The Phoenix Traveler

I think I’ve found a new fan of The Phoenix Traveler blog. An e-mail just arrived in my in-box this morning from her. Susan found me by doing a search for “Phoenix Bloggers.” And she found me. I’m thrilled! For those of you who’ve never been to Phoenix during the fall, she had a question for me. So I asked my new reader if I could post her question here. She agreed, and here it is, with my response below:

Hi Jackie!

My name is Susan (last name removed for privacy) and I found you through a random search of Phoenix bloggers since I don’t know anyone down in that area! 

I’m heading down there shortly to spend the month of October and really don’t know what to pack as far as what to wear!  I am from Ohio where when it’s fall, we start wearing fall colors as it’s getting cooler.  I know that’s not the case there as it’s still quite warm there in the fall.  So do I pack fall colors in summer styles?  Any help you can give would really be appreciated! 

Thanks!

Susan (last name removed for privacy)

Hi Susan,

What a random e-mail! I’m happy to help…It could help others who share your same dilemma.

Fall colors in summer styles would work. Certainly. But since you’ll be here for the entire month, bring a light jacket, such as a fleece, or something that breathes well. It’s still warm here right now, still in the 100s in the mid-afternoon. It’ll be that way for the next two weeks or so.

The weather’s tricky in October. It shouldn’t rain any more. But the weather, for the most part, will be warm, until mid-October. That’s when it starts getting cooler. But be prepared for that to kick in unannounced. It could get cooler earlier in the month. I use Halloween as the barometer, because that’s when I can guarantee it will be cool enough for a jacket by dinnertime.

Essentially, you’ll want to bring layers: shorts, short sleeves, long sleeves, long slacks. Jeans work everywhere here. We’re very casual here. If you plan on dining out, business casual will work in most every place you go.

I wouldn’t really worry about the colors so much, whether it’s fall or not, except for what looks good on you. I’d be most concerned that I have a good mix of what to wear, just as I mention above. You’ll need layers, because although it’s still warn here, both day and night, within the next two weeks, the weather will begin to cool down, and it might warm back up again. So you’ll want those long slacks, just in case, and a jacket of some sort to put on and take off as needed.

I hope that helps. Enjoy your visit, and be sure to take advantage of the outdoors. It’ll be a far cry from what you experience in Ohio (I’m the product of Midwestern roots, so I’m familiar with the weather you speak of.)

All my best,

Jackie

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Then she replied:

Jackie -

Thanks so much for your amazingly prompt reply and the info!! It will be such a help as I am packing up a box to ship out UPS ahead of time that will hopefully meet me at the front door upon my arrival!!  I just don’t want to be too much of a “standout tourist!” in your beautiful city!  I was there back in April with a few girlfriends and just LOVED it…

I am so glad I just happened to try you – I so very much appreciate your help and the info provided!  I’m sure others who are first-time travelers there in the fall would appreciate the appropriate dress info – so it’s a great thing to post!

Susan

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I don’t think Susan is going to have to worry about looking like a “standout tourist.” I think she’ll look great. And I know she’ll have a great time.

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