Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Santa Catalina Mountains, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santa Catalina Mountains, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America by month

January

January in Santa Catalina Mountains can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

February

Traveling to Santa Catalina Mountains in February, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

If you go to Santa Catalina Mountains in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

April

If you vacation in Santa Catalina Mountains during April, you may notice that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

May for Santa Catalina Mountains is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

June

June here is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent choice.

  • Emergency motion sickness relief

  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.

  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

July

If you vacation in Santa Catalina Mountains during July, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

August in Santa Catalina Mountains is warm and somewhat stormy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

September

September in Santa Catalina Mountains is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 20% to 30% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

October

October here is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Santa Catalina Mountains is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Catalina Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

What to do in Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, United States of America

The Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. Known for its stunning scenery, impressive wildlife, and amazing hiking trails, the Santa Catalina Mountains are undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the Santa Catalina Mountains:

1. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is a 27-mile drive that starts at an elevation of around 3,500 feet and ends at over 9,100 feet. This drive is a must for visitors as it offers stunning views of the mountain range, with stops at different lookout points, picnic areas, and even a ski resort. The drive takes visitors through several different vegetation zones, each offering its own unique beauty.

2. Sabino Canyon

Located on the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a stunning natural marvel that's home to several desert animals, including deer, coyotes, and snakes. Visitors can hike the trails or take a shuttle ride to explore the canyon and experience its beauty up close.

3. Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the Sonoran Desert landscape and enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park has over 5,500 acres of land and is home to diverse vegetation and wildlife, including cactus, birds, and reptiles.

4. Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area

The Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area is a perfect destination for hikers, as it offers some of the most challenging trails in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The area has several peaks, including Mount Lemmon, which stands at over 9,000 feet. Exploring this area requires a permit, but the stunning views and diverse wildlife make it worth the effort.

5. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this outdoor museum is a must-visit destination for all visitors. The museum is dedicated to the conservation and study of the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife and features dozens of exhibits, educational programs, and interactive displays.

In conclusion, the Santa Catalina Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Arizona. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an array of outdoor activities, the Santa Catalina Mountains have something for everyone. So, if you're planning a trip to the United States, make sure to add the Santa Catalina Mountains to your bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Cooke City, Montana, United States of America, Corning, New York, United States of America, Barrington, Rhode Island, United States of America, Woomera, South Australia, Australia, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, United States of America, West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada, North Bend, Washington, United States of America, Western Cape, South Africa, Bagan, Myanmar, La Tuque, Quebec, Canada, and Nanao, Taiwan.