Tempe sits on the Salt River in the Sonoran Desert east of Phoenix, sharing the valley’s hot, extremely dry climate, where the North American Monsoon brings brief but sometimes intense thunderstorms each July and August. NWS radar coverage extends across this Phoenix-area desert district.
Rain in Tempe by month
Tempe gets about 256 mm (10.1 in) of rain in an average year. The wettest month is August, with 34 mm (1.3 in), and the driest is June, with 2 mm (0.1 in).
| Month | Average rain | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11.4 °C (53 °F) |
| February | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12.9 °C (55 °F) |
| March | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) |
| April | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) |
| May | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25.9 °C (79 °F) |
| June | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) |
| July | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 33.9 °C (93 °F) |
| August | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 33.0 °C (91 °F) |
| September | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 30.0 °C (86 °F) |
| October | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23.4 °C (74 °F) |
| November | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) |
| December | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) |
Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 satellite reanalysis). They describe the wider area around Tempe and can differ slightly from local weather-station records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Tempe right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Tempe, Arizona where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Tempe can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Tempe rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Tempe?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over Arizona and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Tempe, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Tempe rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.