The climate of Tucson
Tucson, positioned in the state of
Arizona, United States, experiences a dominant BSh, or Subtropical steppe, climate classification according to the Köppen system. This implies arid conditions, with sparse rainfall and prevalent sunshine. Tucson's weather conveys an annual cycle, with discernible alterations in temperature, precipitation, and sunlight.
Throughout the course of a year, temperatures in Tucson can range from 43°F (6.1°C) to a sweltering 96.6°F (35.9°C), with a generally warmer trend manifesting from
May to
September. On the other hand, the temperate drops significantly from
October to
April, dipping to lows of 43°F (6.1°C). The recorded humidity relative also displays considerable fluctuation, escalating from a mere 19% in
June to 45% in
December.
Consistent with the classification, Tucson receives minimal rainfall, particularly from April to June. The highest volumes of rainfall are observed between
July and
August, with August recording highest rainfall of 1.42" (36mm). Yet, despite these occasional downpours, Tucson experiences longer daylight hours, with sunny days spanning 14.2 hours at their peak in June.
Notably, Tucson is devoid of any snowfall. However, the city does experience a significant increase in wind speeds during the spring months. The maximum wind gust speeds witnessed in Tucson reach up to 11.7mph (18.8km/h) from April to May.
The best time to visit Tucson
Touring
Tucson proves most pleasurable from
October through
April when daily temperatures rest between 43°F (6.1°C) and 78.3°F (25.7°C). This period also sees a decrease in humidity to approximately 23% and sunshine fills most of the daylight hours, delivering excellent visibility conditions. Outdoor activities can be undertaken with greater comfort due to the milder climate and the pleasant weather provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the numerous outdoor attractions in the area.
The worst time to visit Tucson
Visiting
Tucson between
May and
September may be less appealing to tourists due to the higher temperatures experienced, soaring up to a blistering 96.6°F (35.9°C). These months also receive minimal rainfall with a relative humidity dropping to 21%. The high daytime temperatures combined with low precipitation can result in extremely arid conditions, making outdoor excursions strenuous for visitors.
Spring weather in Tucson
Spring, stretching from
March to
May, introduces a considerable rise in temperature as
Tucson transitions from a mild winter. In this period, temperatures escalate from 50.7°F (10.4°C) to 85.5°F (29.7°C), and Tucson receives marginal rainfall between 0.16" (4mm) and 0.51" (13mm). Notably, wind speeds witness their yearly peak, averaging around 7.2mph (11.6km/h) to 8.1mph (13km/h).
Summer weather in Tucson
Summers in
Tucson, from
June to
August, are characterized by a sweltering climate with peak temperatures recorded from 93.9°F (34.4°C) to 96.6°F (35.9°C). Despite the high temperatures, summers only record 0.12" (3mm) to 1.42" (36mm) of rainfall, maintaining a low humidity level. Nevertheless, long daylight hours extend up to 14.2 hours, allowing for a long day under the sun.
Autumn weather in Tucson
Autumn, from
September to
November, offers a retreat from the searing summer temperatures. Daily temperatures begin to cool, dropping from 88.7°F (31.5°C) to 70.9°F (21.6°C) as autumn progresses. Though autumn records a moderate amount of rainfall, between 0.28" (7mm) and 0.98" (25mm), the city continues to experience generous sunshine, with daylight hours remaining at approximately 12.4 hours.
Winter weather in Tucson
Winter settles over
Tucson from
December to
February, and it manifests as the coolest period of the year. Temperatures fall to a range from 43°F (6.1°C) to 64°F (17.8°C), and a marked rise in relative humidity to 40% to 45% can be seen. Rainfall remains low, only reaching a maximum of 0.83" (21mm) in February. The reduced daylight hours in winter descend to a low of 10.1 hours in December, yet Tucson enjoys abundant sunshine even in these chillier months.
Weather in January
Tucson ushers in the New Year with relative temperate weather, indicative of the mild southwestern winters.
January is one of the cooler months, propelling the residents into a relaxed pace of life. With the mercury hitting the lowest averages of 43°F (6.1°C) at night, chilling temperatures translate to heating mitts and comforting beverages.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February, the last month of the winter in
Tucson, is comfortable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 64°F (17.8°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). February brings a marginal elevation to a still refreshing 64°F (17.8°C) from
January's 61.7°F (16.5°C) in Tucson's average high-temperatures.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is an agreeable month in
Tucson,
Arizona, with an average temperature ranging between max 71.8°F (22.1°C) and min 50.7°F (10.4°C). The beginning of March signals a minor rise in the average high-temperature, moving from a comfortable 64°F (17.8°C) in
February to a pleasant 71.8°F (22.1°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees
Tucson shedding remnant traces of spring, readying itself for the hot summer months. The mercury continues its ascent from
March, revealing clear, sun-filled days perfect for outdoor activities. Cooldowns at night offer a pleasant reprieve from the gradually rising daytime temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the onset of the pre-summer heat wave in
Tucson. This period is characterized by longer, hotter days and a steep increase in temperature from the preceding month of
April. Despite the warmth, humidity levels drop, causing dry conditions and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Tucson represents the pinnacle of the summer season, exhibiting the hottest weather of the year. The relentless sun, amplified by the minimal rain, leads to arid, desert-like conditions. This is further intensified by the longest daylight hours of the year, stretching daylight activity times considerably.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July embodies
Tucson's monsoon season, transforming the arid region with a healthy dose of rainfall. Despite high rainfall, temperatures remain hot throughout the day, frequently leading to intermittent thunderstorms. As July transitions into
August, the temperatures fluctuate marginally, retaining the city's warm climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Tucson maintains the monsoon trend started in
July, extending the respite from the desert climate. Despite monsoon clouds casting a veil over the city, August's weather retains a warm hue. The transit from August to
September offers a slight reduction in humidity, signaling the impending end of the rainy season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Tucson marks the ornate transition from summer to fall, resulting in a noticeable decrease in humidity. The departure from
August's temperatures is evident in the cooler nights and shorter days. The weather pattern also changes in September, moving from the monsoon-prone condition to drier climate hints at the upcoming winter season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather in
Tucson paints the city with all the hallmarks of the fall season. The marked decrease in temperature from
September provides a welcome relief from the persisting summer heat. October's weather demonstrates a subtle symbiosis between the clear, autumn mornings and crisp, starlit nights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November's charm in
Tucson lies in its soft weather pattern, characterized by mild days and cool nights. A major plunge from
October's temperatures heralds the arrival of winter, visible in the changing vegetation and wildlife behavior.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Tucson brings a festive chill to the cityscape, maintaining a balanced, desert winter atmosphere. A sacrosanct harmony between the cool temperatures and comfortable humidity marks the city's weather. The transition between December and
January unveils a subtle change, considering the steady winter climate in Tucson.
Weather in December »