Your Live Mt Lemmon Weather Report
Planning a trip up the Catalina Highway? Start here. This page shows current conditions on Mt. Lemmon and in Tucson, live weather cameras, road-condition updates, and a month-by-month guide to what the mountain does all year. Bookmark it and check before you head up — mountain weather can change in minutes.
Today's Forecast: Tucson vs. Mt. Lemmon
The same day can be 95°F on the desert floor and 65°F at Summerhaven. That's the classic Mt. Lemmon trick: drive 27 miles and drop the temperature 30 degrees. Compare both forecasts below.
Why Mt. Lemmon Has Its Own Weather
The Santa Catalina Mountains rise from the Sonoran Desert floor to a 9,157-foot summit. Drive the Catalina Highway (the Sky Island Parkway) from Tucson and you'll climb through three climate zones in under an hour. Every 1,000 feet of elevation costs roughly 3 to 5 degrees — which is why Summerhaven sits a full 30 degrees cooler than downtown Tucson on a summer afternoon.
- Desert floor (2,400 ft): hot, dry, saguaro country — Tucson's forecast.
- Mid-mountain (6,000-7,500 ft): oak and pine woodlands, cooler and greener.
- Summit (9,157 ft): mixed conifer forest, snow in winter, summer highs often in the 70s.
Because the mountain is a sky island, it creates its own weather. Afternoon thunderstorms form over the peak in monsoon season, and winter storms can dump several feet of snow at the top while it stays dry in Tucson.
Weather by Season
Spring (March - May)
Melting snow, muddy trails, and wildflowers. Daytime highs climb from the 50s to the 70s at Summerhaven. Late-season snowstorms are still possible into April — check the cameras before hiking. The hiking trails clear fast and the mountain is quiet.
Summer (June - August)
The big escape: 30 degrees cooler than Tucson. Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms roll in most days from early July through August, bringing lightning, rain, and occasional hail. Start hikes early and get off exposed ridges by noon. Evenings cool off fast — bring a jacket for stargazing.
Fall (September - November)
Perfect weather: crisp days, clear skies, and the famous aspen and oak color change. Fall colors peak mid- to late October along the highway and in Aspen Draw and Marshall Gulch. September can still bring monsoon remnants; November brings the first snow.
Winter (December - February)
Snow season. The summit averages 180 inches of snow a year, and Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley — the southernmost ski resort in the U.S. — averages 160 inches. Sledding, snowshoeing, and snowplay draw crowds after every storm. Carry chains, and call the road hotline (520) 351-3351 before heading up.
Live Mt. Lemmon Weather Cameras
The best way to know what the mountain looks like right now: look at it. These live cameras update continuously — check them alongside the forecast above.
Three views: summit radio ridge, Loma Linda, and the community center. Updated every 60 seconds.
Live snow conditions at the ski resort, 8,700 ft.
Summit-area view on Windy.com with time-lapse playback.
What to Pack, Whatever the Season
- Layers — temps swing 20+ degrees
- Light jacket or fleece year-round
- Sun hat and sunscreen (strong UV at altitude)
- Water — more than you think
- Hiking shoes with grip
- Traction devices in winter
- Chains or 4WD in snow season
- Camera or phone for the views
- Snacks — and stop at the General Store
- Headlamp if hiking late
Mt. Lemmon Weather Videos
Mt. Lemmon Weather FAQ
Is it really 30 degrees cooler on Mt. Lemmon than in Tucson?
Yes — that's the standard rule of thumb between downtown Tucson (about 2,400 ft) and the Summerhaven area (about 8,000 ft). At the 9,157-ft summit it can be even cooler. A 100°F Tucson day is usually a low-70s day on the mountain.
Does it snow on Mt. Lemmon?
Absolutely. The mountain averages about 180 inches of snow a year, mostly between November and April. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski resort in the continental U.S., averages 160 inches. Snow can fall as early as October and as late as May.
When is monsoon season on Mt. Lemmon?
Early July through August, with storms often lingering into mid-September. Afternoons bring thunderheads, lightning, rain, and occasional hail. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and watch the sky after noon.
When do the fall colors peak?
Mid- to late October is the sweet spot for aspens and oaks, from the mid-elevation canyons up to Aspen Draw. Early November still shows color in the sheltered canyons.
Is the Catalina Highway open year-round?
Generally yes — it's a paved, maintained highway to the summit. During winter storms it may close temporarily for plowing, and chain requirements can apply. Call the Pima County road hotline at (520) 351-3351 or check the AZ 511 cameras before you go.
Why is there no phone number to call for the weather?
The fastest, most reliable check is the live widgets and cameras on this page. For road-specific conditions, the Pima County hotline at (520) 351-3351 is the official source. And of course, our team at the hotel is happy to help — text (520) 277-2478.
Come See the Weather Yourself
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