Flag monsoon season (Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona: home, live, areas)

[Code Stemi]

I would like to visit Flagstaff soon during their monsoon season and witness some of the big thunderstorms and downpours they tend to get. I was wondering if a local could please tell me how long the season extends for? Asking about real storms here, thunderclaps, lighting, spontaneous in the afternoon, etc.

Does the area still get storms up until the end of September? Or do things usually fizzle out by the end of August?

Also, when is primetime to view all the colors changing in the Arizona Snowbowl? I want to take the ski lift there and view the scenery. But prefer it to be when fall color is in full force.

Thanks all

[azdr0710]

as in most of Arizona, our summer rainy season is traditionally July and August.....even then, there won't be reliable afternoon storms every day.....

the typical peak time for fall color up on the Peaks is late September

[Code Stemi]

Hi, following up on this thread, does Flagstaff usually get the summer monsoon storms through the entirety of August? I want to come out for a visit in the next few weeks and am hoping to observe some stormy weather, will help temps as well.

[KurtAZ]

Well...you missed all the flooding...maybe they will get more...

[rational1]

Originally Posted by chahunt

Hi, following up on this thread, does Flagstaff usually get the summer monsoon storms through the entirety of August? I want to come out for a visit in the next few weeks and am hoping to observe some stormy weather, will help temps as well.

As noted monsoon storms are not regular even during the peak monsoon season. They can also be highly localized so you should be willing to drive where the action is.



Since storms are not predictable it is advisable to have alternate plans in case you are cursed with good weather.

[thedirtman]

If you're only out for some violent, nasty monsoons I suggest Tucson instead. When I lived there someone would lose the roof on their home nearly every year. Some say Tucson is the lightning center of the county. Flagstaff has a whimper of monsoon in comparison.

But, yes, there are monsoons, and Flagstaff has the rain. As to when they end, September can have some monsoons too, but they end suddenly in September.

[Code Stemi]

Tucson has less frequency of storms than Flag does. Flag has a more regular and prevalent pattern.

Thanks all. Appreciate the insight and will hope for some fun weather.

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by thedirtman

If you're only out for some violent, nasty monsoons I suggest Tucson instead. When I lived there someone would lose the roof on their home nearly every year. Some say Tucson is the lightning center of the county. Flagstaff has a whimper of monsoon in comparison.

But, yes, there are monsoons, and Flagstaff has the rain. As to when they end, September can have some monsoons too, but they end suddenly in September.

My understanding is that there is only ONE North American Monsoon, which generates many storms between June 15 and September 30 (dates given by NWS/NOAA).

[infocyde]

I think you might have missed the peak monsoon season in Flagstaff, but sometimes towards the end of the season it builds up again. Speaking as a Northern Arizonan, I've only lived North of Flagstaff for less than a year, but Northern AZ for about six years. Assuming the same pattern exist with Flagstaff as other areas.

Also most of the forest up here is evergreen. I'm sure you get some great colors turning, but nothing near say the Midwest when the colors change. Though I hear there are some great areas for color changing in the Oak Creek / Sedona area which is very close to Flagstaff.

[rational1]

Originally Posted by infocyde

Also most of the forest up here is evergreen. I'm sure you get some great colors turning, but nothing near say the Midwest when the colors change. Though I hear there are some great areas for color changing in the Oak Creek / Sedona area which is very close to Flagstaff.

Also above 8000 ft or so there are plenty of aspens, which become yellow during the fall.