7 of the Best Ways to Savor Autumn in Arizona

If you're not from Arizona, you probably associate Arizona with one type of weather: HOT! If you've lived here a while, you know that Fall is the best time in Arizona.

As temperatures cool off, we turn off the air conditioners and return to life with outdoor fall activities all over the state!

Rodeos

There's nothing quite like seeing a rodeo in Arizona. One of the best times to catch this uniquely western event is in the fall, beginning with the Annual Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo in Santa Cruz County.

Rodeos return in the Fall. // Val Davidson / TSM

Bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, and so much more come to life at these exciting events.

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Barrel Racing at the rodeo. // Val Davidson / TSM

Pumpkin Picking

We have some of the most charming fall farms located all across the state of Arizona. Visit Apple Annie's in Willcox, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, or the Marana Pumpkin Patch.

Read more about the Best Place to Pick a Pumpkin in Arizona!

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Pumpkin Picking and visiting farms is better in the fall. // Canva

No matter where you are, gather the family and take a day trip in the cooler fall weather. Pick a pumpkin, have some pie, and turn an early fall afternoon into a good old-fashioned Autumn Day. Make memories every year as your kids enjoy this annual adventure.

Wine Festivals

Willcox, Elgin, and Sonoita have a beautiful array of vineyards, right here in Arizona. Sample local wines and enjoy a beautiful fall day with friends in Arizona's Wine Country.

Wine Festivals and more spring back to life in the Fall. // Canva

Getting Back on the Hiking & Riding Trails

It's time to dust off that mountain bike or pull out those hiking shoes. The cooler temperatures in Arizona beg for exploration.

Hiking is better in the cooler temps. // Canva

Even though it's cooling off, it's still warm and dry here in Arizona. Don't forget to pack enough water and snacks!

Haunted Houses

If you're a fan of the spooky and macabre, you're going to have a creepy-good time in any of the many haunted houses in Arizona.

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Don't miss our list of the Best Haunted Houses around the State.

Cooler Weather

After the blistering heat and half-hearted monsoon season, we're ready to finally feel those cooler temperatures. Low 80s and high 70s are such a relief after days of 100 degree weather. We'll take cooler temps and chilly nights.

Canva

Arizona always has a "Second Summer" in the middle of fall, so don't put away those summer clothes in favor of sweaters just yet. Still, the high 80s are better than the low 100s any day!

Oktoberfest & Festivals, and County and State Fairs

Fall Festivals return to Arizona as the temperature falls. There are Wine Festivals, Oktoberfests, Art Expos, and Fun Festivals.

Oktoberfest and other festivals return! // Canva

Plus, to beat the heat, we hold the Cochise County and Arizona State Fairs in the early to late fall. It's cooler for the kids and the animals.

Fall in Arizona may be a little different than other states, but it's full of adventure as Arizona casts off the heat for milder weather.

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Filed Under: Arizona