have never heard of them.)

Jennifer’s posts are timely for the residents of the fine state of Minnesota. They got me to thinking that I should do something similar for the folks in Phoenix. This may prove especially helpful for our winter visitors who’ve never experienced the brutality of a Phoenix winter.

Tips for Surviving a Phoenix Winter:

1) If you open your windows late in the evening, you might be able to light your fireplace without sweating like a pig.

2) Unless you have a heated pool, don’t expect to swim much between November and February. The water temperature in an unheated pool can be in the low 60’s. In theory, hypothermia can set in at these water temps.

3) If you have a convertible, you should probably keep the top up until about 10:00am. Earlier than that, it can get a bit chilly. Top down between 10:00am and 6:00pm is normally quite enjoyable.

4) If you are going to be traveling outside southern Arizona, you may need a “coat” (defined as: “an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors”). I suggest shopping on-line as it’s virtually impossible to buy a coat in a Phoenix store. And forget about finding things like gloves, hats, and “snow boots”.

5) If you really need a snow fix, take I-17 north toward Flagstaff. In about 3 hours, you can be skiing at Arizona Snowbowl (typically open between mid December and February).

Here’s a handy chart showing the average high and low temperatures in Phoenix. Generally we consider winter here to be mid December through late February. January is our coldest month, with average high temps of only 65 degrees. Bundle up!

Phoenix Weather Averages
(source)

 

[tags]Phoenix weather[/tags]


 

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Follow Up to “How to Survive a Phoenix Winter”
Why We Live in Phoenix…
Wanna Play Pebble Beach? Troon? Pinehurst #2?

 




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  • I think that Jennifer's advice will be more handy for my winter situation here in NW Indiana. Just thinking about Arizona and 80 degrees in January is enough to make me get on southwest.com
  • Somewhere in the midwest and on the east coast there are readers flipping you off en masse ... :-)
  • Very effective. You should link that from the sidebar as an anchor post.
  • A Wisconsin Reader
    Jay-bite me. ;)

    I will be looking for your 'How to Survive a Phoenix Summer' post in July!
  • Jay, I love it. When I lived in the Phoenix area, I thought it was interesting that vacationers were in the swimming pools while the locals did wear a sweater or light jacket.
  • Don't forget Sunrise, we need skiers as well. Although I don't think we've gotten much snow yet, I believe this will be a good year.

    Phoenix is ROUGH this time of year, what with all the pools being so cool. How's a body to have a pool party?
  • Too funny Jay... is there a tip on how / if scarf might be worn somewhere in there?
  • Jay - my mom called me to tell me about your post. I haven't been on-line yet today because we are sitting under 6-12 inches of snow and my son's want to go sledding. All I can say is way too funny. My mom got a real kick out of it as well. Glad you stopped by...and that I can be someone's inspiration! :)
  • I'm current sitting in a hot tub at the ski lodge "warming up" with Tina and I forget her name sorry.

    /wave from New England
  • rachel
    But you didn't mention adjusting your driving techniques/routes to avoid the dreaded snowbirds...
  • That is pretty funny stuff. I hope you make it thru the winter OK.
  • Great post, Jay. But don't forget the freeze we had last year - wiped out several of my plants. Also takes a little longer to heat up my pool spa (can't survive with that 60 degree temp.)
  • Jay - I think that weather chart is a bit skewed. If I remember correctly - 100 degrees is not unusual in April through October. And, really, when was the last time the average temperature was 105 in July? :)

    I'll be back next week, for a whole month, to enjoy the very best time to be in Phoneix.
  • We've had 100+ degree days in every month but November - February. But the *averages* for months other than June - Aug are below 100.

    105 seems low for July. But there are days at 100. And for every day at 100, you can have another at 110 and still average 105...

    As for how to survive the Phoenix summer, that's a simple 3 step process:

    1) turn on the AC
    2) Prepare for $300+ electric bills
    3) Stay inside

    (And Rob, my ficus tree never recovered from last years frost...)

    Thanks for the inspiration Jennifer!
  • Redsz
    Hah :) The next time you find yourself in Saskatoon Jay make sure its in the heart of winter. I'll introduce you to the art of the "Polar Bear".

    Now, essentially its a 5 step program to master this art:

    1) Outdoor hottub....preferably above luke warm temperatures.

    2) 1-48 bottles of beer. Depending on how much feeling you would like to lose before attempting a polar bear.

    3) Ample time to consume 1-48 bottles of beer.

    4) A large snow bank that is further than 10 feet away from your luke warm water. Ensure that the snow bank is in fact a snow bank and not an ice encrusted picnic table.

    5) Run as fast as your 1-48 bottles of beer allow and dive into your non picnic table snow bank. Proceed to flail around in the snow or until you are able to run back in the general direction of the above luke warm water.

    Repeat as needed to prove your manliness to the other participants of the polar bear.

    Sounds fun doesnt it?
  • Redsz - I thought it *was* the heart of winter when I was in Saskatoon! Granted you people were running around in jackets, enjoying the "heat wave", but 12 freaking degrees is cold to this desert boy!

    I'm thinking I'd have to be on the 48 beer side to do a polar bear!
  • In Florida, you still need sunscreen in the winter....

    It's easy to pick the tourists out. They are sunburned with "farmer tans"

    Was a beautiful 83 degrees here today!!
  • Jay, I would like to extend an invitation to all you poor Phoenix people to our version of the Polar Bear. It occurs every New Years Day to benefit our local food pantry.
    First, you must have a great costume (over your swimsuite). Old sneakers are also critical. The surf can tend to break up those seashells and can be murder on the soles of your feet. They are also good for breaking through that layer of ice. A flask of your favorite bourbon, or liquor of choice, is recommended (21 and older). Bring a towel, dry shoes and clothing.
    You and a few hundred other freaks will assemble at 9:00 a.m., give or take depending on how much you celebrated the prior evening, at Monument Beach. There will be a few hunder other spectators. Some, like me, who have done it before, but now just make my donation and watch the rest of you partake in the fun.
    On cue, you and your fellow swimmers will run and dive into the 32 degree water. Yes, you must submerge. There are several contests for "longest swim", "multiple swims", etc.
    I'll be on shore with a fleece blanket waiting for you to emerge and will quickly alert the EMT's if you don't.
    Upon completion of your swim, you will be an official member of the Monument Beach Polar Bear Club!
    We'll then go to a local club where libations and chowdah will be served. In another month or so, you will be invited back to the pot-luck dinner for more libations and awards.
    Now, doesn't that sound worth a trip to Cape Cod?
  • Cathy - I don't think there is enough alcohol in existence that would make me do that. It's INSANE!!

    But I bet it sure is interesting to watch....
  • Hmm.
    Jay, I'm torn between two replies to this: "you suck" and "bite me". With a smiley face thrown in, of course. :-)
  • Lightweights.....LOL
  • Thanks for the laugh :) But after spending one very hot week in August there I don't think your 3-step guide to surviving the summers would cut it for me. Did you guys really get 3 inches of snow one year? - Ashley
  • "Did you guys really get 3 inches of snow one year?"

    Not that I'm aware of Ashley. I've seen it "snow" once in Phoenix (I've been here 8 years). But that was just flurries that melted before it hit the ground. There has probably been some accumulation at some point in history though.
  • I just found this old post, and had a great laugh while reading through it and all the comments. LMAO, while heading into yet another Scottsdale summer (lived here since 1978, so no biggie).
  • I know that everyone thinks that it's always hot in the desert, but it's simply not true. Anyone who has ever been around it knows that it can get really cold at night.
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