Tucson in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Tucson

21°C (70°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

50% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures of 18-21°C (64-70°F) and crystal-clear skies - ideal for Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon trails
Peak season for desert blooms and wildlife activity - roadrunners, javelinas, and coyotes are most active in cooler temperatures
Luminaria nights and holiday events transform the desert into a winter wonderland with 300+ days of sunshine continuing through December
Comfortable outdoor dining weather allows you to enjoy Tucson's renowned Mexican food scene on patios without summer's 43°C (110°F) heat

Considerations

Nighttime temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F) requiring layers - many visitors underestimate how cold the desert gets after sunset
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular hiking trails fill up by 8am on weekends
Higher altitude areas like Mount Lemmon at 2,792m (9,159 ft) can experience snow and freezing temperatures, limiting access to some trails

Best Activities in December

Saguaro National Park Desert Hiking

December offers the only comfortable hiking weather of the year with morning temperatures of 10°C (50°F) warming to perfect 20°C (68°F) afternoons. Saguaro cacti are at their most photogenic with clear desert air providing 80km (50-mile) mountain views. Wildlife is most active now - roadrunners hunt in the cool mornings and desert bighorn sheep descend from higher elevations.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for most trails, but arrive before 8am on weekends to avoid crowds. Expect ฿800-1,200 ($25-40) for guided desert ecology tours. Look for certified naturalist guides through the park's official programs.

Mount Lemmon Sky Island Adventures

The 56km (35-mile) drive up Mount Lemmon takes you through five distinct ecosystems from desert floor to pine forests. December temperatures drop 1°C per 150m (2°F per 300 ft) of elevation, creating a unique opportunity to experience both desert warmth and mountain snow in one day. The summit at 2,792m (9,159 ft) often has snow while the base remains sunny.

Booking Tip: Check road conditions before heading up - snow can close the final 8km (5 miles) to the summit. Guided tours typically cost ฿2,000-3,000 ($65-95) and include multiple ecosystem stops. Independent travelers need chains if snow is forecast.

Historic Downtown and Barrio Viejo Walking Tours

December's mild weather makes exploring Tucson's adobe architecture and cultural districts comfortable all day long. The historic Barrio Viejo showcases the largest collection of 19th-century Sonoran-style adobe homes in the US. December's low humidity preserves the desert air quality, making the 3-5km (2-3 mile) walking routes enjoyable without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps available free from visitor centers, or join cultural tours for ฿600-1,000 ($20-30). Look for tours led by local historians who speak about Tucson's Mexican-American heritage. Book 3-5 days ahead during peak December season.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Experience

This world-renowned 'living museum' combines zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum across 8 hectares (21 acres) of pristine Sonoran Desert. December is optimal because desert animals like mountain lions, Mexican wolves, and ocelots are most active in cooler weather. The 1.6km (1-mile) desert loop trail is comfortable in December's moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Arrive when gates open at 8:30am for best animal activity and photography light. Admission around ฿800 ($25) for adults. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. The museum offers specialized naturalist programs for ฿1,200-1,500 ($40-50) - book these 7-10 days ahead as they fill quickly in December.

Tohono Chul Park Desert Garden Exploration

This 19-hectare (47-acre) desert preserve showcases over 400 desert plant species with December being prime time for desert marigolds, fairy dusters, and ghost plants to bloom. The moderate December weather allows comfortable exploration of all 1.6km (1 mile) of nature trails without the exhausting summer heat that makes midday visits impossible.

Booking Tip: Admission typically ฿400-500 ($12-16) with guided botanical walks available for ฿300 ($10) extra. The garden cafe offers outdoor seating that's only comfortable October through March. Visit between 10am-3pm for optimal lighting and comfortable temperatures.

Catalina State Park Mountain Foothills Hiking

Located 19km (12 miles) north of Tucson, this park offers over 8km (5 miles) of hiking trails through pristine Sonoran Desert leading to dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. December's cool mornings and warm afternoons create perfect conditions for the moderate 4-6km (2.5-4 mile) round-trip hikes that would be punishing in summer's heat.

Booking Tip: Day use fees around ฿240 ($7) per vehicle. The popular Romero Canyon Trail to pools requires 4-5 hours and moderate fitness. Start early as parking fills by 9am on weekends. Guided group hikes available for ฿800-1,200 ($25-40) - check with park rangers for December schedules.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Tucson Botanical Gardens Luminaria Nights

Thousands of luminarias (paper bag lanterns) transform the desert Saint Vincent into a magical winter display. This December tradition combines traditional Southwestern holiday customs with desert plant displays, creating a unique holiday experience you won't find elsewhere.

December 16-24

Las Posadas Processions

Traditional Mexican Christmas celebrations reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. These community processions through Tucson's historic Mexican-American neighborhoods feature traditional music, food, and cultural presentations that showcase the city's deep Hispanic roots.

Mid December through early January

Winterhaven Festival of Lights

The Winterhaven neighborhood transforms into Tucson's most elaborate holiday light display with over 100 decorated homes. This volunteer-run event has been a Tucson December tradition for over 70 years, attracting visitors from across Arizona.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - start with t-shirt for 20°C (68°F) afternoons, add fleece for 4°C (39°F) desert nights

Closed-toe hiking boots mandatory - desert terrain includes sharp rocks, thorns, and occasional rattlesnake encounters even in winter

Lightweight down jacket or puffy vest - temperature drops 15-17°C (25-30°F) after sunset

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite winter season - December UV index of 5 plus desert altitude increases burn risk significantly

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - desert sun reflects intensely off light-colored rock and sand

Insulated water bottle holding at least 1 liter (32 oz) - desert air dehydrates quickly even in cool weather

Long hiking pants to protect legs from desert vegetation - shorts leave you vulnerable to cacti, catclaw, and mesquite thorns

Warm sleeping gear if camping - temperatures can drop below freezing in higher elevations and open desert

Lip balm with SPF - desert air humidity of 50% combined with sun and wind causes rapid chapping

Headlamp or flashlight - winter sunset by 5:30pm means many hikes finish in darkness

Insider Knowledge

Start all outdoor activities before 10am or after 2pm to avoid crowds - most tourists sleep in and miss the best wildlife viewing hours when animals are most active

Book accommodations in November for December visits - snowbird season drives up prices 40-60% and availability drops significantly after Thanksgiving

Locals eat lunch outdoors in December for the first time since April - restaurant patios that were empty all summer suddenly become prime seating

Mountain areas above 1,500m (5,000 ft) can have snow while Tucson valley remains sunny - always check Mount Lemmon road conditions and carry tire chains

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing shorts for desert hiking - even in December, cacti spines, catclaw thorns, and rocky terrain make long pants essential for safety

Assuming desert means warm all day - nighttime temperatures dropping to 4°C (39°F) catch many visitors unprepared without warm layers

Skipping water because it's not summer - December's low humidity and high altitude still cause rapid dehydration, especially during hiking