What to Wear in Scottsdale for Upcoming Getaway

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Are you looking for some suggestions on what to wear in Scottsdale for your upcoming visit?

From family-friendly resort activities and adult corporate events, to a girls’ spa weekend or golfing retreat for the guys, there’s a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy in Scottsdale, Arizona!

With so many options and varying weather patterns in Scottsdale, you may be wondering what to wear in Scottsdale to best enjoy your getaway.

This article includes a complete run-down of what to wear in Scottsdale during different seasons, as well as includes our Scottsdale packing list that includes everything you’ll need to bring for men, women, and children.

We also have a section dedicated to what to wear when hiking in Scottsdale, as well as what to wear in Scottsdale in December, January, and February.

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What to Wear in Scottsdale

What you wear when visiting Scottsdale, Arizona will depend largely on two things: what time of the year you visit, and what you plan to do there.

It’s important to note, however, that Scottsdale enjoys more than 330 sunny days each year, meaning that you’ll get more than your fair share of the sun no matter when you visit.

From April to May and from October to November, you’ll experience the most pleasant weather when the average high ranges from the mid-80s to the low 90s.

This season calls for lightweight fabrics and comfortable clothes such as shorts, joggers, t-shirts, and light sweatshirts (for the early morning and evening).

The hottest and driest months are June, July, and August when temperatures can get to be 100 degrees or more!

Plan on wearing sundresses, shorts, tank tops, sandals, and anything else that will help keep you cool.

Next, once you determine when you’ll be visiting, it’s a good idea to figure out some of the activities you will be doing when you’re there.

Will you need a golfing outfit?

Will you be going out for a fancy night-out on the town?

Should you pack hiking boots?

Will your kids need multiple swimsuits for the resorts and waterparks?

In general, if it’s going to be hot, make sure to pack plenty of light and airy clothing, including summer dresses to tank tops.

Always bring comfortable walking shoes, of course, but also flip flops and sandals to air out your feet.

No matter the time of year you visit or your activities of choice in Scottsdale, these packing lists should have your whole family covered.

My Magical Packing Solution

I cannot possibly begin a Scottsdale vacation packing list without first mentioning the need for using packing cubes in order to execute the perfect packing strategy.

We discovered packing cubes several years ago as our family was growing and it became harder and harder to keep our clothing organized, tidy, and wrinkle-free. (After all, messy, unorganized suitcases can make for a stressful morning when it’s time to get everyone dressed.)

Not all packing cubes are created equal, however, and the key is to find ones that are flexible (not rigid or formed) and are large enough for both child and adult-sized clothing.

We personally own 2 sets of these packing cubes (I use 1-2 packing cubes per person) and continue to recommend them time and time again as they are something we absolutely do not travel without!

Scottsdale Packing List for Women

As mentioned, you’ll find an abundance of activities in Scottsdale including golfing, hiking, shopping, and visiting the amazing Scottsdale wineries and its vibrant downtown known as Old Town.

*Get our complete guide on what to see and do in Old Town Scottsdale here!

In addition, Scottsdale has a vibrant restaurant scene, and you may find yourself wanting to bring a couple of casual dresses for a night out.

Likewise, if you plan to browse Scottsdale Fashion Square to shop luxury brands and the latest trends of the fashion world, you’ll want to wear casual-chic attire that matches the surroundings.

This list covers what to wear in Scottsdale for women, adding in some additional items and ensuring you have a little bit of everything for different activities.

Scottsdale Packing List for 3 Days

3 pairs of shorts
3 short-sleeve shirts
2 pairs of athletic shorts
2 tank tops
2 sundresses (including one to wear out for wine tastings or date night)
4 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
3 bras
1 sports bra
1 set of summer pajamas
1 swimsuit
1 swim suit cover-up
2 pairs of sunglasses (our favorites linked here!)
1 sun hat (Get mine here!)
1 baseball cap
1 pair of comfortable walking snoes/sneakers
1 pair of flip flops for poolside
1-2 pairs of dressy sandals
1 purse/woven cross-body bag

For the Early Morning and Night

Light jacket or denim jacket for layering and evenings
2 lighter sweaters
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of comfortable pants

Additional planning tip: Along with shopping on Amazon for an affordable price and quick delivery, I love getting nice women’s vacation clothes from Evereve and Banana Republic, as well as awesome trendy active wear from Athleta.

*Visit here for my perfect 3-day Scottsdale girls’ weekend itinerary that you and your friends will love!

Scottsdale Packing List for Men

For men, here is what to wear when visiting Scottsdale for 3-days or a long weekend (if visiting for longer, adjust the amount of clothing accordingly).

This list is slightly adjusted from the female version above and should be adapted for any special occasions you’ll be enjoying in Scottsdale:

3 pairs of regular shorts
2 pairs of athletic shorts
4 t-shirts (We love these for UV protection!)
2 polo shirts
4 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
1 set of summer pajamas (if applicable)
2 pairs of swim trunks
2 pairs of sunglasses (our favorites linked here!) *Use code TRAVELWITHAPLAN for 20% off!
1 sun hat
1 baseball cap
1 pair of tennis shoes/sneakers
1 pair of flip flops for poolside
1 pair of dressy sandals

For Early Morning and Night

1 lightweight jacket
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of athletic pants
2 lightweight sweaters

What to Wear in Scottsdale for Kids

There are so many fun things to do in Scottsdale for kids!

Here is a packing list for the little ones in your life so they too can have fun and be well-prepared for their trip.

4 pairs of shorts (or 2 more for boys if necessary)
4 t-shirts or a tank top
2 sundresses (girls)
4 pairs of underwear
4 pairs of socks
2 pairs of summer pajamas
1 swimsuit
1 swimsuit cover-up
1 pair of kid-size sunglasses
2 sun hats/baseball caps
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
1 pair of flip flops for the beach
1 pair of dressy sandals

For Early Morning and Night

2 pairs of pants
2 sweaters
1 lightweight jacket

Toiletries to Pack for Arizona

Along with using packing cubes for your clothing, use these clear multi-purpose organizer pouches (size large) to store all of your loose extras so that they don’t spill in your suitcase.

In addition, when packing toiletries, it’s a good idea to invest in a good hanging toiletry bag or train case (both of these being great options!)

You need a lot of things for the bathroom, and this will keep everything contained inside your suitcase.

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Deodorant
Travel size body spray/perfume
Face cleanser
Moisturizer
Shampoo and conditioner
Body soap or wash
Razor
Lotion
Makeup
Makeup remover
Contact lens supplies (if needed)
Hairstyling products (if needed)
Hair ties/clips (I love these ones for fine hair!)
Sunscreen (a must even in the winter)
Lip balm with SPF (This is one of my favorites because it smells like summer!)
Aloe vera gel for sunburns
Hand sanitizer
Medications and pain relievers

What to Wear in Scottsdale During the Winter

If you do happen to go to Arizona in the winter (perhaps you’re escaping the New York or Boston cold), don’t expect the same hot weather that the above list is meant for.

For instance, what to wear in Scottsdale in December is very different than what to wear in Scottsdale in August.

In the winter months of December, January, and February it cools down to the high 60s and low 70s.

The coldest month of the year in Scottsdale is December, with an average low of 45°F and a high of 66°F.

While that still sounds pretty warm, it gets very cold at night and when in the shade.

For this reason, be sure to pack pants, sweatshirts, light-weight sweaters, and outer layers when visiting Scottsdale in the winter.

Last, take note that the rainiest month in Scottsdale is February, with an average rainfall of 1.3 inches.

Before going on your trip, check the weather forecast to see if it is necessary to pack a rain jacket or umbrella.

A Guide to Packing for Hiking in Arizona

If you love the outdoors, then you’ll certainly find yourself going on one of the many hikes in the area.

Amongst the desert, you’ll find a hike for every experience level, from steep mountains to flat and short trails.

Some of the most popular hikes in Scottsdale include:

McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Camelback Mountain
Pinnacle Peak Park
Or a visit to the Grand Canyon (which is only 225 miles – a 3 hours and 40 minute drive away).

You can learn more about the best hikes in Scottsdale here.

No matter the level of hike, you can expect to work up a sweat, however, and you will need to be adequately prepared.

A refillable water bottle or hydration backpack is a must.

For traveling, a collapsible water bottle won’t take up too much space and will prevent you from needing to buy bottled water every day.

Along with your water bottle, I highly recommend bringing electrolyte packets.

With over 100 degree days, you will find yourself dehydrated very quickly.

Hopefully, you won’t have to use them, but if you find yourself doing lots of outdoor activities, it’s a good thing to have on hand.

Another helpful item to bring for the heat is a microfiber cooling towel (kids love having these along too!)

Next, in terms of safety, bring along a small first aid kit.

In case there are any slips or falls, you can quickly sanitize and cover up any scrapes and scratches.

Finally, bring a lightweight day pack and your best hiking shoes or boots if hiking will be a big part of your itinerary.

Extra Scottsdale Packing Tips

If you travel a ton, you learn some extra tidbits when it comes to packing.

Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when packing for your trip to Scottsdale.

1. Use a Luggage Scale

Hand-held luggage scales are quite inexpensive on Amazon and can save you from paying all those extra fees when you accidentally overpack.

One per family or group is all you need!

Be sure to bring it along with you in case you buy some extra items and need to re-weight your luggage on your way back.

2. Buy Travel-Sized Beauty Products

Every time you get a sample size product, hold onto that for when you go traveling.

It can be tiresome to purchase travel-sized items for every trip, so keep them somewhere safe for your next getaway.

However, if you need to buy some, travel-sized beauty products are well worth the investment to save you space and weight while packing.

3. Plan Your Outfits

Always plan your outfits and begin packing at least 2 days ahead of time.

Try to pack basics that can be styled in different ways.

For instance, a white t-shirt can go with jeans, layered over a dress for a skirt effect, or even on a hike.

Try your outfits on ahead of time before packing so that you know what fits and feels good.

You can always look on Pinterest for great outfit ideas if you need some inspiration.

4. Use Packing Cubes

As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have them already, definitely purchase a set or two of these packing cubes.

They help to not only save space but keep things organized when you’re living out of a suitcase.

For longer trips, you can also consider investing in vacuum-sealed bags for extra space-saving.

5. Bring Plastic Bags

Pack some plastic bags to place your dirty clothes in, and bring extras for when it’s time to come home.

For instance, you may want some for your dirty boots after hiking in Scottsdale or to store your still damp swimsuit from your last dip in the pool.

6. Save Space

Save a little room in your suitcase if you plan to go shopping in Scottsdale!

You’ll want that extra room if you plan to make purchases that will take up extra space in your suitcase.

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*