Tucson weather by month
Understanding Tucson’s climate is essential whether you’re planning a visit, moving to the area, or just curious about how the desert seasons play out. This guide breaks down the weather month‑by‑month, provides a handy table, and answers the most common questions people have about living and traveling in Tucson.
𝐓𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐭𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞
Tucson’s semi‑arid climate means hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine all year. The city receives just over 11 inches of rain annually, mostly from monsoon‑driven storms in July and August. UV levels are high, so sun protection and hydration are non‑negotiables.
𝐂𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐝𝑒 𝐚𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐭𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒
Below you’ll find a quick reference table that gives you the average highs, lows, chance of precipitation, and average days of sunshine for each month.
Tucson Weather by Month
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Rain % | Avg. Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61 | 29 | 37 % | 8.9 |
| February | 64 | 31 | 30 % | 9.4 |
| March | 71 | 34 | 27 % | 10.9 |
| April | 80 | 38 | 25 % | 10.5 |
| May | 92 | 47 | 25 % | 9.8 |
| June | 106 | 55 | 26 % | 9.0 |
| July | 116 | 61 | 30 % | 8.2 |
| August | 118 | 61 | 52 % | 8.0 |
| September | 107 | 55 | 37 % | 9.2 |
| October | 87 | 41 | 28 % | 10.3 |
| November | 71 | 30 | 28 % | 10.7 |
| December | 61 | 29 | 36 % | 8.8 |
Tip: Summer monsoon season (July‑August) brings brief but intense thunderstorms—stay indoors when the skies darken.
𝐄𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 & 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒
- South Phoenix (east of the city): Slightly cooler nights in winter, but otherwise similar to downtown Tucson.
- North Tucson: Receives a little more monsoon rainfall, especially in late July.
- West Tucson: Slightly drier; ideal for those wanting fewer storms.
𝐂𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 IN DETAIL
| Season | Highlights | What to Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Mild days, chilly nights; ideal for hikes. | Light jacket, layerable tops, sunglasses. |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Dusty winds, occasional monsoon bursts. | Breathable clothing, rain jacket. |
| Summer (May–Sep) | Hot afternoons, monsoon storms. | Sunscreen, hat, breathable fabrics, an umbrella for those brief thunderstorms. |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | Cooling temperatures, fewer insects. | Sweaters, light raincoat, comfortable shoes for long walks. |
𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝑜𝓇 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝐢𝑡𝐚𝑛𝑡𝐬
- Hydration Packs: Keep water at hand when walking the trails.
- Sun Protection: SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hrs, especially after swimming or hiking.
- Monsoon Prep: Bring wind‑proof jackets; a small umbrella can be handy for those one‑hour storms.
- Night Wear: Even in summer, nights can drop 10‑15 °F, so include a light sweater.
𝐅𝐚𝑄𝐔 𝐞𝑠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝑟𝐞𝑐𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬
Q: How hot does Tucson get in July?
A: Avg. highs are 116 °F; afternoon temperatures can exceed 120 °F.
Q: When is the best time to visit for outdoor activities?
A: Late November through March offers comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing.
Q: Do I need a permit for hiking in the nearby mountains?
A: Most trails are public, but be sure to check the specific area (e.g., Rincon Mountains) for any seasonal restrictions.
Q: How reliable is the monsoon forecast?
A: Local weather stations provide updates hourly during July‑August; a reliable weather app is recommended.
- Q: Is it advisable to fly into Tucson during the monsoon season?
A: Airports typically remain operational; however, check for any brief delays during major storms.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬
- Tucson‑Floyd H. H. Davis Airport (TUS) – Official weather reports, radar, and flight advisories.
- NOAA Climate Data Online – Historical temperature and precipitation data for Tucson.
- Arizona State University Extension – Practical guides on desert gardening, water conservation, and monsoon safety.
- Tucson Sun (Local Newspaper) – Up‑to‑date weather alerts and monsoon coverage.
- Desert Discovery Center – Seasonal information on local flora and fauna, often tied to the climate calendar.
Enjoy your time in Tucson—whether you’re sampling the desert air, exploring the historic missions, or just soaking in the sunshine, this monthly weather guide will keep you prepared.
