Late spring · Weather & things to do
Catalina Foothills in May
Catalina Foothills sees its driest month, with just 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain, highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C).
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 76/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 91°F (33°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (5 mm)
- Humidity
- 23%
- Cloud cover
- 22%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What May feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 91°F (33°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 17°C (31°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 23% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (5 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 22%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Comfort slips from 98/100 in April to 76/100.
- 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes91°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 61°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Catalina Foothills in May
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Blue Willow
A long-running breakfast and lunch spot on Campbell Avenue with a shaded patio.
Why now May scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Tohono Chul
A desert botanical garden in the northwest Foothills with shaded walking paths, art galleries and a bistro.
Why now Highs near 91°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sabino Canyon
A desert canyon with a year-round creek, cottonwoods and saguaro slopes; an electric shuttle runs up the canyon road.
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.
Why now A break from 91°F afternoons.
Nearby in May
- Downtown Tucson in May~7 mi · highs 92°F, 0.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in May~101 mi · highs 95°F, 0.2 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Phoenix in May~106 mi · highs 96°F, 0.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sedona in May~185 mi · highs 81°F, 0.6 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Catalina Foothills?
It's middling, scoring 76/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 100. Expect highs of 91°F (33°C) and 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain.
How hot is Catalina Foothills in May?
Average highs are 91°F (33°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Catalina Foothills in May?
Not much: about 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.0 in (305 mm).
What should I pack for Catalina Foothills in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (91°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 61°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Catalina Foothills
Planning Catalina Foothills in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.