Monsoon season in Tucson, AZ, is a soulful, even spiritual time. Shifting winds and high atmospheric pressure bring in much-needed moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, almost as if to heal our desert from the aggressive summer sun. 

Many summer afternoons, Tucsonans rejoice as clouds form to the southeast with the potential promise of a downpour and respite from the heat.

Tucson monsoons hit in microbursts and/or mammoth-level thunderstorms with heavy rain. The season brings the community together as everyone is happy for the same reason. It’s also the perfect opportunity to take advantage of rainy day activities, like visiting museums, shopping, and meeting friends for happy hour or a meal.

When is Monsoon Season in Tucson? 

The official monsoon season in Tucson is June 15 through September 30, but many note that the big, frequent monsoon storms run from mid-July through mid-September. 

Tucson’s monsoons bring out a lively green in the Sonoran desert and a summer wildflower bloom. A heavy season can reveal a side of Tucson so green that it’s almost like living in another place or being part of a delicious secret.

After a monsoon, the welcoming and singular smell of creosote permeates the region as many locals venture outside for an after-storm walk to take in the sights and smells of a cooled-down summer day.

 

saguaros in the desert during a vibrant rainy sunset with lightning

 

Its Cultural Significance in Tucson

Monsoon season marks the arrival of many residents’ favorite time of year. The epic storms and the relief they provide have inspired numerous annual events and celebrations. 

On June 24, Día de San Juan celebrates the birth of John the Baptist. Tucson takes it one step further by using the day to celebrate the soon-to-arrive monsoon season. Legend tells us that on June 24, 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado prayed for rain on the Santa Cruz River banks, and those prayers were answered almost instantly.

For hundreds of years, the inhabitants of this region have used this holy day to have their crops blessed, pray for rain, and hold public celebrations. Today, the celebrations continue in Mission Garden with music, food, traditional blessings, dancing, and art activities for the kids.

Other Tucson monsoon celebrations include Trail Dust Town’s Monsoon Party and Cool Summer Nights at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. And while not technically a monsoon celebration, a tour of Monsoon Chocolate factory is always a good time. 

 

Double rainbow over desert mountains

 

Preparing for a Tucson Monsoon Season

While unrivaled in beauty, Tucson monsoons can be highly dangerous, so follow these tips and read up on those from local authorities.

Plan Ahead

  • Check weather forecasts throughout the day
  • Subscribe to a severe weather and lighting notification service
  • Do not mess around with thunderstorms or lightning. Stay inside and away from windows.
  • Make sure you have supplies in case of a power outage, including: 
    • Enough drinking water for your household 
    • Food that doesn't require refrigeration or cooking
    • A battery-operated commercial radio 
    • Flashlights
    • Extra batteries

Exercise Extreme Caution While Driving

  • Due to dangerous flash flooding, never enter a flooded roadway, dip, or low water crossing, marked or unmarked, barricaded or not. Even if it appears safe to you, about a foot or two of water will float most vehicles (even an SUV).
  • If you find yourself driving in a dust storm, pull off the road as far as safely possible, turn off your headlights and tail lights, place your vehicle in park, engage the parking brake, remove your foot from the brake pedal, and wait it out.

Read further detailed info and tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

 

Cityscape of Tucson at night during a storm - several bolts of lightning in the sky

 

Must-Do Rainy Day Activities

Take advantage of rainy monsoon days to visit Tucson museums like the Tucson Museum of Art, Arizona History Museum, and the Center for Creative Photography. Other fun things to do in Tucson on a rainy day include hitting one of our many breweries, shopping, or going to the movies.