How hot does it get in Arizona?

Arizona enjoys a mix of two different climates - arid and semi-arid depending on where in the state you're located. The state's geological and topographical features play a big part in determining its climate, with plenty of mountain ranges, desert regions and flat plains all affecting weather patterns. For the most part, the state is quite dry and hot, however, it experiences an average annual rainfall between 3 inches and 40 inches from the southwest (Yuma) to the east-central part (White Mountains) of Arizona. 

The state also experiences snowfall in some parts during winter, particularly in its northern and high-altitude regions such as Flagstaff which sees around 100 inches of snowfall per year. This number decreases as you move towards the southern parts of the state, however, cities such as Tucson and Phoenix do still experience a slight dusting of snow every once in a while but it doesn't stick on the ground for longer than 24 hours. 

The simple answer is yes, Arizona can get tornadoes during the late spring/early summer seasons but they're usually weak and don't last very long. They're also not expected annually.

While you might be tempted to walk outside your accommodation in nothing but a lightweight dress or t-shirt and shorts combo, you need to make sure you're dressing the sun-smart way. The sun's UV rays in Arizona can reach a level of 11, peaking between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm every day. This high rating can be extremely dangerous for your skin and eyes if they remain unprotected for long periods of time. 

This means covering up as much of your body as you can - think flowy maxi dresses and pants and shirts made out of linen. You should always wear a hat outside (preferably a cap or one that has a longer flap at the back) to protect the top of your head and neck. You should also always be wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and applying sunscreen with an SPF 30+ rating liberally every 2 hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.