MONSOON SEASON
What is monsoon season?
May and June are the hottest and driest months in Arizona. The summer monsoon, generally beginning in July and ending in September, brings relief from the heat and low humidity. During this time, moisture from the Sea of Cortez moves over the region. During the day, the desert heats up, ultimately fueling the development of strong storms in the late afternoon or evening. The Sonoran Desert receives about half of its yearly rainfall during the monsoon season, and this life-giving rain activates the desert’s plants and animals. During this time, the desert is greener than any other time of year, and the monsoon storms, often beginning at higher elevations, produce some of the most dramatic sunsets.
Monsoon storms generally build throughout the day, with rain falling in the late afternoon and evening, or they move in from Mexico later in day. The wedding ceremony is planned for 5pm on August 1st. This time may need to be moved forward depending on the weather forecast for that day, and we will be in communication with everyone regarding this as the time gets closer.
Monsoon Safety
Monsoon rains often bring more water than the desert floor can handle, resulting in flash flooding, sometimes far from where the rain is falling. One of the most important rules of monsoon season is to never attempt to drive through a flooded wash. Should a flash flood block your route of travel, please wait for the flood to subside before crossing.
Monsoon Wildlife
The monsoon season is the best time of year to see wildlife in Arizona. The activity patterns of the majority of the region’s plants and animals are timed to the monsoon rains, and this moisture spurs growth in most plants, blooming in some, and initiates above ground activity for many vertebrate species. Many birds, like elegant trogons and hummingbirds are nesting and very active. Watch for rattlesnakes. We will also have opportunities to view some of the Sonoran Desert’s moths and other insects.
