It’s A Dry Heat: Is Tucson Too Hot to Visit in the Summer?
Hey there, lovers of the desert! So, you’ve heard that Tucson is a great spot to visit in the fall, winter, and spring, but you may be hesitant to visit in the summer, right? Well, it's time to toss that idea right out of the window! As temperatures rise, you can still have an enjoyable desert getaway and we’ll show you how. Here are 6 tips for an unforgettable Tucson travel experience during the summer months.
1 - Beat the Heat with Early Morning and Late Evening Hikes
While the afternoons can be toasty, but the summer mornings and evenings in Tucson are something special. The sun pops up early, around 5 am at its earliest, so set your alarm and embark on a refreshing hike early in the morning. Soak up the stunning sunrises over the desert landscape, and afterward, grab a hearty breakfast at a local favorite like Tohono Chul Garden Bistro for Southwestern cuisine or Snooze an AM Eatery for more classic options. And if you’re more of a night owl, wait until the sun starts to set and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert under a cooler sky. Pro tip: if you’re planning a visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, get there when they open. In the hot temps of the day, the animals head to their burros for their afternoon siesta, so you’ll see them at their most active earlier in the day.
2 - Live Like a Local
Once the temps start climbing in mid-May, University of Arizona students head home and snowbirds head north. That means less traffic, but also more laid back events for the locals. Check out the Chillin’ at the Chul event with live music and bites on Friday and Saturday nights. Find local art, snacks and mingle at one of the Summer Night Markets held at the MSA on the last Friday evening of every month. And if you time it just right, an exceptionally special thing happens around mid-July–the queen of the night blooms. The night-blooming cereus cacti, Peniocereus greggii, has the most gorgeous and delicate blooms that open only once per year after dark and by morning they are closed. See an incredible display of these unique cacti at Tohono Chul Park, where there is an annual community event over the course of a 2-3 nights watching these cacti bloom.
3 - Chill Out in Your Tucson Vacation Rental
Relax in the salt water pool at Casa Alpenglow
Picture yourself soaking up the sun, cool drink in hand, and enjoying the panoramic mountain views. Ready to cool off? Dive into the cool, clear water of the refreshing salt water pool right in the backyard of at Casa Alpenglow. If you’re staying at Casa Palma or The Verde, the patio misters will help keep the air cool and we can turn down the hot tub temp, making it feel more like a plunge pool. Or, turn down the a/c and take an afternoon siesta to catch up on some much needed sleep. Your Tucson vacation rental is your personal oasis of relaxation, offering respite from the heat and memories to last a lifetime.
4 - Dine Under the Stars
Late night dining al fresco at The Verde House
Summer evenings in Tucson are perfect for enjoying your meal. Many local restaurants and cafes offer al fresco seating, allowing you to savor delicious meals while enjoying the cool evening breezes. We love Noble Hops Gastropub for a delicious local meal with mountain views or The Boxyard for a unique downtown Tucson experience. Plus, all of our vacation rentals have beautiful backyard dining set-ups, perfect for enjoying a home-cooked meal with a view.
5 - Enjoy a Scenic Drive
Want to see more of Arizona’s natural beauty? Crank up the A/C and take a drive. There’s nothing quite like the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert or the breathtaking mountain ranges. Whether you’re exploring Saguaro National Park or driving up Mt. Lemmon to find some cooler temps, your Tucson travel adventure will definitely impress. Plus, if you visit in July you’re likely to see the prickly pear cactus fruiting - large, oblong magenta fruit that provides the wonderful bright pink color in your prickly pear margarita!
6 - Take Advantage of Off-Peak Perks
Traveling in the off-season for tourism means fewer crowds and lower prices on travel expenses, plus you’ll have the opportunity to experience the city’s attractions without the hustle and bustle of peak season. Enjoy price breaks on flights, smokin’ deals with summer rates at vacation rentals (up to 50% off compared to the winter prices!), shorter lines at popular tourist spots, and lower greens fees for the avid golfers.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the Monsoon Magic
A moody monsoon sunset sky at Casa Palma
Truly, one of the most enchanting aspects of summer in Tucson is the arrival of the monsoon season. From early July through September, the southern desert region experiences dramatic thunderstorms that provide a refreshing break from the heat. Expect to see some spectacular lightning shows, the earthy smell of creosote, refreshing desert rain, spontaneous creeks and waterfalls, and epic sunsets. It is one of our favorite parts about living in Tucson, and is definitely worth experiencing! Pro tip: if it rains, its happy hour all day at our favorite hole-in-the-wall eatery, Monsoon’s Tap & Grill.
Still not sure which summer month is right for your visit? Read about the differences between Tucson’s dry summer and wet summer. Then, pack a reusable water bottle, swimsuit, sunscreen, wide brimmed hat, some breathable clothes and you’re ready to go. Summer in Tucson might be warmer, but that doesn’t mean it's any less exciting or enjoyable–it's just different! From the peaceful beauty of early morning hikes to the awe-inspiring monsoon magic, there’s so much to love about Tucson in the summer. With the proper planning, your Tucson vacation rental can be the perfect base for a memorable adventure filled with good food, stunning views, and all the beauty of the Southwestern desert. So why not give it a shot? Get ready to experience the unique charm of Tucson in the summer. You’ll be glad you did!