The Autumnal Equinox — Fall Has Arrived in Arizona

The autumnal equinox — the moment when day and night are roughly equal in length — marks the official start of fall. In 2022, it falls on September 22. For those of us in Phoenix, it means the brutal summer heat is finally beginning to break, monsoon season is winding down, and the best outdoor weather of the year is just ahead.

What Is the Equinox?

Even casual observers of things celestial know that the sun appears to move from east to west each day. But it also appears to shift position north and south over the course of a year. At the autumnal equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south, giving us roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

What This Means for Driving

As fall progresses, sunset comes earlier. By late October, it’s dark before 6 PM. This means more commuters driving home in darkness, increased risk of pedestrian accidents during evening hours, glare from the low-angle sun during sunrise and sunset commutes, and wildlife becoming more active near roadways (especially in the outskirts of the Phoenix metro).

Our crash data shows that the 3–6 PM window is already the deadliest time for Phoenix traffic accidents. As daylight shortens, that window becomes even more dangerous.

Fall Activities in Arizona

Fall is when Arizona comes alive. Hiking season opens up, football returns, and communities across the state hold festivals and events. Enjoy it — safely. Watch for increased traffic on weekends heading to Sedona, Payson, and Flagstaff. Drive carefully on winding mountain roads. And always buckle up.

Happy fall from the Law Badgers!