Phoenix is kicking off the weekend under clear skies with a high near 97°F on Saturday, May 23 — a beautiful desert day if you get moving early, but plan to seek shade or air conditioning once the afternoon heat takes hold.
Today’s Setup
Calm southwest winds at 0 to 5 mph and zero chance of rain make this a textbook late-May Phoenix day. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures running 2–4°F above normal this weekend, with the warmest pockets in the lower desert approaching 100°F by Sunday. Overnight lows stay mild at around 72°F, climbing back toward 74°F by early Sunday. For real-time updates throughout the day, keep an eye on the Phoenix weather forecast.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your ideal outdoor window is roughly 6–9 AM. If you’re hiking Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park, be off the exposed summit before 10 AM — the rocks and pavement absorb heat fast and temperatures climb quickly once the sun is fully up. Golfers have a similar sweet spot; dawn tee times are prime this time of year. Check out this week’s UPF 50+ sun-protection shirt deal for $6.50 — one of the best budget buys we’ve seen for desert outdoor use. Allergy sufferers, note that dry, calm desert days can stir up pollen — have your antihistamine handy before heading out.
D-Backs at Chase Field This Weekend
The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on both Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. With highs of 97–99°F, the retractable roof will almost certainly be closed — but if you’re tailgating in the parking lots before first pitch, come prepared for serious heat and stay hydrated. Represent in style with an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey or an Arizona Diamondbacks fitted cap. Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek for either game before they’re gone.
Pitbull at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre — May 27
Looking ahead to midweek: Pitbull - I’m Back with special guest Lil Jon hits Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Wednesday, May 27. Temperatures should ease slightly off this weekend’s peak by then, but it’ll still be a warm outdoor show — plan accordingly. Grab a Pitbull t-shirt for the night and Get tickets on SeatGeek while you still can.
Pool and Backyard Conditions
Back-to-back days near 97–99°F mean your pool is earning its keep this weekend. Stay ahead of the chemistry with pool chlorine test strips — heavy use combined with intense heat burns through chlorine faster than you’d think. The calm winds and wall-to-wall sunshine also make this an ideal stretch for a backyard cookout with family or friends.
Grill Tonight
It’s perfect grilling weather — fire up the grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. A grill brush and scraper set keeps your grates clean and ready, while an instant-read meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of doneness. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Sunday pushes to a high near 99°F — still dry and sunny — before the National Weather Service expects a gradual cooling trend heading into next week, with temperatures easing back toward normal by midweek. Dry conditions with typical afternoon breezes continue through the beginning of the week. A slight chance of thunderstorms is possible over eastern Arizona’s higher terrain on Monday, but the Phoenix metro stays dry. Monsoon season remains weeks away, so enjoy these clear, calm evenings while they last.
