Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, serving as the county seat of Pima County, located approximately 110 miles south of Phoenix. Often called “The Old Pueblo,” Tucson is a vibrant city with a rich multicultural heritage spanning over 4,000 years, influenced by Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American cultures. It is celebrated for its stunning Sonoran Desert landscape, unique arts scene, delicious culinary offerings (especially Mexican food), and as a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures. Tucson was also designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in the U.S.

Population: As of the 2020 census, Tucson had a population of 542,629. Current estimates for July 1, 2024, place its population at approximately 574,896. The wider Tucson metropolitan area has a population nearing 1 million.

Climate/Landscape: Tucson is uniquely nestled in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by five distinct mountain ranges, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.

• Elevation: Tucson’s elevation is approximately 2,400 feet (732 meters) above sea level, which offers slightly cooler temperatures than Phoenix, especially during summer nights.
• Climate: Tucson experiences a hot and arid desert climate, with abundant sunshine year-round (around 350 sunny days annually).
  • Summers are intensely hot, with average daily temperatures in July often exceeding 100°F (38°C) and reaching up to 105°F (41°C). The city receives its primary rainfall during the late summer monsoon season (July to September), bringing dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and flash floods.
  • Winters are mild and very pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C) and cool, crisp nights, making it an ideal escape for those from colder climates. Snowfall is rare in the city but common in the surrounding mountains at higher elevations.
• Landscape: Tucson’s landscape is defined by its iconic saguaro cacti (the symbol of Arizona), mesquite trees, and other desert flora. The city is a basin surrounded by magnificent “sky island” mountain ranges: the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south, and the Tucson Mountains and Tortolitas to the west. These mountains create stunning vistas and provide varied ecological zones, from desert floor to pine forests at higher elevations. The Santa Cruz River, though often dry, is a historical and cultural spine of the region.