It’s Not Autumn in Arizona (yet)

It’s officially autumn in the northern hemisphere. Judging by social media posts, many of you are wearing sweaters, welcoming fall colors, and drinking all things pumpkin spice. So why am I sitting by the pool in shorts and a tee shirt and drinking iced tea? Because it’s not autumn in my part of Arizona yet. Here’s why:

Six Seasons?

Though some say there are officially 5 seasons here in the Sonoran Desert, others divide our year into six distinct seasons. On a recent trip to the Sabino Canyon visitors’ center near Tucson, I saw an informative display that made perfect sense to me. I used to think that this part of the country was barren, hot and dry all year. Maybe you have that image in mind as well. But having lived her for over a decade, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of each season in the desert. Here’s the breakdown of a “typical” year.

Winter

December to January: Winter is typically sunny and mild, daytime temps in the 60s, nights may occasionally drop below freezing. The jagged peaks of nearby Mt. Lemmon are often snow covered and, once, I woke to a dusting of snow on our patio. I scooped up a handful and made a little snowman. He was gone by noon. After Christmas, Snowbirds (people who winter here) flock to enjoy sunny days and mild temps. Crisp air and blue sky make for perfect hiking weather.

Spring

February to April: Expect mild temperatures, occasional light rain. This is the main flowering season for winter annuals. Hikers and birdwatchers flock to the trails to observe wildflowers and migrating birds. Palo Verdes (the state tree) sprout golden blossoms from green branches. Bees buzz around crimson blossoms on my pomegranate tree and neighbors share bountiful citrus harvests.

Foresummer Draught/ Dry Summer

May-June : Here it comes–the high temperatures, often pushing into triple digits, and extremely low humidity. Most desert life is in survival mode during this time. Iconic saguaro cacti have adapted to store large amounts of water in their spongy stems that expand and contract like an accordion. They crown themselves with waxy white blossoms during this season, show-offs in the otherwise prickly environment. This is the off-season for tourist attractions in the area. It’s best to stay indoors as much as possible during the day. Hats, sunscreen, and water are the survival tools for those who venture out. Even so, hiking can be dangerous.

Wet Summer/Monsoon

July to mid-September: Just when you think you can’t stand the heat anymore, here comes the Monsoon. This season is celebrated! In a good year, more than half the annual rainfall may fall during these months. Temperatures drop, the wind picks up, and billowy dark clouds fill the sky followed by dramatic lighting shows and rumbles of thunder. When storms subside, people rush to see water flowing in the usually dry streams, “rivers”, and washes. This is a major growing season for most plants.

Late Summer

September to mid -October: some include this short season between monsoons and autumn. Don’t put away your shorts and bathing suits just yet. This period can be hot and dry. I pretend it’s autumn by putting up a fall wreath, and going out for a pumpkin spice latte (iced) while waiting for the “real fall” to arrive. On the plus side, the days are getting shorter and the sun is gentler this time of year making sunsets even more spectacular.

Autumn

Late October-November: Autumn finally arrives. Cool, crisp salads make way for soups, stews, and spicy chili. After dinner, you can gather around the tire table or stoke up your mesquite fire pit and make s’mores. My pomegranate tree is heavy with fruit waiting to be harvested and it will soon drop its leaves. Halloween decorations pop up all over the neighborhood and trick-or-treaters will soon be here. You might even need to throw on a light sweater or jacket. Then you will know autumn has finally arrived in Arizona.

Yeah, I know. The desert environment is not for everyone. Those of you who live in other parts of the country will have beautiful leaves, the first snowfall, White Christmas. I miss it sometimes. But come January, February, and March, when Midwestern friends and family members begin to tire of cold, gray, slushy days, my guest room fills up.