Does it rain often in Scottsdale during golf season?

Scottsdale averages over 300 sunny days per year, but brief rain is common in summer (monsoon season) and occasionally in winter.

What are good rainy day activities for golfers in Scottsdale?

Topgolf, spa days, casinos, brewery crawls, and indoor golf simulators are great group-friendly backups.

Is there indoor golf in Scottsdale?

Yes — try Puttshack, Topgolf (covered), or X-Golf for rainy day swings and drinks.

Scottsdale

Best Rainy Day Golf Alternatives in Scottsdale

Got rained out in Scottsdale? Here are the best indoor golf spots, group-friendly bars, casinos, and spas for your golf backup plan.

September 22, 2025 · 6 min read

Scottsdale is known for sunshine, but even the desert sees rain now and then. So what do you do when your golf trip takes a turn for the cloudy?

Whether it’s a pop-up monsoon in summer or a rare rainy weekend, here are the best rainy day golf backup plans that keep your Scottsdale trip fun, social, and totally salvageable.

Quick Answer: What to Do When It Rains in Scottsdale

Try indoor golf lounges like Puttshack or Topgolf, explore casino resorts, plan a group spa day, or hit Old Town for an indoor brewery crawl. You’ve got plenty of high-vibe options when the forecast turns wet.

What Months Is Rain Most Likely in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale gets over 300 sunny days a year, but the two rainiest times of year are:

Monsoon Season (Late June to Early September): Afternoon thunderstorms are common but quick.
Winter Showers (January–March): Light rain for a day or two, more likely to disrupt golf.

If you're traveling in these months, build 1–2 backups into your itinerary using this list.

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Indoor Golf Lounges & Simulators

Puttshack Scottsdale

Old Town — Puttshack Scottsdale

A high-tech mini golf experience with a full bar, neon lighting, and music. Perfect for groups. Great post-brunch or pre-dinner activity.

Topgolf Scottsdale

Near Talking Stick — Topgolf

Covered bays keep the rain out. Food, drinks, and friendly competition guaranteed. Great for large groups.

X-Golf Scottsdale

North Scottsdale — X-Golf

Full swing simulators with bar service and food. Ideal for serious players who want real-time swing data while staying dry.

Related: Check out our picks for the Best 9-Hole and Executive Courses in Scottsdale when the rain clears.

Hit the Spa or Hot Tub Circuit

Scottsdale is spa central, and there’s nothing better than steam rooms and saunas on a gloomy day.

The Phoenician Spa – Luxe experience, full-day passes available
Joya Spa at Omni Montelucia – Moroccan-themed escape
Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Princess – Big group-friendly facilities

Many spas allow day access, even if you’re not a resort guest.

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Day Drinking and Brewery Crawls

Old Town Scottsdale stays lively even when it's pouring. Plot a brewery crawl, grab an Uber, and keep the vibes high:

Goldwater Brewing Co. (IPAs and hazy pours)
Craft 64 (Arizona-only beer + wood-fired pizza)
Brat Haus (covered patio and steins of German beer)

Add Coach House for a dive bar stop that’s legendary.

Related: Here’s where to eat after golf in Scottsdale, even if the golf part gets rained out.

Casino Day Trips

When golf’s out, maybe luck is in?

Talking Stick Resort Casino – Full casino, live poker, sports book, bars
Casino Arizona – Lower-key but packed with games
We-Ko-Pa Casino – Great dining, newer layout, easy to combine with lunch

Throw in a buffet or steakhouse dinner, and you’ve got a full day.

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Watch Sports, Eat, Repeat

A few rainy day sports bar picks:

Zipp’s Sports Grill (casual and everywhere)
Bottled Blonde (loud, party vibe with TVs everywhere)
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (better food than you’d expect)

If your crew is into football, March Madness, or golf tournaments, these are reliable backups.

Other Rainy Day Ideas

K1 Speed Indoor Go-Kart Racing
Octane Raceway + Virtual Reality
Bowlero Bowling & Arcade
Scottsdale Fashion Square (shopping and food)

Even better: pair 1–2 of these with indoor golf or breweries for a well-rounded rainy day.

More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides

Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?

Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.

This rainy day survival guide makes sure your Scottsdale golf trip still hits the mark, even if Mother Nature has other plans.

Author

Ryan from 18Away Golf trip designer and editor

I help groups plan unforgettable itineraries across the top golf destinations in the U.S., blending real-golfer feedback with first-hand course research.

About the author · [email protected]

About This Scottsdale Guide

Every 18Away guide is independently written and updated by real golfers. We evaluate public access, group-friendly value, and proximity to top courses, referencing thousands of verified reviews, rate data, and on-site experience. Guides are refreshed regularly as conditions & pricing change over time.

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