By local contributor
Lauren Wise
It’s easy to see why Scottsdale is considered “The World’s Finest Golf Destination.” A quick tally will yield more than 50 golf courses in the city proper (many of them public) with 150 more available in the nearby area. Add in a picturesque Sonoran Desert landscape, luxury resorts galore and more than 300 days of sunshine annually, and this city is a golfer’s paradise.
One of the most frequent questions local golf courses hear from visitors is, “When’s the best time to golf in Scottsdale?” While the truth is there’s never a bad time for a Scottsdale golf getaway, the ideal season depends on what kind of golf experience you're looking for, whether it’s perfect temperatures, off-season pricing, or peak course conditions. To help you choose, here’s a season-by-season breakdown of the best times to hit the fairways in Scottsdale.
Winter in Scottsdale is prime time for golfers. With plenty of sunshine and daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, it’s the perfect weather for extended rounds followed by a drink or meal on the patio. This is also peak season for out-of-towners escaping cold-weather states, so courses fill up quickly, especially around the world-famous WM Phoenix Open, which brings PGA TOUR excitement to the TPC Scottsdale (above) in early February.
What to Expect:
Winter Pro Tip:
Best Time to Golf For: Golfers who want unbeatable weather and are willing to pay a premium.
While autumn colors may be subtle here, spring in Scottsdale is full of vibrant desert beauty –wildflowers bloom, cacti burst into color, and the air remains cool and dry. March still carries peak-season pricing, but by April and May, available tee times become more plentiful, and rates begin to drop. Look directly to course websites for exclusive deals. For example, Troon North (above) offers Troon Access, which allows golfers to not only save 50% off tee times within a 78-hour booking window, but unlocks 15% off all tee times at over 200 premier courses around the country.
What to Expect:
Best Time to Golf For: Players who want great weather with slightly easier tee time access than winter offers.
Let’s talk savings. Summer is when golf in Scottsdale is at its most affordable. Yes, it gets hot –daytime highs often top 105°F – but for early birds and budget-minded golfers, this is a golden opportunity. Early morning and twilight rounds offer cooler temps and unbeatable prices. Plus, afternoons can be spent chilling poolside at one of Scottsdale’s many upscale resorts and hotels.
What to Expect:
Summer Pro tips:
Best Time to Golf For: Locals, seasoned players and deal hunters who don’t mind the heat.
Autumn is a hidden gem in Scottsdale’s golf calendar. That said, many courses undergo “overseeding” in October to transition from bermuda grass to winter ryegrass. This can lead to temporary course closures, but not all at once – larger clubs often stagger the process across different 18-hole courses. By November, the fairways are lush and revived, and the weather is comfortable and mild. (above, Boulders Club)
What to Expect:
Best Time to Golf For: Players who want premium course conditions without the intensity of winter crowds.
On a final note, consider taking advantage of Scottsdale golf packages. Many resorts and hotels offer golf stay-and-play packages that include top-tier accommodations, discounted or priority tee times (whether for an on-site or affiliate course), and additional perks like resort credits for dining and spa services, rental cars, and more.