Saguaro National Park Operating Hours & Seasons

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is open between sunrise and sunset every day. Of course, times do vary with the seasons. This applies to both districts of Saguaro National Park.

Saguaro National Park Visitors Centers

The visitors centers in both districts of the park are open every day, 9am – 5pm Monday to Sunday, although both centers do close on Christmas Day (give ’em a break!)

Saguaro National Park – Seasons

Saguaro National Park is literally divided into two districts by the City of Tucson, which is the only major city which is located in the uplands of Arizona.  You may have heard that deserts don’t have seasons, they’re just the same all year round, but actually this part of the Sonoran Desert (of which Saguaro National Park is a part) has not one, not two, not even four, but five seasons. Okay, that might sound a little too long and complicated, so we’ll just lump them together making two main seasons, and what to expect when you visit Saguaro National Park at each time of the year.

From Late Fall to Early Spring – Winter Season in Saguaro National Park

At this time of the year the daytime temperatures in Saguaro National Park can range anywhere between lows of the low 50’s and highs of the high 70’s making it just perfect for the many guided walks and informative talks around the park. Numerous activities are offered in the busiest seasons of Saguaro National Park, mainly November through to March, ranging from a gentle stroll to more strenuous hikes . . . something for everybody then!

From Late Spring to Early Fall – Summer Season in Saguaro National Park

As summer progresses the temperatures, as you might expect, begin to soar ranging from the mid-80’s right up to the low 100’s . . . that’s hot! The best time to experience the park at this time of year is as the day breaks, or alternatively disappears behind the distant mountains. Sunrise and sunset is awesome in Saguaro National Park.

NOTE – You can no longer buy bottled water at Saguaro National Park, but there are water filling stations at both visitor centers as well as at the Rincon Mountain District ramada, so don’t forget to bring re-usable water bottles and fill ’em up whenever you get the chance . . . you can get mighty thirsty in the desert and it’s important that you don’t become dehydrated.