Late summer · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tucson in August
Little changes in Downtown Tucson from July: highs stay near 98°F (37°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), and about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 53/100, 11th of 12.
- Avg high
- 98°F (37°C)
- Avg low
- 75°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (64 mm)
- Humidity
- 47%
- Cloud cover
- 48%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 98°F (37°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 75°F (24°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.5 in (64 mm).
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in July to 53/100.
- 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 — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 98°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 75°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Tucson in August
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Sentinel Peak
The hill with the big whitewashed A just west of downtown, with a summit road and a view across the whole city to the Catalinas.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 98°F.
Playground Bar & Lounge
A Congress Street bar with a rooftop deck that has hosted a DJ New Year's Eve party with a midnight champagne toast.
Why now Best first thing, before the 98°F afternoon heat.
El Charro Café
Opened in 1922 and run by the same family, known for carne seca dried on the roof and chimichangas.
Why now A break from 98°F afternoons.
Rialto Theatre
A 1920 theater across from Hotel Congress that is now Tucson's main mid-size concert hall.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in August
- Catalina Foothills in August~7 mi · highs 97°F, 2.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in August~102 mi · highs 105°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, drier
- Phoenix in August~106 mi · highs 105°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
- Sedona in August~188 mi · highs 92°F, 2.7 in rain · 3°C (6°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 ~962 m to Downtown Tucson's ~725 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.
Downtown Tucson in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Downtown Tucson?
It's middling, scoring 53/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 100. Expect highs of 98°F (37°C) and 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Tucson in August?
Average highs are 98°F (37°C) and average lows 75°F (24°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Tucson in August?
Some: about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.7 in (322 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Tucson in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 98°F), 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 75°F) and packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely).
More on Downtown Tucson
Planning Downtown Tucson in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.