Tucson in May
In May, Tucson averages 33°C (91°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
ShoulderConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May in Tucson is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Tucson
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Tucson (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (29°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (29°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (38°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Tucson
Times shown for Tucson local time (America/Phoenix), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Tucson — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Tucson's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Tucson in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Tucson's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Tucson
Tucson is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Tucson
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Tucson in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 65°F | 5°C / 41°F | 34 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 6°C / 43°F | 24 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 9°C / 49°F | 16 mm | 3 | — |
| April | 29°C / 85°F | 13°C / 56°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 33°C / 91°F | 17°C / 63°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| June | 38°C / 101°F | 23°C / 74°F | 8 mm | 1 | — |
| July | 37°C / 99°F | 26°C / 78°F | 57 mm | 8 | — |
| August | 36°C / 98°F | 24°C / 76°F | 48 mm | 8 | — |
| September | 34°C / 94°F | 22°C / 71°F | 58 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 16°C / 61°F | 21 mm | 3 | — |
| November | 24°C / 76°F | 10°C / 50°F | 17 mm | 2 | — |
| December | 19°C / 65°F | 6°C / 42°F | 39 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tucson in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tucson in May?
In May, Tucson averages a high of 33°C (91°F) and a low of 17°C (63°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Tucson in May?
May is generally dry in Tucson, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is May a good time to visit Tucson?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Tucson in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Tucson for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.