Best Time to Visit Tombstone
Arizona Travel Guide picks the best time to visit Tombstone, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Tombstone, Arizona, is a town steeped in history and legend, a place where the Old West comes alive. The climate here is typical of the desert southwest, with hot summers, mild winters, and little rainfall.
But the best time to visit Tombstone isn’t just about the weather. It’s also about the events, the crowds, and the hotel prices. So let’s take a month-by-month journey through Tombstone and discover the best time to plan your visit.
Best Time to Visit Tombstone Month-by-Month
January is the coldest month in Tombstone, with average temperatures ranging from 37°F (3°C) to 61°F (16°C). Snowfall is rare, but it can happen. The town is quiet this time of year, and hotel prices are at their lowest. There are no major events in January, making it a good time for those seeking a peaceful visit.
February sees a slight increase in temperature, with averages from 40°F (4°C) to 65°F (18°C). Rainfall remains low, and snow is unlikely. The hotel prices remain low, and the crowds are still thin. The annual Vigilante Days event in late February offers a fun-filled weekend of Old West re-enactments.
March brings warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 44°F (7°C) to 71°F (22°C). The Tombstone Wild West Days in mid-March is a major draw, featuring a parade, music, and gunfight re-enactments. Hotel prices start to rise, but it’s still a relatively affordable time to visit.
April sees temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 78°F (25°C). The annual Rose Tree Parade and Festival in early April celebrates the world’s largest rose bush. Hotel prices continue to rise, but the weather and events make it a popular time to visit.
May’s weather is warm, with temperatures ranging from 58°F (14°C) to 87°F (30°C). The Wyatt Earp Days over Memorial Day weekend is a highlight, featuring a chili cook-off and Old West re-enactments. Hotel prices peak during this event, so book early.
June is the hottest month in Tombstone, with temperatures from 68°F (20°C) to 96°F (36°C). There are no major events, and the crowds thin out due to the heat. Hotel prices drop slightly, making it a good time for those who don’t mind the heat.
July’s temperatures range from 73°F (23°C) to 94°F (34°C). The monsoon season begins, bringing occasional thunderstorms. The Fourth of July celebrations are a highlight, with a parade and fireworks. Hotel prices remain relatively low.
August continues to be hot, with temperatures from 71°F (22°C) to 92°F (33°C). The monsoon season continues, bringing a welcome relief from the heat. There are no major events, and hotel prices remain low.
September sees a drop in temperature, with averages from 65°F (18°C) to 88°F (31°C). The annual Showdown in Tombstone in early September is a major draw, featuring gunfight re-enactments and a chili cook-off. Hotel prices start to rise again.
October brings cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 54°F (12°C) to 78°F (25°C). The annual Helldorado Days in late October is a highlight, featuring a parade, music, and Old West re-enactments. Hotel prices peak during this event, so book early.
November sees a further drop in temperature, with averages from 44°F (7°C) to 68°F (20°C). The crowds thin out, and hotel prices drop, making it a good time for those seeking a peaceful visit. There are no major events in November.
December’s temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 61°F (16°C). The annual Tombstone at Twilight in mid-December offers a unique chance to explore the town after dark. Hotel prices are at their lowest, making it an affordable time to visit.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Tombstone?
So, when is the best time to visit Tombstone? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to experience the major events and don’t mind the crowds, March, April, May, and October are the best months.
If you’re seeking a peaceful visit and want to avoid the crowds, January, November, and December are the best months. The hotel prices are also at their lowest during these months.
If you’re a budget traveler, the best time to visit is during the off-peak months when hotel prices are low. These are typically January, June, July, August, and December.
If you’re a weather-conscious traveler, the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
If you’re a history buff, the best time to visit is during the major events when the town’s Old West history comes alive. These are typically February, March, April, May, September, and October.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Tombstone depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you’re seeking the excitement of the major events, the tranquility of the off-peak months, the affordability of the low hotel prices, or the beauty of the desert landscape, there’s a perfect time for you to visit Tombstone.
Remember, the best time to visit Tombstone is when it suits you best. So whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a budget traveler, or just someone looking for a unique vacation, Tombstone has something to offer you.
Frommer’s Arizona and the Grand Canyon
This is our recommended guide for Arizona and the Grand Canyon, if you’re thinking of planning a visit. The two authors both live full-time in Arizona and the book is therefore based on lifetime experiences of the state. It has 86% 5- and 4-star ratings on Amazon.
