Why Now Is The Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree’s Cactus-Studded Sibling

When is the best time to go to the home of the world’s tallest cacti against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert? 

During my own 5 month Southwest road trip, I visited this national park near Tucson, Arizona, in late November and was so glad to be out of the colder northern Arizona region. The days were perfect, and I was no longer turning on my buddy heater at night. 

The weather at Saguaro National Park can fluctuate from searing summers to cool winters. So, here’s an overview of the seasons at Saguaro:

• Peak Season: November to March 
• Shoulder Seasons: February to March and October to November 
• Off-Peak Season: June to September

Next, I’ll share details about the seasons, must-see events, and monthly climate breakdown. Whether you’re going to Saguaro for a day or longer, hiking the desert trails, or photographing the blooming wildflowers, these are the best times to visit Saguaro National Park.

Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Saguaro National Park, in general, is during the peak season from November to March. The weather is great during the day for desert trails and photographing the towering saguaros without the intense heat of the summer. 

Best Time for Good Weather

The shoulder seasons have the best weather with the least extremes. During these periods, the park temperatures range between 60°F to 80°F, which is perfect for outdoor activities. Not only are the temperatures agreeable, but the park has fewer crowds, making it a win-win situation!

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

The off-peak season from June to September has the least number of people; it’s just too hot. As this period coincides with the intense heat of the Sonoran summer, many potential visitors may be deterred, and it’s not uncommon during these months to find yourself sharing the park with only a handful of other visitors.

Cheapest Time to Visit

The most cost-effective time is during the off-peak season of summer. You’re likely to find lower prices for accommodation and local attractions, sometimes offering discounts of up to 50% compared to peak season rates. So, if you can stand the heat, your wallet will thank you.

Worst Time to Visit

The most challenging time to visit Saguaro National Park is during the height of summer, from late June to August. With temperatures often soaring past 100°F, the scorching heat can make outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting uncomfortable, if not outright dangerous, for you and your vehicle. Trust me, I’ve driven through Arizona in the summer, and the sun is absolutely relentless. 

Park Closures

Saguaro National Park is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are rarely any closures.

Seasons at Saguaro National Park

Spring (March to May) 

Spring is an oasis brimming with colorful wildflowers and buzzing wildlife. Temperatures range from an agreeable 70°F to 90°F, a delightful time for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and photography. 

One highlight of spring is the blooming of the park’s namesake, the Saguaros, along with desert marigolds and Santa Catalina prickly pear. These gigantic cacti are covered with white blossoms, an event that only happens for a short period. 

However, spring also marks the start of the tourist season, so expect larger crowds, especially during March and April. 

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Saguaro National Park is truly a season of extremes. The sun beat down at temperatures past the 100°F mark. This period is known as the Sonoran Desert’s “dry heat” season, as the heat can feel incredibly intense under the unfiltered desert sun.

Surprisingly, these high temperatures are key in triggering the park’s most dramatic event, the summer monsoon rains. From mid-July to late August, these storms transform the parched desert ground into a carpet of green almost overnight. 

During cooler mornings and evenings, you might spot desert dwellers such as bobcats, coyotes, and javelinas.

In hot weather, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid strenuous activities, and don’t burn out your car engine. 

Fall (September to November)

Fall is when the scorching summer heat gives way to more comfortable temperatures, ranging between 60°F and 90°F. This is a fantastic time to hit the park’s hiking trails. The air is crisp, the sky is clear, and the trails are generally less crowded.

The tail end of the monsoon season also brings an interesting event – the second blooming of many desert plants. It’s not as dense as the spring bloom, though.

Wildlife activity also shifts during the fall. While some animals start preparing for winter, others, like mule deer and coyotes, can often be spotted in the early mornings and late afternoons. Winter birds are also just starting to arrive.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Saguaro National Park hovers around a comfortable 60°F to 70°F during the day, while nights can get considerably chillier, dipping below freezing. Snowfall is rare, but not impossible.

Thanks to the cooler temperatures, winter is ideal for hiking and driving around the park. The stark desert landscape contrasted beautifully against clear, blue winter skies. 

Saguaro Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation at Saguaro National Park:

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Avg Precip
January	66	42	0.97
February	70	45	0.96
March	75	49	0.77
April	82	54	0.36
May	91	63	0.17
June	100	72	0.21
July	101	77	2.34
August	99	75	2.24
September	95	71	1.18
October	85	60	0.86
November	74	48	0.62
December	66	42	0.97

Best Time of Day to Visit

The best time of day to visit Saguaro National Park is during the sunrise or sunset. Not only are temperatures more comfortable during these times, but this is also when the park’s wildlife is most active, and the golden glow of the sun backlit on the saguaros looks amazing! 

Breakdown by Time of Day:

• Early Morning (Sunrise to 10 AM): The light is soft, ideal for silhouette cactus photography, and you might spot animals like coyotes and bobcats on the prowl.
• Midday (10 AM to 4 PM): Temperatures can get quite high during these hours, especially in the summer.
• Late Afternoon to Sunset (4 PM to Sunset): As the heat of the day begins to fade, this is a great time to view wildlife and watch the sunset paint the sky in gold.
• Night (Sunset to Sunrise): The silence is deafening at night. You can stargaze here, but Tucson is a bit too close for no light pollution. 

Special Events or Festivals

Here’s a list of some special events and festivals happening in or near Saguaro National Park:

1. The GIANT Cactus (East District): Learn more about the towering giants of the desert, the saguaros, on this ranger-led tour.
2. Living with Giants (West District): Find how wildlife coexists with these enormous cacti on this ranger-led tour.
3. Marana Fall Festival: Marana’s fall festival is an October event filled with local food, activities, and farm animals.
4. Annual Rails in the Garden Tour: Scheduled for mid-March, this unique experience of miniature railroads is set up in private gardens.
5. Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival: Held annually in March, this musical extravaganza brings together artists from around the globe.
6. Arizona National Parks Festival: A day-long free celebration of all 22 national park sites in Arizona, complete with music and cultural demonstrations.
7. Authentic Saguaro Fruit Harvest Weekend: Held annually in June, this event gives you the chance to participate in a traditional Saguaro fruit harvest.
8. Tucson Meet Yourself: An annual Fall event in downtown Tucson to celebrate with food, music, and dance. 

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?

Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.

• Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.