09/12/2026
The good stretch starts now.
Monsoon officially wraps September 30. The equinox is the 22nd. After that the evenings get usable again and stay that way until about April, which is the part nobody from a four-season place believes until they live through it.
What I'd put on the calendar:
— A sunset drive through Gates Pass when the desert turns gold and the temperature finally starts to drop.
— Tucson Meet Yourself returns to downtown Tucson October 16 through 18, bringing together food, music, dance, art and traditions from cultures throughout Southern Arizona.
— An early cup of coffee on the patio while the desert is still quiet and the morning air feels good.
— A Saturday morning at the Twin Peaks Community Market in Marana for local produce, handmade goods, food and live music.
If you're thinking about moving here, this is the stretch to come visit. Summer is the honest test. Fall is why people stay.
