Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tucson in September
Downtown Tucson edges cooler than August, with highs of 95°F (35°C), lows of 70°F (21°C) and about 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 69/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 95°F (35°C)
- Avg low
- 70°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 1.6 in (40 mm)
- Humidity
- 43%
- Cloud cover
- 30%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 69/100 · Good
What September feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 95°F (35°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (25°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
About 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's September.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 30%.
Plan around September
September sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 53/100 in August to 69/100.
- 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 — September falls outside it.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes95°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 70°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Tucson in September
Afternoons run hot (95°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
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 September scores 69/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Fox Tucson Theatre
A restored 1930 movie palace on Congress Street with a neon blade sign, now hosting concerts and films.
Why now A break from 95°F afternoons.
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 Highs near 95°F and 1.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
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 One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Catalina Foothills in September~7 mi · highs 94°F, 1.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in September~102 mi · highs 100°F, 0.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Phoenix in September~106 mi · highs 101°F, 0.9 in rain · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, drier
- Sedona in September~188 mi · highs 86°F, 1.5 in rain · 5°C (8°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Downtown Tucson?
It's middling, scoring 69/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 100. Expect highs of 95°F (35°C) and 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Tucson in September?
Average highs are 95°F (35°C) and average lows 70°F (21°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Tucson in September?
Not much: about 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.7 in (322 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Tucson in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (95°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 70°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown Tucson
Planning Downtown Tucson in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.