Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Phoenix, Arizona
331 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-2.2°C
Temperature Drop
97.4kPa
Air Pressure
96.1%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation331 meters
Everest Comparison3.7% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionArizona
Highest PointPiestewa Peak (817 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Camelback Mountain
825 meterselevation
South Mountain Park
807 meterselevation
Downtown Phoenix
331 meterselevation
Desert Botanical Garden
366 meterselevation
Papago Park
450 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Phoenix sits in the heart of the Sonoran Desert's Valley of the Sun, surrounded by distinct mountain ranges that create a dramatic backdrop to the urban landscape. The city is built on an alluvial plain created by millennia of erosion from the surrounding mountains. The Salt River Valley, where Phoenix is located, features a complex network of ancient river terraces and desert pavements. The western edge of the city includes the dramatic hogbacks and foothills of the Front Range, composed of uplifted Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the Salt River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
Climate Impact
The city's elevation of 331 meters, combined with its position in a broad valley surrounded by mountains, creates a distinct desert climate regime. The elevation difference between the valley floor and surrounding peaks generates unique weather patterns, including temperature inversions in winter that can trap cold air and pollutants in the valley. Summer temperatures are amplified by the urban heat island effect, which is particularly intense due to the valley location and surrounding mountains that can trap heat. The higher elevation landmarks, such as Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, can be up to 5-7°C cooler than the valley floor, creating important thermal refuges. The mountain barriers also influence rainfall patterns, with higher areas receiving slightly more precipitation than the valley floor (averaging 400mm vs. 200mm annually).
Historical Context
Phoenix's relationship with elevation has been central to its identity since ancient times. The Hohokam people who first settled the region created an extensive canal system that utilized the subtle elevation changes of the Salt River Valley for irrigation. Modern Phoenix was founded on the ruins of these Hohokam settlements, taking advantage of the same gradual slope for water distribution. The city's expansion pattern has been shaped by elevation, with early development concentrating on the flatter valley floor. The preservation of prominent peaks and mountains as public spaces began in the early 20th century, with the creation of South Mountain Park in 1924 and other mountain preserves. The development of water infrastructure in the early 1900s utilized the natural elevation changes for gravity-fed systems, including the innovative conservation of groundwater through percolation ponds at different elevations. The preservation of hillside areas began with the creation of Alum Rock Park in 1872 (California's oldest municipal park), and continues with modern initiatives like the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, protecting both the natural elevation gradient and critical watershed functions that support the valley's groundwater system.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Phoenix's Elevation
What is the elevation of Phoenix?
Phoenix has an elevation of 331 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Phoenix's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Phoenix (331 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Phoenix?
The highest point in Phoenix is Piestewa Peak (817 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
