The Best Time
of Year to Plan Your Move in Arizona .

Thinking of moving to Arizona? You’re not alone; 256,000 people moved to Arizona in 2023. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — weather, pricing, availability, and local events — to make your move as smooth as an iced coffee on a Phoenix afternoon. Whether you’re moving across town or need to book long-distance moving services, we have your move covered.

Arizona’s Climate Overview: Why Timing Matters

From the thermometer-busting summers of Phoenix and Tucson to the cooler elevations of Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona’s climate is as varied as its landscape. Summers totally sizzle, winters are mostly mild, and monsoon storms require preparation. With that in mind, it’s important to plan your move to Arizona with care: Avoid peak heat, prepare for sudden storms, and protect your belongings from potential Arizona weather extremes.

Moving in the Summer (June-August)

Pros 

• Longer days: Arizona’s long summer days mean more daylight hours for your move. On average, Phoenix averages over 13 hours of sunlight daily in June.
• School schedules: Most Arizona schools start in mid to late August. However, some schools start classes as soon as July. And many Arizona schools use a year-round schedule. Keep these schedules in mind.

Cons 

• Extreme daytime heat: Arizona cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Lake Havasu City, Yuma, and Sedona all experience extreme daytime heat in the summer that can make loading and unloading your move extremely difficult. Phoenix broke a decades-old heat record when the city experienced triple-digit temperatures for 113 consecutive days in 2024. It’s critical to consider heat safety when planning your move.
• Monsoon season storms: The Arizona monsoon season begins on June 15 and ends on September 30. These summer storms begin with a wall of dust and are characterized by thunder, lightning, and rain showers. July is often the rainiest month of the year.
• High moving company demand: Despite hot summer temperatures and unpredictable monsoon storms, moving company demand is high. Expect higher prices during the summer season.
• Heat-related damage: During Arizona’s hot summer season, you run the risk of heat-related damage to your heat-sensitive items. This includes items like cosmetics, photographs, artwork, candles, electronics, furniture, medications, vinyl records, and other perishables.

Tips

Book your moving and storage company service in advance, move during the early morning or late evening to take advantage of more comfortable temperatures, stay hydrated by drinking water, and always be aware of the heat.

Moving in the Fall (September-November)

Pros

• Cooler temperatures: Across the state, temps begin to drop in the fall season. These cooler forecasts make for an overall safer and more comfortable move.
• Lower moving company demand: The fall season has a lower moving company demand than the spring and summer seasons. The lower demand means you might be able to lock in a better moving rate.
• Time to settle before the holiday season: A fall season move gives you and your family plenty of time to get settled into your new home before the rush of the holiday season.

Cons

• It’s still warm: Temps are still high in Phoenix, averaging highs of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in October.

Tips

Consider your move in fall for cooler temperatures and better deals, arrive early in the season to be ready for the holidays, and be aware and ready for possible monsoon showers in September.

Moving in the Winter (December-February)

Pros

• Cool weather: Arizona’s cold and dry winter weather is perfect for physical labor and moving transport.
• Lowest moving company demand: The winter season has the lowest moving company demand. It’s likely you’ll pay a more affordable moving rate.

Cons

• Shorter days: With fewer daylight hours in the winter season, shorter days may limit your moving hours.
• Winter weather: Arizona cities located in higher elevations, such as Flagstaff and Sedona, can be cold and snowy in the winter season. This can lead to potential winter weather advisories and road closures. Be sure to plan your move accordingly.

Tips

Plan your move in the winter season when there’s less moving company demand, consider the shorter winter daylight hours when planning your move, and prepare for winter weather. This time period is perfect for those not constrained with timelines, such as snowbirds and retirees.

Moving in the Spring (March-May)

Pros 

• Comfortable temperatures: Arizona weather is near perfect in the spring, which makes this season a great time to plan your move.
• Travel conditions: Arizona is beautiful in the spring season. With good conditions for travel, you can take in the warm weather, experience wildflower blooms, and see our iconic red rocks.

Cons

• Rising demand: In spring, when the school year ends and summer approaches, demand rises for moving companies. Get ahead of the busy season by booking your move early.

Tips

Spring is Arizona’s busiest season. Local events like Cactus League Spring Training, dozens of arts and music festivals, sports and rodeo events, and graduation ceremonies at Arizona’s largest universities Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University, mean high visitor volume, street closures, and more traffic on the roads.

Book your local moving services in Phoenix early to get ahead of spring season moving company demand, keep Arizona’s local events in mind, and plan for traffic.

Other Considerations

Arizona Job Market: The Arizona job market is growing faster than the national average and people are moving to Arizona to work during the spring and fall seasons.

Arizona Real Estate: Factors like high availability of properties and rental leases expiring make summer the most popular time to move to Arizona.

Conclusion

Arizona’s seasons all have their own perks and pitfalls.

When planning your move, consider what is most important to you, whether it’s cost and budget, comfort, or convenience. It’s also important to consider factors like extreme weather, moving company demand, and Arizona’s busy event season to find the best time for your move.

Ready for your move to Arizona? Request a quote from Muscular Moving Men today.