February in Tempe delivers some of the year’s most beautiful weather. While much of the country battles snow and ice, Tempe residents enjoy 70-degree afternoons and mornings cool enough for comfortable outdoor activities. This halfway point of winter is the perfect time to check in on your health habits and make sure you’re taking advantage of everything the season offers while protecting yourself from Arizona’s dry climate challenges.
Make the Most of Perfect Outdoor Weather
Right now, Tempe’s weather is absolutely ideal for getting outside and moving your body. These cooler months transform the Valley into an outdoor playground where you can actually enjoy physical activity without melting in the heat.
Popular winter activities happening now:
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Hiking A Mountain for stunning valley views right off Mill Avenue
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Biking along the canals and through Papago Park
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Walking or jogging around Tempe Beach Park
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Morning outdoor workouts before the afternoon sun peaks
These activities boost both physical health and mental well-being while your body soaks up natural vitamin D from abundant sunny days.
If you’re looking for more ways to stay active and healthy around town, explore other local wellness ideas that can keep you inspired through spring.
Don’t Forget Your Water Bottle
The biggest mistake people make during Arizona winters? Thinking they don’t need as much water. Even in February, your body is constantly losing fluids to the desert’s dry air. Every breath you take pulls moisture from your lungs, and your skin loses hydration faster than you realize.
Smart hydration habits for right now:
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Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily (160 pounds = 80 ounces of water)
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Keep a water bottle with you everywhere
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Try warm herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for cozy hydration
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Add water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to meals
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Set phone reminders if you forget to sip throughout the day
Staying hydrated keeps your sinuses comfortable, your skin healthy, and your immune system strong during cold and flu season.
Switch Up Your Fitness Routine
Mix things up with Tempe’s excellent indoor facilities. The newly opened Arizona Bouldering Project offers 19,000 square feet of climbing walls plus a yoga studio, fitness center, and coffee shop. Whether you’re an experienced climber or completely new to the sport, the facility welcomes all skill levels.
Other indoor options include local gyms with group classes, yoga studios, kickboxing centers, and dance fitness. Indoor training gives you flexibility when the occasional rainy day hits or when you want to balance your outdoor activities with something different.
Combat Dry Skin Now
Phoenix area winters can be tough on skin, and by mid-February, many people are feeling the effects. Indoor heating makes things even worse. Combat dryness by using oil-based moisturizers that create a protective barrier. Don’t skip your hands and lips, which take the biggest hit from dry air.
Weekly exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps moisturizers work better. Drinking plenty of water supports skin health from the inside out, too.
Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings
Tempe offers several free wellness programs worth checking out. The Path to Wellness program provides free health screenings at McClintock High School, including blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, and kidney disease assessment. You’ll receive one-on-one consultations with physicians and education on chronic disease management.
ASU also hosts employee wellness screenings and health events throughout the year. These community resources make preventive care accessible and remove barriers to staying on top of your health.
Keep Your Immune System Fighting Strong
Cold and flu season is still going strong, even in sunny Arizona. Support your immune system by staying active, eating nutritious seasonal foods, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. The mild weather gives you an advantage, as you can maintain outdoor exercise routines that naturally boost immunity.
Consider adding warming soups and broths to your diet for both nutrition and hydration. These comfort foods deliver vitamins and minerals while keeping you cozy on cooler evenings.
Finish Winter Feeling Great
There’s still plenty of beautiful weather ahead before summer heat arrives. Pick one or two habits to strengthen this week, whether that’s finally hiking A Mountain or committing to better hydration. Winter wellness in Tempe isn’t about perfection; it’s about using the season’s advantages while staying mindful of desert climate needs. Your body will thank you for the attention, and you’ll feel energized as spring approaches.
Sources: tempetourism.com, azivmedics.com, azkidney.org
Header Image Source: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
