It seems that many visitors to our state have no idea just how diverse Arizona can be. Sure, a good chunk of our state is composed of desert and we have lots of canyons and sunshine, but sometimes traveling or living here can feel like two completely different places! Here’s a look at some of those differences between the northern and southern portions of Arizona.

1. The most obvious difference: the climate.
Chris Chabot/Flickr
The entire state is arid and diverse, but generally, we can say that southern Arizona is composed of a desert environment with sweltering summers and mild winters. Meanwhile, northern Arizona is forested with mild summer and freezing winters.
2. There’s also the way we deal with the summer season…
J Etzel/Flickr
Summer in northern Arizona is an outdoor paradise with perfect temperatures for hiking, camping, boating, and more. Southern Arizona... not so much. It’s a bit difficult to enjoy spending time outdoors when the sun is roasting your skin and a breeze feels as refreshing as an oven.
3. ...and winter as well.
Michael Seljos/Flickr
But winter tends to be when people in southern Arizona enjoy spending time outside with cooler temperatures and sunny days. Northern Arizona gets cold and snowy, but there’s still plenty to do without getting stuck inside for days at a time.
4. Even the monsoon is a little different between the two sections of the state.
CEBImagery/Flickr
Southern Arizona gets all the drama with the monsoons each summer, like dust storms and microbursts. Northern Arizona receives a slightly toned down version but still with plenty of thunderstorms and those thick, towering clouds.

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5. With those climate differences comes a noticeable difference in how northern and southern Arizonans drive when precipitation arrives.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Any guess to who may experience a little more difficulty?
6. Although small towns still reign supreme throughout the state, our urban centers tend to be found in southern Arizona.
Alan Stark/Flickr
Depending on your point of view, this may or may not be a desirable thing. It is kind of funny, though, that these are located in our hottest parts of the state.
7. Claims to better Mexican food.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
I think we can all agree that title belongs to southern Arizona, right? There are also way more options in southern Arizona as well.
8. College football rivalry seems to be a bit more intense in southern Arizona.
Nick Bastian/Flickr
The Sun Devils and Wildcats certainly have quite a bit of rivalry. So much that the Lumberjacks always seem to get left out!

Living in Arizona is simply amazing! In fact, a few years here can make life elsewhere difficult! You can read some proof in 10 Ways Living In Arizona Ruins You For Life.

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