Bisbee, located in the southeastern part of Arizona, is a historic mining town located in the Mule Mountains. Situated near the Mexican border, Bisbee boasts a unique blend of cultural influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local traditions. With a population of approximately 5,200 residents, Bisbee retains its small-town charm while offering a vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town’s rich mining history is reflected in its numerous landmarks, including the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and the Lavender Pit Mine. Bisbee’s beautiful setting amidst rugged mountains and lush valleys makes it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Climate and Weather Overview
Bisbee experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and low annual precipitation. The town’s elevation of around 5,300 feet contributes to its moderate temperatures and comfortable weather conditions throughout much of the year. While summers can be warm, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 90°F, the dry climate and cool mountain breezes help mitigate the heat. Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s°F, making it an ideal escape for those seeking refuge from colder climates. Bisbee’s climate is influenced by its high elevation and proximity to the Sonoran Desert, resulting in relatively low humidity levels and clear skies for much of the year.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Bisbee:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 56 | 1.0 | 22 |
| February | 59 | 0.8 | 23 |
| March | 63 | 0.7 | 25 |
| April | 70 | 0.4 | 27 |
| May | 79 | 0.3 | 29 |
| June | 88 | 0.4 | 29 |
| July | 90 | 2.0 | 28 |
| August | 88 | 2.4 | 27 |
| September | 85 | 1.5 | 27 |
| October | 76 | 1.0 | 27 |
| November | 64 | 0.7 | 24 |
| December | 56 | 1.0 | 22 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Bisbee brings mild temperatures and clear skies, making it an ideal time to explore the town’s historic sites and scenic landscapes. Average highs reach around 56°F, with cool evenings requiring light layers. Precipitation is minimal, averaging just 1.0 inch, and sunny days abound, with 22 days of sunshine providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Bisbee’s charming downtown area.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in nearby canyons, exploring historic landmarks, birdwatching at local parks.
February
February continues the mild weather pattern in Bisbee, with average highs around 59°F and cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Precipitation remains minimal, averaging 0.8 inches, and sunny days increase to 23. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the comfortable temperatures by hiking in the surrounding mountains, visiting nearby wineries, and attending local events and festivals.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in scenic areas, wine tasting at local vineyards, attending cultural events.
March
March marks the beginning of spring in Bisbee, with temperatures gradually warming up and wildflowers beginning to bloom. Average highs reach around 63°F, providing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Precipitation decreases to 0.7 inches, and sunny days increase to 25, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in the town’s parks and green spaces.
Recommended Activities: Picnicking in local parks, hiking in nature reserves, visiting botanical gardens.
April
April brings warmer temperatures and blooming flowers to Bisbee, making it an ideal time to explore the town’s outdoor attractions. Average highs reach around 70°F, with comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Precipitation remains minimal, averaging 0.4 inches, and sunny days increase to 27. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and exploring Bisbee’s scenic trails and overlooks.
Recommended Activities: Birdwatching at local parks, wildlife viewing in nature reserves, hiking in scenic areas.
May
May brings warmer temperatures and longer days to Bisbee, making it a popular time for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. Average highs reach around 79°F, with pleasant conditions for exploring the town’s historic sites and natural attractions. Precipitation remains low, averaging just 0.3 inches, and sunny days increase to 29. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and photography in the surrounding mountains and canyons.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in scenic areas, photography tours, exploring historic landmarks.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Bisbee, with hot temperatures and increased outdoor activities. Average highs reach around 88°F, with warm evenings perfect for outdoor dining and entertainment. Precipitation increases slightly to 0.4 inches, and sunny days remain abundant, with 29 days of sunshine. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and attending local events and festivals.
Recommended Activities: Swimming in local lakes and pools, fishing in nearby rivers, attending outdoor concerts and festivals.
July
July brings the peak of summer heat to Bisbee, with temperatures reaching their highest levels of the year. Average highs hover around 90°F, with hot afternoons prompting residents to seek shade or cool off in nearby lakes and rivers. Precipitation increases to 2.0 inches, primarily in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the heat, sunny days continue to dominate, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring Bisbee’s historic downtown area.
Recommended Activities: Early morning hikes, swimming in shaded areas, exploring indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
August
August continues the hot and humid weather pattern in Bisbee, with temperatures remaining elevated throughout the month. Average highs reach around 88°F, with high humidity levels making it feel warmer. Precipitation increases to 2.4 inches, with afternoon thunderstorms providing temporary relief from the heat. Sunny days decrease slightly to 27, but outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing remain popular among residents and visitors.
Recommended Activities: Early morning or late evening outdoor activities, indoor entertainment options during the hottest part of the day, swimming in local lakes and pools.
September
September brings the transition to fall in Bisbee, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Average highs reach around 85°F, providing relief from the summer heat. Precipitation decreases slightly to 1.5 inches, with occasional rain showers. Sunny days begin to decrease, but outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Bisbee’s scenic trails and overlooks are still popular among residents and visitors.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in cooler temperatures, birdwatching in local parks, exploring scenic viewpoints.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of fall foliage to Bisbee, making it a beautiful time to explore the outdoors. Average highs dip into the mid-70s°F, with cooler evenings perfect for outdoor dining and stargazing. Precipitation decreases to 1.0 inch, with occasional rain showers enhancing the fall colors. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as leaf-peeping drives, hiking in scenic areas, and attending local harvest festivals.
Recommended Activities: Leaf-peeping drives along scenic routes, hiking in nature reserves, attending harvest festivals.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and the first signs of winter to Bisbee, with residents preparing for the holiday season ahead. Average highs drop into the low 60s°F, with cooler evenings perfect for cozying up by the fire. Precipitation averages 0.7 inches, with occasional rain showers becoming more frequent than in previous months. Indoor activities such as visiting museums, attending cultural events, and shopping for holiday gifts become popular as residents seek refuge from the colder weather.
Recommended Activities: Visiting indoor attractions, attending cultural events and performances, exploring local shops and boutiques.
December
December brings cold temperatures and the holiday spirit to Bisbee, with residents and visitors embracing the festive season. Average highs remain in the upper 50s°F, with occasional frosty mornings and chilly evenings. Precipitation decreases slightly to an average of 1.0 inch, though residents should be prepared for winter weather conditions. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the colder temperatures, but residents can still enjoy activities such as holiday light displays, shopping for unique gifts, and attending seasonal events and festivals.
Recommended Activities: Viewing holiday light displays, shopping for unique gifts, attending seasonal events and festivals.