Overview
Phoenix, the sun-drenched capital of Arizona, pairs dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery with a relaxed, outdoorsy pace of life. Ringed by saguaro-studded mountains and blessed with around 300 days of sunshine a year, it's a favourite with UK travellers chasing winter warmth, golf, hiking and easy day trips to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Flights to Phoenix from the UK land at Sky Harbor, one of the most conveniently located airports of any major US city.
Best time to fly to Phoenix
Phoenix has a genuine desert climate, so timing your trip matters. The sweet spot is October to April, when days are warm and dry and evenings turn pleasantly cool - March and April also bring wildflowers and Cactus League spring training baseball. Winter (December to February) is mild and popular with UK travellers escaping the cold, so it pays to book ahead. If you can, avoid June to September, when daytime temperatures regularly top 40°C, though this quieter season can mean better value - see the When to book chart above for current trends.
Airlines and routes
British Airways operates non-stop flights to Phoenix from London Heathrow on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, several times a week, with a flight time of around 10.5 hours outbound and just over 10 hours on the return - currently the only direct option from the UK. Travellers from other UK airports usually connect via a US hub such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago or Philadelphia with American Airlines, or via Newark with United, adding a couple of hours onto the total journey.
Things to do in Phoenix
Phoenix rewards visitors who venture beyond the resort pool, from desert trails to standout museums.
- Camelback Mountain: the city's signature hike, with sweeping views over the Valley of the Sun from its rocky summit.
- Desert Botanical Garden: a beautifully landscaped introduction to cacti, succulents and Sonoran Desert wildlife.
- Old Town Scottsdale: galleries, boutiques and lively patio bars in Phoenix's stylish neighbouring city.
- Heard Museum: an outstanding collection of Native American art and history.
- Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and studio, set against the McDowell Mountains.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Sky Harbor sits just 3 miles (5km) from downtown Phoenix. The free PHX Sky Train links every terminal to the Valley Metro Rail light railway, reaching downtown, Tempe and Mesa in around 20 minutes. Taxis, rideshares and rental car counters are all available directly at the terminals.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Phoenix
- Book three to five months ahead: fares for winter and spring travel tend to firm up the closer you get to departure.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights.
- Stay flexible with dates: shifting your trip by a few days can uncover better fares - use the price charts on this page to compare.
- Weigh up connections: a one-stop itinerary via a US hub can sometimes beat the non-stop British Airways fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling to Phoenix for tourism or business need a valid ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Program, applied for online before departure, plus a passport valid for the length of the stay. The currency is the US Dollar; most UK cards work widely, though it's worth telling your bank you're travelling. No specific vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended given the cost of healthcare in the US.
