When to Go

Summer lodging rates (late May to September) are hugely discounted, even at many of the resorts, but there's a good reason: summer in Tucson is hot! Swimming and indoor activities like visiting museums (and spa treatments) are doable; but only the hardiest hikers and golfers stay out past noon in summer.

Tucson averages only 12 inches of rain a year. Winter temperatures hover around 65°F during the day and 38°F at night. Summers are unquestionably hot—July averages 104°F during the day and 75°F at night—but, as Tucsonans are fond of saying, "It's a dry heat."

The International Gem and Mineral Show descends on Tucson the first two weeks in February; book your hotel room in advance or you'll be hard-pressed to find a vacancy.

Festivals and Events

4th Avenue Street Fair. Feeling casual and eclectic? Hit Tucson's 4th Avenue Street Fair, usually held in May and December, where you can buy handcrafted wares and hear local bands while munching on every kind of festival food imaginable. Tucson, Arizona, 85705. 520/624–5004; www.fourthavenue.org.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. America's largest outdoor midwinter rodeo is at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds the third weekend in February. 520/294–8896; www.tucsonrodeo.com.

Tubac Festival of the Arts. Every February this rural artisan extravaganza brings artists from around the country to exhibit their eclectic, fine, and tourist-oriented art in the charming village of Tubac, about 45 miles south of Tucson. Tubac Plaza, Tubac, Arizona, 85646. 520/398–2704; www.tubacaz.com/festival.

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. This huge two-week trade show in February, comprising nearly 40 different shows at venues in and around Downtown, is the largest of its kind in the world. Most vendors sell to the public as well as to wholesalers. Admission to the shows is free, except for the prestigious Gem and Mineral Show held at the Tucson Convention Center during the last four days of the two-week period. The Tucson Visitor Center is the best source of information about the event. 520/624–1817; www.visittucson.org/events/gem-show.

Tucson Originals World Margarita Championship. In October, Tucson Originals, a group of independent local restaurants, hosts the World Margarita Championship. Sample foods, wines, and killer margaritas prepared by more than 40 local indie chefs and mixologists, and then cast your votes for your favorites. Tucson, Arizona. 520/477–7950; tucsonoriginals.com.