The climate in Tucson AZ is particular to the Sonoran Desert.
Called a hot desert according to the Köppen climate analysis. But don't let that scare you off! Plenty of us live here, enjoying what's probably the sunniest city in the U.S. And we wouldn't live anywhere else!
Yes, summers are normally scorchingly hot! But we Tucsonans manage that. Winters are mild, and very enjoyable. Spring and fall have their own unique patterns.
And even though it's a desert, we get rainfall during two distinct seasons: winter storms and the North American Monsoon.
Lets see what you need to know.
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Despite what some say, Tucson does have seasons.
They're the Sonoran Desert's own unique seasons. Each has its differences. You'd notice the changes with this wonderful video.
Called Desert Dreams Celebrating Five Seasons in the Sonoran Desert. With 52‑minutes of stunning HD and time‑lapse footage. You'll see the five distinct seasons (Dry Summer, Wet Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring) we experience in the Tucson area.
Let's now begin by seeing what autumn holds for visiting Tucson Arizona.
Fall climate in Tucson AZ offers a welcome escape from the summer heat, making it a popular season for traveling to Tucson.
Great for outdoor activities with moderate temps and fewer storms. Yet September can still have warmer days than you'd probably want.
Instead plan for October and November! You'll often have ideal daytime temperatures from 70oF/21oC to about 80oF/26.7oC. And remember once the sun sets, temperatures can drop as much as 10oF/7oC. It's our favorite time of the year.
It rarely rains in the autumn, so dry sunny weather is the expectation. You'll get near-perfect weather for many outdoor activities.
During the autumn you'll even be able to see more unique, fun experiences. Such as major cultural events like Tucson Meet Yourself and the All Souls Procession.
Instead winter may be your best choice. Let's find out!
If you're flexible for planning a trip to Tucson, this is the best.
The climate in Tucson AZ in winter-time means mild, sunny days which everyone who lives here loves. The temperature averages 65°F/18°C. As is the case in a desert it cools down more after the sun sets. Temps drop pretty quickly, generally down to between 40°F/4°C and 50°F/10°C.
For sure it's the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, bicycle riding, golfing, and Exploring Parks in the Desert.
Winter humidity is low, hovering anywhere between 30-40%. The average humidity all winter is about 35%. We have a home "weather station" which I love viewing each day. On occasion in winter, I've seen humidity as low as 10%.
To prepare for winter weather in Tucson, we recommend packing a light jacket or sweatshirt. I'm not cold-tolerant, and often get by layering with a shirt and topping that with a sweatshirt. But you'll see many around town wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. It could be they're our winter people, who are used to colder averages in their native state or country.
On occasion, the winter climate in Tucson AZ brings a winter storm from off the Pacific. Not too often, though. Even a snowstorm (like the last time it snowed in the city: March 2, 2023).
With low humidity and minimal chance of rain, winter is the ideal weather climate in Tucson AZ for travelers. But many think Spring may be a great time to visit Tucson.
Is it?
Many people who don't live in Arizona, feel that spring must have ideal conditions for exploring Tucson.
We don't really agree with that feeling. Yes, daytime temperatures range from 70-85°F/21-26.7oC. Plus it's really unlikely to have rainy weather.
But there are drawbacks. Let's see those, as well as the benefits
When winter's over, people often look forward to swimming in nearby lakes or city pools. Or other things to do as the weather gets warmer, but still not too hot. We see it a different way.
I haven't exactly scientifically analyzed this, but Spring is the windiest time of year. Annoyingly so! (Unless, of course you enjoy wind.)
This time of year, the Jet Stream wind patterns from the West Coast begin changing.
Lately it seems to be getting worse, it's windy just about every day. We rarely go outdoors then.
But you still may want to give it a go, because...
Would you even think to experience the Sonoran Desert summer?
These specifics will help you see how the summertime climate in Tucson AZ can turn out. If you decide to visit.
Overall, June is usually the hottest month. The record high of 117°F/47.2°C was set in June - the 27th of 1990. We remember that day! We had to take care of an outdoor project that couldn't wait. 🥵
The end of May into June, and sometimes into July get average highs in the 100°F/37.8°C range. Overnight normal lows have gone down to 71°F/21.7°C. Though lately have stayed higher.
Locals manage the Tucson summer, to endure!
But then Monsoon Storms arrive.
For a number of years now, (I don't know why!) local weather TV broadcasts insist it begins mid‑June. People who have lived here believe it actually begins on the 4th of July, give or take a couple of days. It's what we've mostly seen over the years. And most locals love when it begins!
Temperatures can drop as much as 20oF/11oC, within the first half-hour of some good rain. It's more cloudy, which tempers the sun's heating effects.
With the Monsoon in Tucson AZ, it gets more humid. But only up to about 20-30%, or more with late‑afternoon thunderstorms. We remember going back East, where the humidity was 95% in summer, and we were very uncomfortable.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses this method for reporting averages for extremes of the climate in Tucson Arizona.
Tucson's National Weather Service (NWS) is a part of NOAA. A unit that provides weather forecasts, warnings, and data about the climate in Tucson. According to NOAA they use this calculation method:
To then for historical data, their results are done this way:
To read more details see:
For our climate in Tucson AZ info, we're showing you the extreme records since 1894 through 2022, unless we note otherwise.
As I mentioned above, the record high of 117°F/47.2°C was on June 27, 1990.
In Tucson, we average about 158 days/year at or above 90°F/32.2oC. That's based on the 1991-2020 climate normals from NOAA.
Annual daylight averages about 10.4 hours. When it peaks at around 14 hrs in June. Which isn't really wanted at that time of year!
Because of the regularly high UV exposure in our desert, it can bring health risks. Note that skin cancer rates in Arizona are approximately three times the U.S. national average.
Yes, we've had extreme cold (our version), but we don't get very cold very often!
The record low was 6°F/-14oC on January 7, 1913. Well, I don't remember that one! I wasn't yet upon the earth. 😉
Only about 12 days/year the average temperature lowers at to 32°F/0oC, or below. But the advantage we have here is a short trip to sample it, by visiting Summerhaven up on Mount Lemmon!
Two of the coolest years occurred in 1905 and 1912. When the temperatures averaged 65oF/18.3oC. Historically the coldest month of all for the climate in Tucson AZ was January 1937. The temperature averaged 41oF/5oC.
When NOAA quotes data for precipitation, it includes both rain, drizzle and snow. Plus any types of water particles falling from the sky and reaching the ground. So that includes sleet, hail, and freezing rain - all of which are extremely rare in Tucson.
Precipitation extreme facts for Tucson are:
Did you notice the wettest month was July? The time of summer monsoons, when we get the most average rainfall within a year.
We have another rainy season in the winter, when Pacific storms arrive. But their average rainfall doesn't equal monsoon months.
Now let's check the actual precipitation by snowfall in Tucson.
Snowfall is pretty rare here in Tucson, especially for the desert floor. When it happens, it doesn't last long. I remember, though, seeing one White Christmas, and one Easter snowfall.
The measurements are taken in areas in town, and don't include the local mountains.
NOAA state by state climate summaries show that Arizona has been warming 2°F/1.1°C over past century.
Heat waves are intensifying, becoming more intense with increased duration. Especially so in urban areas around Tucson and Phoenix, because of the Heat Island Effects.
Best times to visit: Mid‑October to the end of February.
Hydration & sun protection essential year‑round. But especially during spring and summer.
In summer, pay attention to extreme heat warnings. Never go hiking at such a time. People die, or suffer heat stroke and need to be rescued every year! Better to note the warnings.
Prepare for afternoon monsoon storms in summer. Rain can come in hard and fast, causing flash‑floods. They also might create an advance dust storms.
Be aware of the roadway dips, which shouldn't be crossed in running water. Every year people drive in and are stuck, sometimes even facing drowning! When rescued, they will be fined and pay the costs - as we have what is called "The Stupid Motorist's Law" (AZ Revised Statute 25-10).
Tucson’s climate is defined by sunny skies, hot summers, mild winters, and distinct rainfall seasons.
Its desert landscape and regular sunshine make it unique, but bring challenges.