Tucson in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tucson

75°C (167°F) High Temp

48°C (118°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - daily highs of 24°C (75°F) make desert trails comfortable from sunrise to sunset, compared to brutal 43°C+ (110°F+) summer temperatures
Peak wildflower season in Sonoran Desert - November brings blooming fairy duster, desert marigold, and brittlebush after October rains, creating photography opportunities unavailable other months
Outdoor festival season - Tucson's major events concentrate in November when evening temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F), making outdoor concerts and markets enjoyable
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% from winter peak season (January-March) while weather remains ideal for all outdoor activities

Considerations

Rapid temperature swings - 27°C (48°F) difference between day and night requires layered clothing and makes packing challenging for short trips
Unpredictable rainfall - while monthly total is low, November can bring sudden desert storms that flood washes and close hiking trails for 24-48 hours
UV intensity remains high - desert elevation of 728m (2,389 ft) and clear skies mean sunburn risk stays severe despite comfortable air temperatures

Best Activities in November

Saguaro National Park Desert Hiking

November offers the year's best hiking conditions with comfortable 24°C (75°F) daytime temperatures and no monsoon mud. Desert Loop Trail and Valley View Overlook Trail showcase blooming desert plants impossible to see in summer heat. Early morning hikes (7-9am) provide wildlife viewing as javelinas and roadrunners are most active in cool temperatures.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for day hiking. Arrive at visitor centers by 8am for parking and trail maps. Typical costs include park entry fee $15/vehicle (7 days). Rangers recommend 2-3 liters water per person even in November's mild weather.

Desert Botanical Garden and Tohono Chul Tours

November is prime season for desert gardens as temperatures allow comfortable 2-3 hour visits and many cacti show late-season blooms. Desert Botanical Garden's Loop Trail (2.4 km/1.5 miles) becomes walkable all day, while summer limits visits to early morning only. Tohono Chul's demonstration gardens peak in November before winter dormancy.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend visits. Self-guided visits typically cost $25-35 per adult, guided tours $45-65. Gardens open 7am-8pm in November, optimal visiting hours are 9am-5pm when lighting is best for photography.

Mount Lemmon Sky Island Exploration

November offers dual-season experience - desert floor hiking in shorts while Mount Lemmon's 2,792m (9,159 ft) summit requires jackets. The 64 km (40-mile) Catalina Highway provides dramatic elevation changes and temperature drops of 17°C (30°F) from base to summit. Aspen viewing season ends in early November with golden fall colors.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for scenic drive. Allow full day for round-trip journey. Gas up in Tucson as no services on mountain. Check road conditions November 15+ as early snow possible above 2,438m (8,000 ft). Typical costs: fuel $40-60 for round trip.

Tucson Food Trail and Mercado Districts

November's mild evenings revive Tucson's outdoor dining scene and food truck gatherings. Mercado San Agustin hosts evening markets, while 4th Avenue and downtown food walks become comfortable after summer's heat. November is prime season for Sonoran hot dogs and street tacos as vendors return to full evening schedules.

Booking Tip: Food tours book up 1 week ahead for weekend slots. Walking food tours typically cost $65-85 per person including 5-6 tastings. Self-guided options allow flexibility - download food trail apps and budget $30-50 per person for market sampling.

Kartchner Caverns and Cave Systems

November offers ideal conditions for underground exploration as surface temperatures make the journey to caves comfortable. Kartchner Caverns maintains constant 20°C (68°F) temperature year-round, but November's mild weather eliminates the jarring temperature contrast experienced in summer. Big Room tours (50 minutes) and Throne Room tours (90 minutes) are both comfortable.

Booking Tip: Reserve cave tours 2-4 weeks ahead as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited. Tours cost $18-25 per adult depending on route. Located 77 km (48 miles) southeast of Tucson - allow 2.5 hours total travel time. Arrive 30 minutes early for orientation.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Experience

November transforms this 85-hectare (210-acre) outdoor museum as comfortable temperatures allow 4-5 hour visits to see all exhibits. Desert animals are most active in November's mild weather - mountain lions, bears, and desert bighorn sheep engage more with visitors. The 3.2 km (2-mile) walking path becomes enjoyable all day rather than requiring dawn visits.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed entry tickets online 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend visits. Admission typically $22-25 adults. Plan 4-5 hours for complete visit. Arrive at opening (8:30am) for best animal activity and photography lighting. Last entry 4pm in November.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Tucson Celtic Music & Arts Festival

Annual celebration featuring traditional Celtic music, Highland Games, and artisan markets. Takes advantage of November's perfect evening temperatures for outdoor concerts and dancing. Features regional Celtic bands, Scottish Highland competitions, and traditional craft demonstrations.

Early November

All Souls Procession

Tucson's largest community art event where thousands create a moving memorial parade through downtown. Participants craft costumes, floats, and memorials honoring deceased loved ones. The 3.2 km (2-mile) procession culminates in a celebration at historic Mercado district.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with t-shirt for 24°C (75°F) days, add fleece for 10°C (50°F) evenings, pack light jacket for Mount Lemmon's 2°C (35°F) summit temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - desert's 728m (2,389 ft) elevation and UV index of 8 cause severe burns even in November's comfortable temperatures

Closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support - desert trails have loose rock, thorny plants, and occasional snake encounters requiring foot protection year-round

3-liter hydration system or large water bottles - desert air's low humidity causes dehydration even in mild November weather, especially on multi-hour hikes

Lightweight rain jacket and waterproof day pack cover - November's 10 potential rain days can bring sudden desert storms with flash flooding

Warm sleeping clothes for desert camping - nighttime temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) requiring thermal layers even when days feel tropical

Electrolyte supplements or tablets - desert hiking depletes salt rapidly even in November's mild conditions, causing cramping and fatigue

Headlamp with extra batteries - November's shorter days (sunrise 6:30am, sunset 5:30pm) mean many activities extend past natural light

Breathable cotton or merino wool clothing - avoid polyester and synthetic blends that trap heat and odors in November's 70% humidity desert air

Lip balm with SPF and moisturizer - desert's dry air causes chapping and skin cracking regardless of comfortable November temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October 1st - Tucson's gem and mineral show vendors arrive in November for setup, claiming many hotel rooms and driving up rates for December-February peak season

Hit trails between 7-9am and 3-5pm for wildlife viewing - desert animals adjust their activity to November's temperature patterns, avoiding midday heat even when humans find it comfortable

Download offline maps for desert areas - cell service disappears quickly outside Tucson proper, and November's hiking season brings more visitors to remote areas with limited rescue access

Check wash conditions before hiking after any rainfall - Tucson's desert washes flood rapidly and remain dangerous for 24-48 hours after storms, even from distant mountain rainfall

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating hydration needs because November feels cool - desert's low humidity and high elevation cause dehydration symptoms in 2-3 hours even at comfortable temperatures

Planning only summer clothes - November's 27°C (48°F) temperature swing catches visitors unprepared for chilly early mornings and evenings requiring layers

Assuming all outdoor activities are available during rainy periods - November storms can close desert trails, flood washes, and make dirt roads impassable for 1-2 days