summary
- Arizona is home to many towns with warm and mild weather even in September, making it a great place to visit in the fall.
- Attractions in each town include vineyards, state parks, historical sites and quaint downtown areas for visitors to explore and enjoy in the warm but not too hot weather of midsummer.
- Travelers can escape the cold north and visit some cute and charming small towns in Arizona, where the weather is mild in September.
This fall, more and more people are escaping the chilly September weather up north and heading to warmer climates. While many visitors love the cozy atmosphere of fall, some just don't want summer to end.
Luckily, North America is home to plenty of warm-weather destinations during the fall, and one of the best places to travel is Arizona, a desert and mountain state in the southwestern United States.
With this list, those looking to escape the cold north will discover some fantastic small towns in Arizona with mild weather in September, each with adorable downtowns, beautiful scenery, historic sites, and great local parks.
7 Sedona
Fall Temperature: 50-80 degrees
Sedona is perhaps the most iconic small town in Arizona. Known for the many spiritual experiences that occur in and around town, Sedona has become a popular destination for those who believe in the supernatural. A charming downtown, many state parks, and stunning scenery await travelers who want to visit this iconic small Arizona town. The mild climate makes for great views, even in September.
Recommended things to do in Sedona include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, and one of the toughest mountain hikes in Arizona. Bear Mountain Trailis just steps away for those seeking the thrill of adventure. Plus, hiking this and other trails in Sedona offers mild temperatures that are more comfortable than the scorching heat of midsummer.
Near Sedona, there are plenty of additional national parks to enjoy within driving distance, from Walnut Canyon National Monument to Montezuma Castle National Monument.
population: |
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temperature: |
50 to 80 degrees |
What to do: |
Slide Rock State Park, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Red Rock State Park, Devil's Bridge Trail, Montezuma Castle |
6 Cottonwood
Fall Temperature: 50-80 degrees
The town of Cottonwood is the jewel of Arizona's Verde Valley, and September's mild weather makes it the perfect time to explore. Surrounded by breathtaking desert and located near the Verde River, visitors to Cottonwood will be enchanted by all the area has to offer.
This region of Arizona has ideal conditions for certain plants to grow, so visitors will find plenty of vineyards to tour and explore. Alcantara and Arizona Stronghold VineyardsPlaces tourists should visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park And the Clemenceau Heritage Museum. Finally, the magnificent National Monument. Tuzigoot Nearby, you can see ruins that date back over 1,000 years.
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temperature: |
50 to 80 degrees |
What to do: |
Alcantara, Arizona Stronghold Winery, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Clemenceau Heritage Museum, Tuzigoot National Monument |
5 Camp Verde
Fall Temperature: 45-80 degrees
History comes alive in the charming little town of Camp Verde, and September's mild weather makes it the perfect time to explore. Montezuma Castle National Monumentis just around the corner, and history buffs will have a great time exploring the historic ruins built directly into the cliff side.
Tourists are also Verde Valley Archaeological Center Museums allow visitors to learn about the art and lifestyle of Arizona's past, while wine tasting is a favorite pastime at Clear Creek Vineyards and Salt Mine Wines. Travelers with young children will enjoy the wine tasting at Clear Creek Vineyards and Salt Mine Wines. Out of Africa Wildlife ParkYou can see rare animals from all over the world.
4 Prescott
Fall Temperature: 40-70 degrees
Visitors from far and wide flock to the charming town of Prescott for a taste of the Old West in a modern day setting, even in September. Strolling through the quaint downtown area, filled with unique shops, will transport you back to the 19th century.
The town is filled with old-world charm, with over 800 historic buildings, and history buffs can head to Whiskey Row, the town's former entertainment district, which remains much like it was in Victorian times.
population: |
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temperature: |
40 to 70 degrees |
What to do: |
Whiskey Row, Charlotte Hall Museum, Heritage Park Animal Sanctuary, Native American Museum, Watson Lake, Prescott National Forest |
3 Payson
Fall Temperature: 40-75 degrees
Considered by many to be the “Heart of Arizona,” the small town of Payson is home to forests, waterfalls, and lakes that are fun to explore, even in September. Visitors who love hiking and lakes will have a blast here. Green Valley Lake offers beautiful views and a tranquil shore for relaxing.
The town is located near Tonto National Forest, which is definitely worth a visit. Tonto Natural Bridges State ParkAt Waterwheel Falls you'll see beautiful geological formations. Finally, go on a hike to Waterwheel Falls to see a beautiful waterfall. The hiking trail here is one of the highest rated waterfall hikes in Arizona. All Trail!
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temperature: |
40 to 75 degrees |
What to do: |
Water Wheel Falls, Green Valley Lake, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Tonto National Forest |
2 strawberry
Fall Temperature: 50-80 degrees
Visitors to this quaint Arizona town with the adorable name Strawberry are sure to find the trip worthwhile for its name alone. But there's more to Strawberry than just its cute name. When you visit Strawberry, you'll find a town filled with nature and history, and September is the perfect time to explore as temperatures become milder.
Located near Tonto National Forest, the town is a great gateway to all of the area's popular attractions, including Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The area is also close to Fossil Creek, whose waterfalls are stunning, and the nearby Bob Bear Trail is a scenic way to take in all the area has to offer.
population: |
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temperature: |
50 to 80 degrees |
What to do: |
Tonto National Forest, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Fossil Creek, Bob Bear Trail, Pine Creek Lavender Farm, Strawberry School House |
1 Miami
Fall Temperature: 50-80 degrees
Who would have thought that a little town called Miami, Arizona, not only has nothing to do with Miami in South Florida, but also has an adorable vibe and historic charm? Located not far from Globe, the town of Miami is one of the cutest areas in Arizona. Bordering Tonto National Forest, the town was originally founded as a copper mining community.
Today, it is known for its art shops, antique stores and historic downtown, and September's mild weather maintains ideal conditions for discovering the city and its charms. Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum, The local Catholic church Our Lady of the Eucharistand Julie's Sewing Corner & Quilt Shop.
population: |
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temperature: |
50 to 80 degrees |
What to do: |
Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum, Blessed Virgin Mary's Consecration, Julie's Sewing Corner and Quilt Shop |