Early winter · Weather & things to do
Catalina Foothills in December
This is the coldest month in Catalina Foothills: highs average 62°F (17°C) and lows 38°F (3°C), with about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
At 93/100 for comfort (6th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 50%
- Cloud cover
- 39%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 62°F (17°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 38°F (3°C), about 14°C (24°F) below the afternoon high.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Plan around December
December is one of Catalina Foothills's best months on the climate data.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 53 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 100/100 in November to 93/100.
- Our Tucson New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 38°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Catalina Foothills in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Tohono Chul
A desert botanical garden in the northwest Foothills with shaded walking paths, art galleries and a bistro.
Why now December scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mount Lemmon
The Catalina Highway climbs from saguaros to pine forest and, after winter storms, snow at the top.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Blue Willow
A long-running breakfast and lunch spot on Campbell Avenue with a shaded patio.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Hacienda del Sol
A 1929 hillside guest ranch whose Grill serves brunch with city views; it hosts a New Year's Eve dinner and dance.
Nearby in December
- Downtown Tucson in December~7 mi · highs 64°F, 1.1 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in December~101 mi · highs 65°F, 1.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Phoenix in December~106 mi · highs 66°F, 1.2 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sedona in December~185 mi · highs 51°F, 2.0 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,178 m to Catalina Foothills's ~831 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Catalina Foothills in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Catalina Foothills?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 93/100. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
How cold is Catalina Foothills in December?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Catalina Foothills in December?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.0 in (305 mm).
What should I pack for Catalina Foothills in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 38°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Catalina Foothills
Routes in season in December
- Tucson New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Catalina Foothills in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.