Lake Pleasant in winter is mild, quiet, and open. Lake Pleasant Regional Park welcomes visitors year-round, and January and February bring sunny afternoons with average Phoenix highs of about 68°F and 71°F, per NOAA’s 1991-2020 climate normals. The one difference first-timers need to know: Pleasant Water Sports at Scorpion Bay Marina runs by reservation from October through April.
So the first step comes before the drive. Call (602) 714-7478 to confirm your date and which rentals are available, then use this guide for everything else.
What Is the Weather Like at Lake Pleasant in January and February?
Expect cool mornings, mild afternoons, and mostly clear skies. NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals put Phoenix’s average high at about 68°F in January and 71°F in February, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. The lake water itself runs cold in winter, which is why the heated Yachtuzzi is the go-to way to be on it.
Dress in layers you can peel off as the afternoon warms up. Water levels shift through the year, too. Maricopa County Parks notes that Lake Pleasant typically reaches its lowest level in October and November and its highest in March and April, so a January or February visit catches the lake on its way back up. At its fullest, the county says, the water surface approaches 10,000 acres.
Is Pleasant Water Sports Open in January and February?
Yes, but only by reservation. From October through April, Pleasant Water Sports operates on booked reservations instead of regular daily hours, and the team asks off-season guests to call (602) 714-7478 first to confirm availability. The Yachtuzzi is call-to-book only all year, so a phone call is always the first step.
Pleasant Water Sports is a seasonal business, and its hours move with the weather. For requests outside regular hours, the team’s contact page puts it plainly: “With some advance notice, we can usually accommodate requests.” The more notice you give, the better your chances of landing the exact date and time you want.
Which Rentals Work Best for a Winter Visit to Lake Pleasant?
The Yachtuzzi is the easiest way to be on Lake Pleasant in winter: a heated hot tub boat for up to six people, $400 for two hours. Jet skis and paddle boards are also offered at Scorpion Bay, but their winter availability depends on the date, so confirm them when you book.
The Yachtuzzi: Warm Water, Cool Desert Air
Heated water is what makes a winter session work, and the Yachtuzzi books by phone only. For the full rundown on how it works and what a session includes, see our guide to booking a Yachtuzzi for a small group.
Jet Skis: For the Mildest Afternoons
Up to two riders, from $125 for one hour to $495 for a full day, with fuel and tax extra. The deposit is $300 per ski on a card, or $500 in cash. New riders can start with our first-timer’s jet ski guide.
Paddle Boards: Best Saved for Calm, Sunny Days
$25 an hour or $75 for four hours. Boards launch from the marina dock and must be paddled back to it, since they can’t leave the marina by boat or vehicle. See all current rates on our rentals page.
What Should First-Timers Know Before Driving to Lake Pleasant in Winter?
Confirm your reservation first, then arrive at Scorpion Bay Marina 30 minutes early with $10 for the park’s vehicle entry fee. The renter must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card. Drivers need to be 16 or older with a license, and passengers of any age can ride with a signed waiver.
- Put “Scorpion Bay Marina” into your maps app. Pleasant Water Sports sits at the water inside Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Peoria.
- Winter park hours run 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November 1 through April 30, per Maricopa County Parks.
- Weekend lines can still form at the county gate, so build in a buffer.
- Late arrivals don’t get extra time if another reservation follows.
- Glass bottles and containers aren’t allowed in the park.
- Pack a swimsuit, towels, and a warm layer for after.
What Else Is There to Do at Lake Pleasant in Winter?
Plenty. Lake Pleasant Regional Park covers 23,362 acres, according to Maricopa County Parks, with hiking, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park’s Discovery Center is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., per the county, and Scorpion Bay Grill at the marina is an easy lunch stop before or after your time on the water.
Pair a morning trail walk with an afternoon on the water and you’ve got a full day that looks nothing like the packed summer version. Keep an eye out for the park’s wild burros, and give them space. If February is your month, a Yachtuzzi for two makes an easy Valentine’s plan. Coming over the holidays instead? Our December guide to things to do near Phoenix builds a lake day into a holiday trip. If you’d rather see the lake with warmer water, our fall guide and late-summer guide show how the seasons compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Reservation to Rent at Lake Pleasant in January?
Yes. Pleasant Water Sports operates by reservation only from October through April. Call (602) 714-7478 to confirm your date and equipment before you drive to Scorpion Bay Marina.
Where Do You Park at Scorpion Bay Marina?
Park in the marina lot inside Lake Pleasant Regional Park. According to Scorpion Bay Marina, a free electric tram carries guests and their gear from the parking lot to the dock.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Lake Pleasant Regional Park?
The county charges $10 per vehicle in 2026. Frequent visitors can buy a Maricopa County Parks annual pass, which costs $120 for an individual in 2026 and covers vehicle entry.
Can You Change a Winter Reservation If the Weather Turns?
Yes, with at least 48 hours’ notice. The reservation amount is non-refundable, but it goes toward your rental and can move to another date and time within the same calendar year.
When Is the Damage Deposit Released?
Banks typically release the hold within three to five business days after your rental.
Is Lake Pleasant Busy in January and February?
Much quieter than summer. Weekdays are the calmest, and weekends can still bring a short line at the county gate, so arrive with time to spare.
Is Lake Pleasant Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes, for anyone who plans ahead. January and February bring mild afternoons, lighter crowds than summer, and the heated Yachtuzzi, which turns a cool desert day into two hours of warm water on one of Arizona’s largest lakes. Call Pleasant Water Sports at (602) 714-7478 before you make the drive, and we’ll see you at Scorpion Bay.