How To Make the Best of False Fall and Second Summer in Arizona

Trying to Escape Summer in Arizona

Summer in Arizona is no joke. The relentless heat gives way to summer monsoons, and the moisture cools the air down just a bit. Over a good season, the afternoon rains make life bearable in the desert.

As the season begins to turn, the pumpkin-spice-sipping-fall-sweater-loving citizens of Arizona begin to emerge. A slight crispness whispers in the morning air, bringing the promise of cooler weather.

Summer Into Fall Into Summer in Arizona

Poetically, that would be the perfect slide into autumn across Arizona's desert. But that's not how it happens.

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First, it's scorching hot. Then a deep freeze sucks the heat away. The minute you pull out those sweaters and coats, the state begins to fry once again in a cruel twist of fate.

You check the calendar. September, then October? What gives? Arizona, why do you suddenly feel like June again?

READ: Where to See the Subtle Signs of Autumn in Arizona

False Fall and Second Summer in Arizona

Have you heard of False Fall? How about Second Summer?

Don't put those flip-flops away just yet. Let's dive into this weather phenomenon.

False fall is the term used to describe a period of cooler weather that happens in the late summer or early fall.

The cooler temps give the impression autumn has arrived. For a few days, that's usually true, but then a few days later, the warmer temperatures return. Welcome to second summer.

This phenomenon is really confusing and totally derails our embrace of all things pumpkin spice and chilly fall.

Second summer was once known as Indian Summer. This is when unseasonably warm weather roars back to life, usually sometime after the first frost of autumn.

This warm spell typically lasts several days and can even stay with us for weeks. The summer monsoons usually taper off or are completely gone by the time this happens, so we don't get the afternoon cooling rains.

READ: Why Do We Love Fall? Here Are 7 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Arizona

Daytime temperatures can reach the 90s and even low 100s, while nighttime temperatures can dip into the 40s and lower.

This brief return to summer-like conditions hits just before the onset of true fall weather.

Making the Best of False Fall and Second Summer

Since the Second Summer weather usually follows the first freeze, the leaves in the higher elevations often begin to change. This is the perfect time to take a weekend road trip or a day trip to higher mountain elevations to see the leaves as they're beginning to change.

Pull out that fire pit and make some warm apple cider because this is the perfect time to spend the cooler evenings enjoying the mild fall-like temperatures before the holiday season arrives.

Sources: Yahoo News | NASA Science | Farmers’ Almanac | Arizona Republic | Cronkite News | Homeroom Travel | Wander In Arizona | Simply Wander | Wander in Arizona