Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tucson in December
This is the coldest month in Downtown Tucson: highs average 64°F (18°C) and lows 40°F (4°C), with about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
At 97/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (27 mm)
- Humidity
- 46%
- Cloud cover
- 39%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 97/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs near 64°F (18°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 40°F (4°C), about 14°C (24°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is scarce: about 1.1 in (27 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around December
December is one of Downtown Tucson's best months on the climate data.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 54 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 100/100 in November to 97/100.
- 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 eveningslows near 40°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Tucson in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Charro Steak & Del Rey
The El Charro family's downtown steakhouse on Broadway, with Sonoran-style steaks and seafood in a big, lively room.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Dec 31 dinner.
El Charro Café
Opened in 1922 and run by the same family, known for carne seca dried on the roof and chimichangas.
Downtown Bowl Bash
Tucson's free New Year's Eve street party, with music and food trucks, ending in a lighted taco drop and fireworks at midnight.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Dec 31, 6 p.m. to midnight.
Fox Tucson Theatre
A restored 1930 movie palace on Congress Street with a neon blade sign, now hosting concerts and films.
Nearby in December
- Catalina Foothills in December~7 mi · highs 62°F, 1.1 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in December~102 mi · highs 65°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Phoenix in December~106 mi · highs 66°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in December~188 mi · highs 51°F, 2.0 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown Tucson?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 97/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Tucson in December?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 40°F (4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Tucson in December?
Not much: about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.7 in (322 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Tucson in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 40°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown Tucson
Routes in season in December
- Tucson New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Tucson in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.