What's the hottest month in Arizona? What to know about record-setting summer temperatures

July is typically the hottest month in Arizona, according to data from the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

The mean average temperature between 1991 and 2020 for July is 95.5 degrees in Phoenix. August was typically the second hottest month with a mean average temperature of 94.4 degrees. June followed, with a mean average temperature of 91.4 degrees.

Why is July so hot in Arizona?

Ryan Worley, a meteorologist at NWS Phoenix, said July's consistent uptick in temperatures is synonymous with monsoon, which increases moisture.

"For Phoenix especially, because of that area of high pressure, known as the monsoon high, we tend to see those very hot temperatures develop," Worley said.

This increase in moisture also brought about the record-warm lows seen throughout June. Phoenix saw multiple days of low temperatures recorded above 90 degrees. This past month was also the hottest June ever recorded in Phoenix, beating the 2021 record by about two degrees.

What was the hottest month in Arizona history?

Worley said the hottest month ever recorded in Phoenix was July 2023, with a mean average temperature of 102.7 degrees. He said while we are favored to see above normal temperatures this July, it's hard to predict what the mean average temperature will be.

"I can't say for certain if we're going to see average temperatures around what we saw last year for the month, but it's certainly not out of the question," he said.

"We're just going to have to see how things evolve over the next month or so, to see if we will reach that point again."

How to prepare for Arizona summer temps

As Phoenix settles into its hottest month of the year, Worley advised citizens to hydrate as much as possible and to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Here are some other tips from the Arizona Department of Health to stay safe in the heat:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services at 602-364-3118 or visit an air-conditioned cooling center in your area. Locations of cooling centers can be found on the ADHS Heat-Related Illness page.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors and do not forget children or pets in hot vehicles.
• Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar while outside.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

Annie Goodykoontz is a reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at AGoodykoontz@gannett.com.