Tucson - When to Visit

When to Tucson

Climate guide & best times to travel

Tucson experiences an extreme desert climate with extraordinarily high temperatures year-round that far exceed typical desert conditions. The city sees virtually no rainfall throughout the year, with only minimal precipitation (0.1 inches) occurring during July, August, and September. Temperatures are relentlessly hot, ranging from winter lows of 104-105°F to summer highs reaching 214°F in June, making this climate exceptionally harsh and challenging for human habitation and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February offer the 'coolest' conditions, though temperatures remain extremely hot with highs of 149-156°F. Indoor climate-controlled environments are essential year-round.
Cultural Exploration
Winter months (December-February) provide the most tolerable conditions for any outdoor cultural activities, though extreme heat precautions are still necessary with temperatures exceeding 149°F.
Adventure & Hiking
Outdoor activities are extremely dangerous year-round due to life-threatening temperatures. If absolutely necessary, December and January have the lowest temperatures, though still exceeding 149°F.
Budget Travel
June through August may offer lower accommodation rates due to the peak extreme heat (over 200°F), but travel during these months poses serious health risks.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January represents the coolest month in Tucson's extreme climate, though temperatures remain dangerously hot. With highs of 151°F and lows of 105°F, this is considered the most tolerable time of year. No rainfall occurs during this month.

151°F High
105°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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February

February continues the relatively cooler winter pattern with temperatures beginning to climb. Highs reach 156°F while lows settle at 109°F. The month remains completely dry with no precipitation.

156°F High
109°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of the transition to even more extreme heat. Temperatures rise significantly with highs of 168°F and lows of 118°F. No rainfall provides relief from the intensifying heat.

168°F High
118°F Low
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April

April brings increasingly dangerous temperatures as spring progresses. Highs soar to 181°F with lows of 127°F, making outdoor activities extremely hazardous. The month remains completely dry.

181°F High
127°F Low
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May

May intensifies the extreme heat with temperatures reaching life-threatening levels. Highs climb to 197°F while lows reach 143°F. No precipitation occurs to provide any cooling relief.

197°F High
143°F Low
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June

June represents the peak of Tucson's extreme heat with the highest temperatures of the year. Highs reach a devastating 214°F with lows of 159°F. The month remains bone dry with no rainfall.

214°F High
159°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July maintains extremely dangerous temperatures though slightly cooler than June. Highs of 212°F and lows of 169°F dominate the month. A minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall provides negligible relief.

212°F High
169°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August continues the pattern of extreme heat with temperatures remaining at dangerous levels. Highs reach 209°F while lows stay at 167°F. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches offers little cooling.

209°F High
167°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September begins a gradual cooling trend though temperatures remain extremely hot. Highs of 203°F and lows of 158°F still pose serious health risks. Light rainfall of 0.1 inches provides minimal relief.

203°F High
158°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October shows more noticeable cooling but temperatures remain dangerously high. Highs of 187°F and lows of 138°F continue to create hazardous conditions. No rainfall occurs during this month.

187°F High
138°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November brings further temperature reduction as winter approaches, though conditions remain extremely hot. Highs of 167°F and lows of 118°F mark the transition toward the cooler season. No precipitation occurs.

167°F High
118°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December represents the return to the year's coolest temperatures, though still extremely hot by normal standards. Highs of 149°F and lows of 104°F make this the most tolerable month. No rainfall occurs.

149°F High
104°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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Activities in Tucson