Tempe's Outdoor Season: Perfect Fall Weather for Adventures Awaits
With school back in session and cooler temperatures on the horizon, it's the ideal time for one final summer-inspired getaway. Tempe's outdoor season is just heating up, with average highs in the 70s and 80s°F ensuring plenty of pool days and alfresco evenings ahead.
Celebrate the season with the return of fall favorites like ASU Football and the Broadway series at ASU Gammage. Autumn is prime time for exhilarating hikes in the surrounding mountains. Pack your swimsuit and sunglasses, and head to this vibrant Arizona college town for an unforgettable adventure. New hotels with stunning rooftop pools are ready to welcome you.
Discover our top ways to experience Tempe this fall.
Get on the Water
While water activities might not scream 'autumn' elsewhere, Tempe's mild fall weather makes them ideal. Rent a kayak, standup paddleboard, or swan pedal boat from Tempe Boat Rentals at the edge of Tempe Town Lake. Explore the two-mile lake, gliding past runners and cyclists on scenic trails, with the city's skyline and rugged mountains as your backdrop.
Afterward, refuel with craft brews and patio dining on Mill Avenue, just blocks from Tempe Beach Park. For easy access, use the city's reliable Light Rail system—the 3rd & Mill Station is nearby.
Prefer swimming? Tempe's pool season extends into fall, especially at hotels with heated rooftop options. Hyatt House Tempe, opened near Arizona State University in late 2020, boasts a cozy rooftop pool overlooking Sun Devil Stadium. The nearby AC Hotel offers poolside views of the stadium and Hayden Butte.
Steps from Mill Avenue's 100+ restaurants, shops, and venues, Canopy by Hilton Downtown Tempe features a full-service rooftop pool with cabanas on the 14th floor. A block away, The Westin Tempe—the city's largest new hotel in 30 years—stuns with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, daybeds, and panoramic views. At night, Skysill Rooftop Lounge crafts cocktails and small plates under the stars.
Take in the Outdoors
Explore Tempe by bike for fresh air, distance, and fun—guided tours reveal hidden gems regardless of your familiarity. Green Belt Bike Tours offers electric bikes with pedal assist for customizable effort levels, covering scenic paths, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, and Hole-in-the-Rock.
For a quick hike, summit Hayden Butte (A Mountain), named for ASU's giant golden 'A.' Enjoy vistas of Tempe Town Lake and campus, plus ancient Hohokam petroglyphs (750-1450 A.D.) on the south slope near the stadium.
Go to a Live Event
Catch Broadway hits affordably at ASU Gammage, with seasons featuring award-winners like Pulitzer-, Grammy-, and Tony-winning Hamilton, Tina Fey's Mean Girls, Tootsie, The Lion King, and Oklahoma!. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and on the National Register of Historic Places, the venue is an architectural masterpiece.
Experience art at the Tempe Festival of the Arts, a biannual event showcasing 350+ artists across 18 disciplines like fashion, woodwork, and painting along Mill Avenue.
Mill Avenue's music scene birthed bands like Jimmy Eat World and Gin Blossoms. Catch shows at Yucca Tap Room (1970s staple), Low Key Piano Bar (dueling pianos), or The Marquee (150+ concerts yearly).
Cheer on Arizona State's Sun Devils football at full-capacity home games against rivals like USC and the University of Arizona. Celebrate victories with cool desert air.
