August Packing List for Tucson — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Linen TopsEssential

  In Tucson, linen tops are essential to manage the intense desert heat when temperatures hit 96°F.

• Lightweight Long PantsEssential

  Wear lightweight long pants to protect against UV rays on the unshaded trails of Saguaro National Park during 96°F days.

• Closed-toe Hiking BootsEssential

  Sturdy hiking boots are necessary for the rocky terrain of Saguaro National Park in Tucson when temperatures reach 96°F.

• Wide-brimmed HatEssential

  A wide-brimmed hat provides shade on unshaded Saguaro National Park trails during Tucson's 96°F heat.

• Reusable Water BottleEssential

  A reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated in the 96°F Tucson desert heat.

• High-SPF SunscreenEssential

  High-SPF sunscreen is vital to prevent burns on unshaded desert trails in the 96°F heat of Tucson.

Clothing

• Linen TopsEssential

  In Tucson, linen tops are essential to manage the intense desert heat when temperatures hit 96°F.

• Lightweight Long PantsEssential

  Wear lightweight long pants to protect against UV rays on the unshaded trails of Saguaro National Park during 96°F days.

• Moisture-wicking ActivewearRecommended

  Moisture-wicking fabrics help manage humidity during Tucson's 10 monsoon precipitation days.

• Light Rain ShellRecommended

  A light rain shell is useful for the sudden afternoon thunderstorms that occur during Tucson's 10 rainy days in August.

Footwear

• Closed-toe Hiking BootsEssential

  Sturdy hiking boots are necessary for the rocky terrain of Saguaro National Park in Tucson when temperatures reach 96°F.

• Breathable Walking SandalsRecommended

  Comfortable sandals are great for strolling the walkable streets of Fourth Avenue in Tucson when evening lows hit a pleasant 72°F.

• Waterproof Trail ShoesRecommended

  Waterproof shoes help if you encounter mud in desert washes during Tucson's 10 days of monsoon rain.

Accessories

• Wide-brimmed HatEssential

  A wide-brimmed hat provides shade on unshaded Saguaro National Park trails during Tucson's 96°F heat.

• Polarized SunglassesRecommended

  Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from glare in Tucson's intense 96°F desert sun.

• Reusable Water BottleEssential

  A reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated in the 96°F Tucson desert heat.

Gear

• Compact UmbrellaRecommended

  An umbrella is helpful for dodging sudden monsoon showers during August's 10 rainy days in Tucson.

• High-SPF SunscreenEssential

  High-SPF sunscreen is vital to prevent burns on unshaded desert trails in the 96°F heat of Tucson.

• Daypack with Hydration BladderRecommended

  A daypack with a bladder is ideal for hiking Saguaro National Park's dry terrain in 96°F weather in Tucson.