Yuma, Arizona 2025

Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Yuma, Arizona each year to delight in the sunshine, outdoor recreation, and unique history. Located on the southwestern corner of Arizona, Yuma County borders California and Mexico. The Colorado River flows along the county’s boundary and offers a divide between the two states.

A DESTINATION FOR EVERY SEASON

While summer brings scorching temperatures, it also ushers in an array of fun events. Yuma’s winter months, from November to February, are the coolest and busiest times of the year. While more crowded, these months provide the best weather for outdoor enthusiasts. During the winter, daytime temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s, still relatively warm. Winter is a great time to explore Yuma’s historical sites and enjoy the County Fair, held annually in February.

Following closely behind is spring, March to May, with daytime temperatures reaching the 80s and 90s. The annual Blossom Festival celebrates Yuma’s beautiful springtime with fun activities like a wine and craft beer garden, live music, and carnival rides. Summer, June to August, is Yuma’s low season due to temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you enjoy warm weather and sunshine, plan to spend lots of time in the pool or air-conditioned spaces. Fall, September to November, is another great time to visit Yuma. Temperatures begin to drop from the triple digits and outdoor activities become more enjoyable.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Yuma has quite a few well-known festivals that bring people together and offer special entertainment. Each Spring, visitors and locals celebrate the Yuma Blossom Festival. Celebrating its 27th year in 2023, the festival offers activities such as a wine and craft beer garden, live music, and carnival rides. On top of that, the festival is known for the Blossom Pageant which includes a variety of contests and competitions, including a baby pageant, a dog costume contest, and a pie-eating contest. Enjoy a weekend of entertainment and fun for all ages!

The Yuma County Fair, held each February, is another long-standing festival that brings the community together with live music, vendors, beauty pageants, carnival rides, and local food and craft drinks.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Yuma is full of unique culture and history. The Quechan Indian Reservation shares its rich Native American culture and heritage through its museum and cultural center. The reservation is home to the Quechan (meaning “people of the river”) and Cocopah (meaning “people of the manner of the river”) tribes. The tribes share their culture through exhibits, workshops, and handmade crafts sold in the gift shop. Make sure to check out the annual Disc Golf Festival and Competition between December and June. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area has a museum with interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits that tell the story of the Yuma Crossing. The Yuma Territorial Prison is an important historical site, built in 1876 and housing famous outlaws such as Wyatt Earp.

WHAT TO EAT

When dining in Yuma, you’ll want to start at the beginning - H2O. H2O Restaurant and Lounge is Yuma’s newest restaurant offering delicious surf and turf with one of the best views of the city and its riverfront. Baked in house each day, H2O also offers fresh bread and pasta. Make sure to check out their Tuesday trivia nights, live music, and cocktail lounge.

The Mitra Café & Bake Shop offers authentic Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Yuma. Located on 4th Avenue, it can be a great spot to grab a coffee and breakfast burrito on the go.

For authentic Mexican cuisine, Tacos El Preferido is a well-known secret among locals. Conveniently located near the Yuma International Airport, it is a great stop before or after a flight.

WHAT TO SEE/DO

An ideal way to become familiar with Yuma history is to follow the Yuma Historical Downtown Walking Tour. The self-guided tour takes you past landmarks like the historic Yuma Theatre, built in 1911, where you can catch live performances and events. Visit the Yuma territorial Prison which was established in 1876 and housed well-known criminals such as Wyatt Earp.

Just a short walk from the prison, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot is currently under reconstruction. In the meantime, the museum provides temporary exhibits and collections in the Yuma Territorial Prison Museum. Otherwise, visitors can view the colors created at the Yuma Art Symposium and view temporary exhibits featuring local artists.

The second weekend each month, November through April, the Yuma Art Symposium features a different artist who works with participating restaurants to create six large murals around the city. The symposium is free and open to the public. The Cocopah Indian Reservation and Quechan Reservation are a short drive north of the city and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Native American culture of the area.

The Quechan Cultural Center offers handmade crafts and artwork and features workshops and classes on woven baskets, dancing, and traditional cooking. The Yuma Nation Visitor Center is a great starting point and hosts events throughout the year such as traditional dances and feasts.