Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) combines mild desert days and cooler Bay Area weather. Expect comfortable Phoenix temperatures ideal for outdoor activities in Scottsdale, Sedona day trips and Grand Canyon access, while San Francisco may still have morning fog and cooler evenings. Thanksgiving week is the busiest November period, so book early for peak slots. Nearby major cities accessible from SFO include Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Napa and Santa Cruz — useful for multi-city itineraries. For lower fares, search midweek flights, set fare alerts for SFO to PHX routes, and consider early-morning departures. CTA: Compare airline prices now to secure cheap flights from San Francisco to Phoenix in November.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves multiple carriers on the SFO → PHX/PHXA route, including Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and seasonal low-cost carriers. Most nonstop services to Phoenix Sky Harbor depart from Terminals 1, 2 and the International Terminal A depending on airline. Check your carrier confirmation and SFO airport monitors the day of travel for up-to-date gate assignments.
Direct flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) generally take about 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes depending on winds and routing. November weather is usually stable but occasional seasonal winds can affect flight time by 10–25 minutes. For accurate durations check real-time schedules with your airline before departure.
Yes—Thanksgiving week (the week of the fourth Thursday in November) is a high-demand period with higher fares and fuller flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Phoenix area airports. Early- and mid-November weekdays often offer lower prices; booking at least 2–6 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving travel helps secure better fares. Use fare alerts and flexible dates to find cheaper SFO to PHX flights in November.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) direct service to downtown San Francisco, numerous Muni and SamTrans connections, ride-shares, taxis, airport shuttles and car rental centers. If you’re connecting onward to Oakland, San Jose, Napa or Sacramento, regional train and bus links plus rental cars make those trips straightforward from SFO. Plan extra time in November for traffic near the Bay Bridge during peak commute hours.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) follows TSA security regulations—carry-on size limits, liquids rules and ID requirements are standard for all domestic flights to Phoenix area airports. Baggage fees and size rules vary by airline: Southwest includes two free checked bags for most fares while legacy carriers like United or American often charge for the first checked bag on basic fares. Check your airline’s baggage policy before packing to avoid surprises at SFO baggage drop.
November at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can bring coastal fog in the mornings and occasional Pacific storm systems later in the month, which may cause brief ground delays or longer taxi times. Compared to winter storms, November disruptions are typically less severe but still possible—especially if a frontal system is moving through. Airlines will rebook passengers as needed; monitor notifications and arrive early for SFO departures in November.
November is one of the best months to arrive in the Phoenix area—clear skies, mild temperatures and excellent outdoor access to Scottsdale, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Expect shorter lines compared to winter holiday peaks, except around Thanksgiving when airport volume spikes. Phoenix Sky Harbor offers efficient Sky Train connections to downtown Phoenix and rental centers; Mesa Gateway is an alternative for low-cost carriers. For day trips, include Sedona, Flagstaff and Tucson in your November itinerary. CTA: Book November flights to Phoenix now and compare SFO to PHX fares to lock in low prices.
Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) typically refers to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) as the primary arrival for most San Francisco flights, but it may also cover nearby airports such as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) and general access to Scottsdale and nearby regional fields depending on booking. When you search for PHXA, check the specific airport code in your itinerary to confirm whether you’re landing at Sky Harbor (PHX) or Mesa (AZA).
From Phoenix Sky Harbor (often the primary PHXA arrival), the PHX Sky Train connects to Valley Metro Rail and rental car facilities, while ride-shares and taxis provide direct transfers to Scottsdale, Tempe and downtown Phoenix. November is a great month for quick transfers—traffic is typically lighter than winter holiday weekends—so budget 20–40 minutes to Scottsdale and 10–20 minutes to downtown Phoenix depending on traffic and exact destination.
November in the Phoenix region hosts a variety of cultural and outdoor events appealing to visitors from San Francisco. Popular November highlights include local Día de los Muertos observances and parades in downtown Phoenix and Tucson (late October–early November), Veterans Day ceremonies (Nov 11) across metro Phoenix, and fall hiking and outdoor festival weekends ideal for Sedona and Flagstaff day trips. Thanksgiving brings resort holiday programming in Scottsdale and special brunches and golf events at area resorts. CTA: Plan your November trip from San Francisco to Phoenix now and book tickets for local events early to secure spots.
The best time to fly SFO to PHX in November for cost and comfort is mid-November on weekdays—Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the lowest fares and lighter airport crowds. Early-morning departures often have fewer delays and lower prices, while Thanksgiving week (the fourth Thursday’s surrounding days) is busiest and most expensive. For pleasant weather on arrival, November daytime hours in Phoenix are ideal for outdoor plans. CTA: Book now for mid-November savings and avoid peak Thanksgiving travel days to maximize comfort and cheap fares.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) are usually the fastest and most convenient, taking roughly two hours and minimizing missed-connection risk. Connecting itineraries via Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) or Salt Lake City (SLC) can be cheaper but add layover time and potential delay exposure. In November, nonstops are plentiful—choose a nonstop for convenience during holiday travel windows, or select a connecting flight if you’re prioritizing price and can accept longer trip time. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting SFO to PHX flights for your November dates to find the best balance of price and travel time.
Key carriers on the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) route include Southwest, Alaska Airlines, United, American and Delta. Southwest often offers competitive base fares and two free checked bags, making it a value choice for families. Alaska provides a strong onboard experience and frequent nonstop schedules. Legacy carriers (United, American) may offer loyalty benefits and wider connection networks—watch for basic economy fare restrictions on baggage. For November travel, compare total trip cost (including seats and baggage) rather than base fare alone. CTA: Compare SFO to PHX fares across airlines now to choose the best November option for your needs.
Pack layers for variable temperatures—San Francisco mornings can be cool while Phoenix afternoons are pleasantly warm in November. Bring sunscreen, a light jacket for evenings and comfortable shoes for hiking in Sedona or day trips to the Grand Canyon. Reserve rental cars early for Thanksgiving week and prepay parking at SFO if leaving a vehicle. Allow extra time at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) during holiday travel windows, and enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security. CTA: Prepare your November packing list and book airport extras to streamline your SFO to PHX journey.
Direct nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) usually take about 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes. Major carriers operate multiple daily flights—early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon/evening (3–8 PM) are common for business and leisure travelers. November schedules are robust outside of holiday peaks; during Thanksgiving week, airlines often add extra capacity or adjust schedules. Connecting options through Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Salt Lake City add 1–3+ hours depending on layover time. CTA: Check live SFO to PHX flight schedules to plan November travel.
For the best cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in November, target midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and book 3–7 weeks in advance for non-holiday dates. Avoid peak Thanksgiving travel days (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after) when fares spike. Use fare alerts from Google Flights, Skyscanner and airline newsletters (Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit) to catch flash sales. Consider early-morning flights for lower prices and quicker turnaround. CTA: Set a price alert today to track cheap SFO to PHX flight deals for November.
November in the Phoenix area is typically sunny with mild daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C) and cooler evenings. This pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking in Camelback Mountain, day trips to Sedona or Grand Canyon viewing. While rare, occasional cool snaps can occur—pack light layers and sunscreen for daytime sunshine.
Thanksgiving week brings increased demand at Phoenix area airports—expect busier parking lots, rental car counters and security lines. Arrive earlier than usual (at least 90 minutes for domestic flights) and confirm shuttle and rental-car reservations in advance. If possible, travel on Tuesday or Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving or late Sunday after the holiday for better availability and lower fares.
Landing at Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) opens convenient access to Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Tucson, Sedona and even day trips to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. Many travelers use Phoenix as a hub for Arizona outdoor activities, desert hiking and nearby golf resorts in Scottsdale. If you plan to visit Tucson or Sedona in November, expect pleasant daytime hiking conditions and to reserve car rentals early during holiday periods.
Phoenix airports, especially Sky Harbor, have centralized baggage claim areas with clear signage; follow airport monitors for belt assignments. Rental car shuttles run frequently from designated lots—during peak November travel days lines can form, so reserve in advance and consider off-airport pick-ups for lower rates. If arriving late, confirm rental business hours and consider prepaying or preselecting options to speed pickup.
