Arizona’s Route 66: From Pines to Cacti – How Elevation Dictates the Weather
Hey there, road-tripping friends, Big Mike here, ready to give you the inside scoop on the wild weather you’ll encounter on Arizona’s stretch of the legendary Route 66! Now, Arizona is known for its sunshine and desert landscapes, but the Mother Road through this state offers a surprising variety of climates, all thanks to one major factor: elevation.
You see, as you cruise along Route 66 in Arizona, you’ll be climbin’ and divin’ in elevation, and that makes a heck of a difference in what kind of weather you’ll experience. We’re talkin’ the difference between cool mountain breezes in Flagstaff and the scorchin’ desert heat of Kingman, with some pleasant high desert mixed in around Seligman.
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Let’s start up high in the mountains, in Flagstaff. This is not your typical Arizona desert town. Perched at around 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is like the cool uncle of Arizona cities. Up here, you’re surrounded by pine forests, and the air is crisp and clean. Summers are a dream, with average highs in the 70s and 80s, and lows dipping into the 40s at night. It’s the perfect escape from the furnace-like heat you find at lower elevations. You might even see some snow flurries in the winter months. Many a traveler has been caught off guard thinking Arizona is all desert.
Now, as you roll down Route 66 westward, you’ll hit Seligman, the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66.” At around 5,300 feet, Seligman is a bit lower than Flagstaff, but still considered high desert. This means the summers are warmer, with average highs in the 80s and 90s, but it’s a dry heat, mind you, not the sticky, humid kind. Nights still cool off nicely, making for pleasant evenings around a campfire. It is a fun stop on the Route, and the people are friendly.
Finally, you’ll descend into the Mojave Desert and arrive in Kingman, sittin’ at around 3,300 feet. Now we’re talkin’ desert heat, folks! Summers in Kingman are scorchers, with average highs well over 100 degrees, sometimes even hitting 110 or more. The sun beats down relentlessly, and the nights only cool off into the 70s or 80s. This is where you’ll want to make sure your AC is workin’ and you’ve got plenty of water on hand.
Arizona’s Monsoon Season: A Time of Dramatic Skies
Now, we can’t talk about Arizona weather without mentionin’ the monsoon season. This unique weather pattern typically runs from mid-June through September, and it brings a dramatic shift to the state’s climate. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean gets pulled into Arizona, resulting in sudden and intense thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
These storms can bring heavy rain, lightning, high winds, and even flash flooding. While the monsoon rains are a welcome relief from the summer heat, they can also make driving conditions hazardous. Be extra cautious on the roads during and after a monsoon storm, and never try to cross a flooded roadway.
A Tale of Two Extremes: Kingman vs. Flagstaff Month-by-Month
Here’s how the temperatures typically stack up throughout the year, comparing the extremes of Kingman and Flagstaff, with Seligman in the middle:
January:
- Kingman: Mild days with highs around 57°F, but nights can get chilly, dropping to around 33°F.
- Flagstaff: Winter wonderland! Highs average 38°F, with lows around 14°F. Expect snow and icy conditions.
- Seligman: Chilly, with highs around 48°F and lows near 20°F.
February:
- Kingman: Still mild, with highs creeping up to 63°F and lows around 37°F.
- Flagstaff: Cold and snowy, with highs around 43°F and lows near 16°F.
- Seligman: Starts to warm slightly, with highs around 53°F and lows near 23°F.
March:
- Kingman: Pleasant spring weather, highs around 69°F, lows around 41°F.
- Flagstaff: Still chilly, but warming up, with highs around 49°F and lows near 21°F. Snow is still possible.
- Seligman: Spring-like, with highs around 59°F and lows near 26°F.
April:
- Kingman: Warm days, highs around 77°F, lows around 48°F.
- Flagstaff: Definitely thawing out, with highs around 58°F and lows near 26°F.
- Seligman: Pleasant, with highs around 68°F and lows near 31°F.
May:
- Kingman: Getting hot, with highs around 87°F, lows around 57°F.
- Flagstaff: Mild and sunny, with highs around 68°F and lows near 33°F.
- Seligman: Warm days, with highs around 78°F and lows near 38°F.
June:
- Kingman: The heat is on! Highs average 98°F, with lows around 67°F.
- Flagstaff: Warm and sunny, with highs around 78°F and lows near 40°F. Perfect for outdoor activities.
- Seligman: Hot, with highs around 88°F and lows near 46°F.
July:
- Kingman: Scorching! Highs average 104°F, with lows around 74°F. Stay hydrated!
- Flagstaff: Warm days, cool nights. Highs around 82°F, lows near 47°F. Monsoon season brings afternoon thunderstorms.
- Seligman: hot, with highs around 92°F and lows near 53°F. Watch out for monsoon storms.
August:
- Kingman: Still incredibly hot, with highs around 102°F, lows around 73°F. Monsoon storms are possible.
- Flagstaff: Similar to July, highs around 80°F, lows near 46°F. Monsoon activity continues.
- Seligman: Hot, with highs around 90°F and lows near 52°F. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
September:
- Kingman: Cooling down slightly, but still hot, with highs around 95°F, lows around 65°F. Monsoon season starts to wind down.
- Flagstaff: Pleasant fall weather, with highs around 74°F, lows near 39°F.
- Seligman: Cooler, with highs around 83°F and lows near 45°F.
October:
- Kingman: Much more comfortable, with highs around 81°F, lows around 52°F.
- Flagstaff: Crisp and cool, with highs around 63°F, lows near 30°F. Fall colors are beautiful.
- Seligman: Chilly, with highs around 71°F and lows near 35°F.
November:
- Kingman: Mild days, cool nights, with highs around 66°F, lows around 40°F.
- Flagstaff: Getting cold, with highs around 49°F, lows near 21°F. Snow is possible.
- Seligman: Cold, with highs around 57°F and lows near 26°F.
December:
- Kingman: Coolest month, with highs around 57°F, lows around 33°F.
- Flagstaff: Winter has arrived, with highs around 40°F, lows near 15°F. Expect snow and icy conditions.
- Seligman: Cold, with highs around 48°F and lows near 20°F.
Big Mike’s Arizona Weather Tips:
- Pack for all seasons: Even if you’re traveling in the summer, bring layers. You might be sweltering in Kingman but need a jacket in Flagstaff.
- Respect the sun: The Arizona sun is intense, especially at higher elevations. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when you’re out in the desert heat. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.
- Check the forecast: Conditions can vary greatly depending on your elevation, so be sure to check the forecast for each town along your route.
- Be Monsoon Aware: If traveling during monsoon season (mid-June to September), be prepared for sudden storms, heavy rain, and potential flash flooding.
- Enjoy the variety: Arizona’s diverse climate is part of what makes it such a unique and fascinating state to explore. Embrace the changes in scenery and weather as you cruise along Route 66!
Big Mike’s Bottom Line: Arizona’s Route 66 offers a dramatic range of temperatures throughout the year. Pack accordingly, respect the desert heat in Kingman, enjoy the mild mountain air of Flagstaff, and savor the high desert experience in Seligman. No matter when you go, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure, and watch out for those monsoon storms in the summer!
Arizona’s section of the Mother Road offers an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and diverse climates. From the cool pines of Flagstaff to the sun-baked desert of Kingman, every mile brings a new adventure. So, pack your bags, gas up the car, and get ready to experience the ever-changing weather of Arizona’s Route 66!
Keep the rubber side down and the spirits high, and I’ll see ya on the road!
