Tucson is a southwestern city that is a revitalizing oasis in a stunning desert. With its unique landscape and rich culture, Tucson is a city of unique, memorable attractions in an ever-changing climate. Each season offers different adventures - knowing when to go is key.
April and November are the best times to travel to Tucson. The climate is pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 52F/11C to 82F/28C. These are the perfect times to stroll through fabulous Saguaro National Park or indulge in local culture through Tucson cuisine. September is the best month to visit on a budget, saving almost 35% on travel expenses.
Tucson is still in the middle of the desert. Depending on your travel ambitions, some seasons are better than others. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip to Tucson.
When not to visit Tucson
June is the hottest month in Tucson.You can expect temperatures to rise to 37.8°C. The arid landscape remains a wonderful place to visit in the summer months. However, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sweltering afternoon heat.
August is the wettest month in Tucson.On average there are 10 rainy days per month. While the rainy weather is cool and refreshing, the conditions result in abrupt flash floods through the gorges and can be extremely dangerous.
When is the cheapest month to visit Tucson?
The best time to travel is September.With the summer season ending and the falls drying up, travelers can get discounted rates on flights and other travel accommodation. These two items will take up most of your budget.
Try to book flights at least 3 months in advance. This is the best way to find the cheapest fares on flights to Tucson.
The average cost of a round-trip flight to Tucson can range from $164 to $355. During the winter season you can find rates starting at $89.
There are all types of hotel accommodations in Tucson. From elegant five-star hotels to shared apartments, Tucson has accommodations for every budget. Hotels have the highest prices from October to December, while January offers the best prices for travelers on a budget.
For a unique stay in Tucson, reserve a room at the Adobe Rose Inn. Popular with couples, this small inn was built in 1933 in the Sam Hughes Historic District. The inn is of native adobe architecture and the rooms are stylishly decorated.
Related reading: Tucson's 15 Best Hiking Trails
Best Time to Visit Tucson: Monthly Breakdown
January: the best month for stargazing
Observe the vastness of the galaxy in a specific dark sky area.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 65F/18C to a low of 39F/4C.
Tucson is considered the best dark sky city for its size in the country and is the perfect region for star gazing.
For the best viewing area, head to Oracle State Park. Time your visit with the new moon cycle and see planets and galaxies millions of miles away.
February: The best month to experience culture and history
Appreciate Tucson's 4,500 years of human history.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 68F/20C to a low of 43F/6C. With the end of winter, February is the ideal time to explore Tucson's history and culture.
The city showcases its past in a splendid array of museums. Witness the local street demonstrations of the Hohokam people in the downtown square.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Pima Air and Space Museum
- Mission San Xaver del Bac
Related reading: 10 Epic Ranch Vacations in the USA
March: the best time for couples
Cool evenings and a brilliant sunset make Tucson the ideal place for a romantic rendezvous in March.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 73F/23C to a low of 46F/8C.
The weather in March is perfect for discovering Tucson's incredible scenery and enjoying the perfect sunset with your partner.
March is considered a quiet month for Tucson, but it offers a wonderful opportunity to show your significant other how much you appreciate them in a peaceful and romantic setting.
Whether it's a candlelit dinner in the setting of one of the finest restaurants or a picnic in the hills, Tucson is a great choice for romance.
- Drunk Picassos
- Kitt-Peak-Observatorium
- Dinner at Wildflower
April: Best travel time for Saguaro National Park
Enter a living postcard in Saguaro National Park.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 82F/28C to a low of 52F/11C. The pleasant spring weather is perfect for exploring the land of giant cacti.
Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections on the east and west sides of Tucson. The scenic park has iconic trails that meander through towering saguaro cacti.
- Petroglifos de Signal Hill
- Wilderness Discovery Trail
- Walk through the cactus forest
Related reading: The best airport for the Grand Canyon
May: Best travel time for the Colossal Cave
The hot summer is coming and it's time to go underground.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 91F/33C to a low of 60F/16C. The air in the cave is a cool 70 degrees and is a great way to beat the May heat.
Colossal Cave is a 800m guided tour through a vast underground cave system. Tickets are $18 per person, with discounts for children and active-duty military.
June: The best month to cool off
June is the perfect time to splash around at Tucson's many outdoor adventure parks.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 100F/38C to a low of 69F/21C.
There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than with a cool dip. Tucson offers a wonderful variety of water adventures to enjoy during the long summer days.
- Wasserzentrum Gold Valley
- Funtasticks family amusement park
- Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
July: the best month for a road trip
Tucson in July is best explored with the roof down.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 99F/38C to a low of 74F/24C. The cool, dry breeze of your car is one of the best ways to experience scenic Tucson.
Tucson's natural landscape offers an incredibly unique and diverse landscape. Drive through a national park, along a ridge, and through brightly painted desert canyons.
- Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
- Cactus Forest Path im Saguaro-Nationalpark
- Historic byway from Tucson to Bisbee
Related reading: 15 BESTE Lazy Rivers in Arizona
August: the best month for local food
There is no better month to taste the local gastronomy than August.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 97F/36C to a low of 73F/23C. Although it's still hot, the nights are beginning to cool and Tucson's kitchens are in overdrive.
In 2015, Tucson became the first UNESCO City of Food in the United States, with indigenous cuisine dating back 4,000 years. A hearty local menu combined with the city's modern flair makes Tucson a foodie's paradise.
- trendy food trucks
- El Guero Canelo Sonora-Hotdogs
- Visit Barista del Barrio and enjoy a legendary Southwestern breakfast burrito.
September: the best month to paint the city
Fall is here and Tucson's nightlife is in full swing.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 65F/18C to a low of 39F/4C.
With the long summer behind you, September is a month to celebrate. With modern and stylish bars and nightclubs, Tucson is full of energy and vibes. Experience the city at the many breweries, comedy shows and classical music venues.
- Laffs Comedy Café
- Town Life Brewing Company
- association congress
October: the best month to visit the old west
Walk the murky streets of Tucson's rich past with the likes of Wyatt Earp and John Wayne, so rumor has it.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 65F/18C to a low of 39F/4C.
If you're a western fan, tours of the unique regions of Tucson's Old West will be your blueberry. Featuring true stories from the Shoot-Out at the O.K. Corral” and historic railroad robberies, Tucson really was the Wild West.
- visit tombstone
- Goldfield ghost town
- Rawhide western town
November: The best month for events and festivals
Experience the culture of Tucson through artful events that showcase the city's rich and eventful history.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 65F/18C to a low of 39F/4C. With consistently cool autumn weather, November is the perfect month for parades and heavily costumed events.
Throughout November there are unique opportunities to witness Tucson's past come to life. With the diversity of its festivals, Tucson represents a lot more than meets the eye.
- All Souls' Day Procession – The locals' celebration of the Day of the Dead
- Tucson Celtic Festival und Scottish Highland Games
- See the art and dance of the Maricopa, Yaqui and Tohono O'odham Native Tribes at St. Philip's Plaza Market
December: The best time for hiking
Tucson's incredible scenery gives way to amazingly beautiful outdoor adventures.Daytime temperatures range from an average high of 65F/18C to a low of 39F/4C. Winter weather is mild, however, enough humidity remains in the forecast for the falls to flow.
The beautiful desert landscape of the Southwest is the perfect place to explore Tucson, America's winter haven.
Hike through gentle, geologically engineered canyons and pave the way for unforgettable rewards any adventurer could wish for.
With a variety of hiking options, Tucson offers trails for extreme hikers as well as gentle hikes for all skill levels.
- Trail of the seven waterfalls
- Path overlooking the valley
- Wanderweg Pozas de Romero
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Tucson? ›
The best times to visit Tucson are from April to May and from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and reasonable room rates. Winter's sunny skies and comfortable temperatures attract thousands of northerners in need of a thaw.
What month does Tucson cool down? ›The cool season lasts for 3.2 months, from November 22 to February 28, with an average daily high temperature below 72°F. The coldest month of the year in Tucson is December, with an average low of 43°F and high of 66°F.
What is the coldest month in Tucson AZ? ›Tucson has dry periods in April, May and June. The coldest months are January and December. July is the rainiest month.
How many days should I spend in Tucson? ›How Many Days in Tucson? You'll probably want to spend at least three days in this unique desert paradise so you can see all this spectacular city has to offer, including a chance to get out and hike in the surrounding mountains.
What is monsoon season in Tucson? ›Arizona's Monsoon
In mid- to late June, the thunderstorms move toward the International Border and into Arizona. The monsoon is a season where the dry, westerly winds (winds coming from the west) that typically persist through fall, winter and spring shift to moist, southerly winds (winds coming from the south).
Mosquitoes are becoming an increasing problem in the Tucson area. Increased development and increase in water use are likely culprits.
Is Tucson or Phoenix hotter? ›Though farther south, Tucson is considerably higher in elevation than Phoenix and so experiences somewhat cooler temperatures. Your criticism is correct. Tucson is cooler than Phoenix, though both cities experience a hot climate by Chicago standards.
What is Tucson's hottest month? ›July 2020 was not only Tucson's hottest July on record, it was the city's hottest month in the 125 years that records have been kept.
Is Tucson a good place to retire? ›Great for Snowbirds & Retirees
These factors are also what make this city a great place for retirees! With lower independent living costs, a variety of outdoor activities for older adults, and no tax on Social Security benefits, Tucson is a popular place to retire in Arizona.
Casual is the norm, so no need for formal attire. Winter in Tucson can be chilly, even dipping into the 30s. Pack jeans or long pants, lightweight long-sleeve blouses, coats, gloves, scarves, a jacket and a hat.
Is Tucson always windy? ›
While windy days are not at all uncommon in Tucson, there are times either during a winter storm or our monsoon season that winds can become severe (caused by microburst, straight line winds, and even a rare tornado), damaging homes, utilities and more as they pass through our City.
How hot is Tucson in October? ›October is one of the best months to visit Tucson. Temperature highs average between the low 90s and high 80s during the day.
What is the safest city in Tucson? ›- Downtown. The University of Arizona, the first university created in the Arizona Territory, dominates downtown Tucson. ...
- Sam Hughes. One of the most diverse neighborhoods of the city is called Sam Hughes. ...
- Blenman-Elm. ...
- North. ...
- Sabino Canyon Foothills. ...
- Catalina Foothills. ...
- South.
The city's central core is a vibrant area with the University of Arizona, Fourth Avenue and a lively downtown. Stray in any direction from the interior to find endless outdoor space. Tucson is known for its culture and incredible dining, which can be found no matter where you are.
What month is the best weather in Arizona? ›If you want to visit Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding southern Arizona mountains and desert scenery, the best time to visit would be from October to mid-May. Southern Arizona is known for its mild, summer-like winters with temperatures averaging 68 and 75 degrees.
What is the rainiest month in Arizona? ›The wetter season lasts 8.5 months, from July 6 to March 20, with a greater than 10% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in Phoenix is August, with an average of 5.6 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
What is the wettest year in Tucson? ›1905 is the wettest year on record, totaling 24.17 inches of rain. This year, Tucson saw an above-average monsoon, ranking as the third-wettest. 2021 totaled 12.79 inches of monsoon rainfall; the wettest monsoon totaled 13.84 inches of rain in 1964. The rainfall for 2020's monsoon was 1.62 inches.
Does Tucson have bed bugs? ›Bed bugs don't care how hot Tucson gets
Naturally, this is cause for great concern amongst us desert-dwellers and means bed bugs can present issues any time of year.
Cockroaches are common pests in Tucson, and there is no shame in having a roach problem. They can survive off the smallest morsels of food and water, so even clean homes may be harboring cockroaches.
Does Tucson have a lot of snakes? ›In the low desert areas around Tucson (and most of Arizona) snakes may be somewhat active all year, popping out on sunny days to enjoy a bit of warmth. Here, however, you won't see the large piles of snakes you see in cooler environments. Snakes here may brumate in groups or alone, and not always in the same place.
What town in Arizona has the best weather year round? ›
With around 313 sunny days per year, Phoenix, Arizona, is the sunniest place in the U.S. year-round.
Which is safer Tucson or Phoenix? ›Which city is safer, Tucson or Phoenix? Safety is likely a big concern when comparing Tucson versus Phoenix, especially if you're moving with kids. While both cities are about equal in terms of crime rate, Phoenix typically has lower rates for total crime, theft, property crime, and violent crime.
Is Arizona warmer than Las Vegas? ›Average highs in the middle of summer are 101°-105° in Las Vegas, while average highs in Phoenix are about 104°-106°. In winter, both cities have very tolerable temperatures. The average winter low in Phoenix ranges from 44°-48°, while Las Vegas sees slightly cooler temperatures with average lows of around 38°-42°.
What month does it start to cool down in Arizona? ›The heat tends to "break" - cool evenings, days in the 80s - about mid-October. The coldest part of the year is usually late December or early January, with highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s.
Is Tucson hotter than Scottsdale? ›Tucson Has A Slightly Cooler Climate
Still, Tucson sits at a slightly higher elevation than Scottdale – at 2,400 feet, compared to Scottsdale's 1,260 feet – and posts somewhat cooler summer temps.
What state has the best weather? Many cities in southern and central California like San Diego and Santa Barbara have year-round temperatures typically between 60 and 85 degrees and see little rainfall, making California the state with the best weather!
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Tucson? ›| 1 ADULT | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children | |
| Required annual income after taxes | $28,755 | $75,275 |
| Annual taxes | $4,301 | $13,566 |
| Required annual income before taxes | $33,056 | $88,841 |
Phoenix is home to over a million more people than Tucson, which is reflected in the cost of living. That said, Phoenix still sits below the national average in many key areas: Housing: The average cost of housing in Phoenix is about 5% below the national average and only 1% higher than in Tucson.
What is the best month to vacation in Arizona? ›If you want to visit Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding southern Arizona mountains and desert scenery, the best time to visit would be from October to mid-May. Southern Arizona is known for its mild, summer-like winters with temperatures averaging 68 and 75 degrees.
What is Tucson AZ best known for? ›The city's central core is a vibrant area with the University of Arizona, Fourth Avenue and a lively downtown. Stray in any direction from the interior to find endless outdoor space. Tucson is known for its culture and incredible dining, which can be found no matter where you are.
What month is monsoon season in Arizona? ›
PHOENIX - For Arizona, the monsoon season officially kicks off on June 15, and ends on Sept. 30. This means that as of Aug. 10, the state is halfway through 2022's monsoon season.
What is the cheapest month to visit Arizona? ›High season is considered to be June and July. The cheapest month to fly to Arizona is February.
What time of year is monsoon season in Arizona? ›Arizona's monsoon season begins in June and continues through September. With it comes higher humidity, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms and extreme heat.
Is Tucson a nice place to retire? ›Great for Snowbirds & Retirees
These factors are also what make this city a great place for retirees! With lower independent living costs, a variety of outdoor activities for older adults, and no tax on Social Security benefits, Tucson is a popular place to retire in Arizona.
The wealthy neighborhood of Alta Vista has a median home price of $854,415, which is more expensive than 95.4% of the neighborhoods in Arizona and 91.7% of the neighborhoods in the U.S. The average rental price in Alta Vista is currently $1,645.
Why is Tucson a dark city? ›"It's due to generally good weather and the mountains to get above the thicker portion of the atmosphere." Mountains also shield dark-sky oases from urban skyglow. In the case of Oracle State Park, which is only 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains block out the city lights.
Is Tucson a cowboy town? ›From horseback riding at a local Guest Ranch, to walking in the footsteps of the legendary cowboys and cowgirls of the silver screen at Old Tucson, Tucson is definitely still the Wild West. Venture south to Tombstone, the site of the real “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral®,” for one of Arizona's most popular attractions.
What salary do you need to live in Tucson? ›| 1 ADULT | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children | |
| Required annual income after taxes | $28,755 | $75,275 |
| Annual taxes | $4,301 | $13,566 |
| Required annual income before taxes | $33,056 | $88,841 |
Tucson has been named the 20th best city in the US, according to the 2021 America's Best Cities report by Resonance Consultancy. That's up 21 spots from where we placed last year!