Climate and monthly weather forecast
Tucson, AZ

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Sunset in downtown Tucson, Arizona with a skyline and a sentinel peak in the distance
Sunset in downtown Tucson, Arizona with a skyline and a sentinel peak in the distance

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 »
Updated: Aug 17, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it rain?

In Tucson, during the entire year, the rain falls for 66.1 days and collects up to 7.95" (202mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January is the only month when snow falls.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 0.2 days and typically aggregates up to 0.08" (2mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Tucson?

In Tucson, during the entire year, snow falls for 0.2 days and aggregates up to 0.08" (2mm) of snow.

When it does not snow?

In Tucson, snow does not fall in February through December.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 1.3 days and typically collects 0.08" (2mm) of precipitation.

What are the warmest months?

Tucson's warmest weather arrives in June, when temperatures average a high of 96.6°F (35.9°C) and a low of 70.7°F (21.5°C).

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 19%, June is the least humid month in Tucson.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 12min of daylight.

When is the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is June, with an average maximum UV index of 8.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 13.3 days and typically aggregates up to 1.42" (36mm) of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 12.2h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

What are the coldest months?

December stands out as Tucson's coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 60.8°F (16°C) and a low-temperature of 43°F (6.1°C).

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 45%, December is the most humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year in Tucson, with an average of 10h and 6min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Tucson, Arizona, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). MST timezone is used throughout the entire year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 7h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Tucson, AZ

Average temperature - Tucson, AZ

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (96.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (60.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (77°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and December (43°F).

Average pressure
Tucson, AZ

Average pressure - Tucson, AZ

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.08"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.83"Hg).

Average wind speed
Tucson, AZ

Average wind speed - Tucson, AZ

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are April and May (8.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.5mph).

Average humidity
Tucson, AZ

Average humidity - Tucson, AZ

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (45%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (19%).

Average rainfall
Tucson, AZ

Average rainfall - Tucson, AZ

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.42").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0.08").

Average rainfall days
Tucson, AZ

Average rainfall days - Tucson, AZ

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is May (1.3 days).

Average snowfall
Tucson, AZ

Average snowfall - Tucson, AZ

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.08").
The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

Average snowfall days
Tucson, AZ

Average snowfall days - Tucson, AZ

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Tucson, AZ

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Tucson, AZ

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 12h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Tucson, AZ

Average sunshine days - Tucson, AZ

The month with the most sunshine days is May (29.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (13.3 days).

Average visibility
Tucson, AZ

Average visibility - Tucson, AZ

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Tucson, Arizona, USA

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