Tucson, Arizona, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Tucson, Arizona, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Tucson, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Tucson
- Important essentials for Tucson
- Activities for Tucson
- Tucson in January: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in February: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in March: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in April: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in May: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in June: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in July: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in August: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in September: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in October: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in November: weather and what to pack
- Tucson in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Tucson, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tucson, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Tucson. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Tucson, Arizona, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Tucson during January, you will probably notice that it is mild and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
February
If you go to Tucson in February, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
March
If you visit Tucson during March, you may see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
April
If you vacation in Tucson during April, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
May
May is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
June
June in Tucson is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
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Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
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Sarong
-
Insects may be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Light skirts
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
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Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
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An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
July
If you are traveling to Tucson in July, you will notice that it is a scorcher, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
August
If you visit Tucson during August, you will probably notice that it is scorchingly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
September
September in this region is sizzling and very dry. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and include UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, since these get wet or dirty.
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to keep you cool:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
October
October is hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
November
If you vacation in Tucson during November, you are likely to see that it is warm and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
December
If you vacation in Tucson during December, you are likely to see that it is crisp and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Tucson.
If you are intending to go to the beautiful San Pedro Chapel, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:
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Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Colossal Cave Mountain Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you see the Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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