Flagstaff in October

In October, Flagstaff averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (27 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

It's peak hurricane season in Flagstaff during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

18°C
Avg high
6°C
Avg low
6
Rain days
27 mm
Rainfall

How October compares to the rest of the year in Flagstaff

6th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in October
11 h 19 min
daylight on the 15th

October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Flagstaff (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (17°C). October runs 6°C cooler than September (24°C) and cools 6°C in November (12°C).

October sunrise & sunset in Flagstaff

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:32 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:51 PM
Day length
11 h 19 min

Times shown for Flagstaff local time (America/Phoenix), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Flagstaff — October

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Flagstaff's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:32 AM – 6:12 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:12 AM – 7:12 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:11 PM – 6:11 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:11 PM – 6:51 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Flagstaff in October

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on October's tier (Shoulder) and Flagstaff's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — October in Flagstaff

Shoulder

Flagstaff is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — October in Flagstaff

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.3
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Flagstaff in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 6°C / 42°F -4°C / 24°F 48 mm 7
February 8°C / 46°F -3°C / 26°F 44 mm 5
March 11°C / 51°F -1°C / 31°F 51 mm 7
April 17°C / 62°F 3°C / 38°F 15 mm 4
May 20°C / 68°F 7°C / 44°F 30 mm 7
June 28°C / 82°F 13°C / 56°F 11 mm 3
July 28°C / 83°F 16°C / 60°F 72 mm 13
August 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 58°F 71 mm 12
September 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 54°F 39 mm 7
October 18°C / 64°F 6°C / 43°F 27 mm 6
November 12°C / 53°F 1°C / 34°F 29 mm 4
December 6°C / 44°F -3°C / 27°F 41 mm 6

Other cities with similar October weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Flagstaff in October →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Flagstaff in October?

In October, Flagstaff averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Flagstaff in October?

October sees occasional rain in Flagstaff, with about 6 rainy days on average.

Is October a good time to visit Flagstaff?

October is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Flagstaff in October?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full October packing list for Flagstaff for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Flagstaff on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.