pic credit: savedbydr.bell, Instagram
Boasting optimal flying conditions with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Arizona is home to the most flyable days per year of anywhere in the country for hot air ballooning, making it one of the most desirable places to take flight. Keep reading to see what the best time of year is for you to plan your Arizona hot air balloon ride!
Why You Should Schedule an Arizona Hot Air Balloon Ride
Arizona is a dream location for hot air balloon rides for locals and visitors alike, with mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets, expansive saguaro-dotted mountain ranges, and native animals like jackrabbits, coyotes, and burros scurrying about. There is no better way to take in views (and snap amazing photos!) of our beautiful state.
There are many things to do in Phoenix! For a spectacular follow-up to your flight, we highly recommend the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). This acclaimed institution takes you on a fascinating, global journey through music, featuring instruments and performance clips from virtually every nation.
When you book our “Balloons and Tunes” Package, we include your hot air balloon flight and a convenient chauffeur service directly to the MIM to begin the second part of your adventure! This pairs well after the vast, open-air experience of the balloon and is a wonderful, climate-controlled way to spend the middle of the day, shifting your sensory focus from the desert sky to the rich sounds and history of human artistry.
Hot Air Balloon Season in Arizona
It’s hot air balloon season 363 days a year at Hot Air Expeditions and you can fly with us Monday – Sunday, 5:00 am – 6:00 pm. No matter what time of year your hot air balloon ride in Arizona is, remember that we are enjoying nature in a desert environment. The temperature in the balloon is about the same as on the ground, so be sure to dress appropriately for the day’s anticipated temperatures.
On any given day, we recommend:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
You can read more about what to expect and know before you go in our FAQs.
So, knowing that you can fly virtually any day of the year, what day should you choose to go on an Arizona hot air balloon ride? As you plan your adventure, here are the main things to consider with each season!
Best Time of Year for a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Wondering about the best time for hot air balloon rides in Arizona? It comes down to two main factors: wind and cloud cover.
Conditions are usually the calmest from the middle of July through October, August seems to be the most peaceful month of the year and Spring tends to be the windiest. The difference isn’t dramatic (we’re talking about a couple of miles per hour), but it does matter when you’re floating in a basket!
If you’re wanting clear skies, plan for late spring through early summer. June offers clear or partly cloudy skies about 84% of the time, perfect for those panoramic desert views and stunning photos. Winter months, particularly February, see more cloud cover (though “cloudy” in Phoenix still means plenty of visibility). Some passengers actually love the dramatic cloud formations and varied lighting that come with partly cloudy days.
The Bottom Line: Every month offers flyable conditions. We wouldn’t operate year-round otherwise! Weather just adds a different character to each season’s experience.
Spring Hot Air Balloon Rides in Arizona
Time of Year: March through May
Flight Options: Mornings (Afternoons through March 15)
Flight Locations: Tucson & Phoenix
Spring is one of our most popular seasons, and for good reason. The desert comes alive after winter rains, and you’ll float above a landscape dotted with wildflowers and blooming cacti. The air is comfortably cool in the morning, making for pleasant flights and easy landings.
Why Riders Love Spring:
- Perfect “Goldilocks” weather: not too hot, not too cold
- Wildflower displays (varies by rainfall)
- Comfortable temperatures for the post-flight celebration
- Longer daylight hours mean you’re not rushing to soak up the sun
Summer Hot Air Balloon Rides in Arizona
Time of Year: June through August
Flight Options: Mornings
Flight Locations: Tucson & Phoenix
Summer balloon rides are all about those magical early morning hours. We launch early to beat the heat, and there’s something unforgettable about watching the desert wake up in the soft morning light.
Why Riders Love Summer:
- Dramatic monsoon clouds on the horizon (we fly before storms arrive)
- Lush green desert after summer rains
- Stunning sunrises with vivid colors
- Fewer crowds mean more availability
Fall Hot Air Balloon Rides in Arizona
Time of Year: September through November
Flight Options: Morning and Afternoon (starting November 1)
Flight Locations: Tucson & Phoenix
Fall brings some of the most stable flying conditions of the year. As temperatures moderate, the air becomes calm and predictable, creating ideal conditions for smooth, enjoyable flights.
Why Riders Love Fall:
- Calm, stable air for the smoothest flights
- Comfortable temperatures throughout the morning
- Stunning contrast between desert terrain and distant mountains
- Consistently excellent flying weather
Special Note: We’re closed on Thanksgiving to spend time with our own families, so book early if you’re visiting for the holiday weekend.
Winter Hot Air Balloon Ride in Arizona
Time of Year: December through February
Flight Options: Morning and Afternoon
Flight Locations: Tucson & Phoenix
Winter offers some of the clearest skies and longest views of the year. On crisp mornings, you can see for miles across the desert, and occasionally you’ll spot snow on distant peaks!
Why Riders Love Winter:
- Crystal-clear visibility
- Mild, comfortable temperatures
- Beautiful low-angle winter light across the landscape
- Some of the most photogenic conditions of the year
Special Note: We’re closed on Christmas Day so our crew can celebrate with their families.
Why Arizona is One of the Best Places in the World for Hot Air Ballooning
Arizona, home to blue skies and beautiful mountain ranges topped with saguaro cacti (found only in the Sonoran Desert), is one of the most desirable places to take flight. This rare combination of stunning natural beauty paired with over 300 days of sunshine makes Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson the undisputed leader in flyable days per year for hot air ballooning in the US.
From the neophyte adventurer to the seasoned veteran, from the young to the more mature. “A magic carpet ride” and “riding on a cloud” are two phrases that have been used to describe the beauty, exhilaration and gentleness of ballooning. Even though you travel at speeds of five to six miles per hour, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind.
For an in-depth look at the Hot Air Expeditions ballooning experience, you’ll want to read about the experience here.
Your safety is always our number one priority, and Hot Air Expeditions is committed to only flying in safe conditions and balloons. We will not launch a balloon when it is too windy or in unstable weather conditions. When our pilots check weather conditions for flights, there are many factors we consider to keep you safe.
On the occasion of poor weather, your flight will be rescheduled to another time convenient for you.
Whether you’re seeking hot air balloon rides in Phoenix or exploring our surrounding desert landscapes, we’re committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience.
Ready to Go Up, Up + Away?
When planning your Arizona hot air balloon ride, remember that every season has its own magic. It’s more than just a ride; it’s a truly unforgettable adventure that promises safety, luxury, and an unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever.
Experience the magic yourself – Book your unforgettable hot air balloon ride today and see why Hot Air Expeditions is top in its class. Questions about seasonal availability? Contact us! We’re happy to help you choose the perfect time for your flight. Note: Afternoon flights are available November 1 – March 15, weather permitting.
