Welcome to beautiful Phoenix, Arizona! As you prepare for your visit during the summer months—July, August, and September—we want to ensure your stay is as comfortable and spiritually uplifting as possible. While our desert home is known for its warmth, it is also a place of incredible history and natural wonder.
The story of our city is one of resilience and rebirth. Long before the first modern settlers arrived, the Hohokam people lived here for over a thousand years. They were master engineers who created a vast system of irrigation canals that made the desert bloom—many of which are still used as the basis for our water system today.
The name Phoenix was suggested by an early pioneer named Darrell Duppa. He chose it because he envisioned a new civilization “rising from the ashes” of the ancient Hohokam ruins, much like the mythical bird.
You will often hear this region called the Valley of the Sun. This cheerful nickname was popularized in the 1930s to describe the Salt River Valley, highlighting our nearly 300+ days of sunshine each year. The name Maricopa comes from the Maricopa (Pipa) Native American tribe. The county and valley carry this name as a tribute to the indigenous people who have called this land home for generations.
If you are visiting in August, you are experiencing Phoenix at its most vibrant—and its warmest.
The Temperature: August is characterized by high heat, often exceeding 100°F. However, it is also the heart of our Monsoon season. You may witness magnificent afternoon clouds and brief, refreshing rain showers that bring a unique scent to the desert creosote bushes.
Safety First: We want all our guests to stay healthy. The “golden rule” of the desert is to hydrate before you are thirsty.
Always carry a reusable water bottle.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Plan your outdoor activities for the very early morning (before 8:00 AM) or after the sun sets.
Phoenix offers many wonderful, wholesome environments perfect for reflection and fellowship. Since the afternoons are warm, we highly recommend our world-class indoor attractions:
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): A truly remarkable place that celebrates the universal language of music. You can see and hear instruments from every country in the world in a quiet, beautiful setting.
The Heard Museum: Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, this museum provides a respectful and educational look at the history and culture of the indigenous tribes of the Southwest.
The Rosson House at Heritage Square: For those who love history, this fully restored 1895 Victorian home offers a glimpse into what life was like in Phoenix over a century ago.
The Desert Botanical Garden: If you visit early in the morning, these trails offer a peaceful place to admire God’s handiwork in the desert flora. It is a stunning display of how life thrives even in the driest conditions.
As you gather for the convention, we hope you find Phoenix to be a place of warm hospitality. We encourage you to use the indoor “cool spaces” of our museums and libraries during the heat of the day to enjoy fellowship in comfort.