Major city · United States
Tempe
Base in Tempe for 1–2 nights if you want Mill Avenue nightlife and ASU walkability; skip it as a sightseeing base and day-trip from Phoenix instead.
Tempe is a compact college city in the Phoenix metro, built around Arizona State University and a walkable Mill Avenue strip of bars and restaurants. It sits about 10 minutes from Sky Harbor airport and is on the Valley Metro light rail, so it works as a car-free base for a short stay or a night out from Phoenix. Its own sights are modest: the lake, the campus and a few small museums.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat, 40°C (104°F)+ days)avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat, 104°F (40°C)+ days)
- Airport
- PHX
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tempe911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tempe, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyTempe is generally safe for visitors; the real risks are summer heat, weekend bar crowds on Mill Avenue and unlit side streets after midnight.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International (About 10 min by car or rideshare to Mill Avenue; light rail connects from the airport via the PHX Sky Train.).
- Getting aroundValley Metro light rail runs through Tempe between Phoenix and Mesa, with the Tempe Streetcar along Mill and Ash Avenues and Apache Blvd.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- BeerDraft beer on Mill Avenue$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Rideshare, 5 km (3.1 mi)Rideshare, 3.1 mi (5 km)Surge pricing on weekend nights.$12–20
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Arizona Heritage Center)check$12 adults
- Budget bedHostel or shared dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International (About 10 min by car or rideshare to Mill Avenue; light rail connects from the airport via the PHX Sky Train.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jul
Avoid
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
Aug
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Sep
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)), coolest Jan (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Aug (5 rain days), driest May (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tempe: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
4 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Jun
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Jul
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
4 rd
Aug
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
Sep
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Valley Metro light rail runs through Tempe between Phoenix and Mesa, with the Tempe Streetcar along Mill and Ash Avenues and Apache Blvd. Orbit neighbourhood shuttles are free; Flash is a free weekday campus circulator. Fares are loaded onto an app or a $4 card, with a daily cap. Waymo self-driving cars operate in Tempe. Bikes work well outside summer.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Phoenix
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Valley Metro light rail from Mill Avenue or Tempe Transit Center
Downtown Phoenix museums and Roosevelt Row; no car needed.
Scottsdale
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Rideshare or bus via Phoenix
Old Town galleries and dining; light rail does not reach it.
Mesa
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Valley Metro light rail eastbound
Downtown Mesa arts district and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
Chandler
cautionDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Rideshare or bus from Tempe
Mostly suburban dining and shopping; thin without a car.
Gilbert
cautionDoor to door: About 35–45 min
Rideshare or bus from Tempe
Heritage district is small; best combined with Mesa.
Cave Creek
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road
Desert town and trails; needs a car.
Avondale
skipDoor to door: About 45 min
Car via I-10 west
Suburban west valley; no reason to detour from Tempe.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Mill Avenue District
Walkable bars, restaurants and the lake; noisiest on weekend nights.
Downtown Tempe / Tempe Transit Center
Light rail, buses and the streetcar; best for a car-free stay.
ASU campus edge (Apache Blvd)
Cheaper student-oriented lodging and the streetcar line.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Valley Metro day pass2 × US$4 · check | US$8 |
| Rideshare, Mill Avenue to Sky Harbor1 × US$20 · check | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$106 |
| Trip total≈ US$291 per person per day, bed included | US$1,164 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Casual lunch or burrito | $12–18 |
| Draft beer on Mill Avenue | $7–10 |
| Rideshare, 5 kmSurge pricing on weekend nights. | $12–20 |
| Valley Metro single ride / day passcheck | $2 / $4 |
| Museum entry (Arizona Heritage Center)check | $12 adults |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat is the main hazard: plan indoor or early-morning activity from June to September.
- Mill Avenue bar crowds on weekend nights; watch drinks and keep to lit streets.
- Sky Harbor's roads and parking are poorly signed: allow extra time if driving in or out.
- Some Mesa bus service is disrupted on Sundays, which can affect connections.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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TempeTempe
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Most countries have consulates in Phoenix or Los Angeles; check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PHX airport to Mill Avenue, rideshare: about $20, 10–15 min (check)
- Valley Metro light rail single ride: $2, day cap $4 (check)
- Tempe Streetcar single ride: $1 (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the light rail station? — Where is the light rail station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Arizona does not observe daylight saving, so summer clock times differ from most US states.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tempe. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Mar · avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat, 40°C+ days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PHX: light rail and PHX Sky Train times, rideshare fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, ASU campus, Tempe Marketplace.
- Place pages with verified hours (ASU Art Museum, Arizona Heritage Center, Sea Life) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer heat fixtures so June–September arrivals get an indoor-first plan.
Sources
- officialCity of Tempe
- officialTempe Tourism Office
- officialValley Metro
- officialPhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Tempe, revision 5298219 (CC BY-SA 4.0)