The climate of Flagstaff
Nestled in
Arizona,
Flagstaff boasts mild and moderate weather with the Köppen climate classification of Csb. This zone is indicative of a Mediterranean climate with enjoyable, warm summers. Straightforward analysis of the weather parameters reveals a finer snapshot of this city's dynamic atmospheric conditions.
Temperature variations are considerable between the coldest month,
January, and the warmest month,
July. In January, the average high temperature hovers near 42.6°F (5.9°C) with nighttime averages descending to 25.2°F (-3.8°C). In direct contrast, July experiences an average high of 82.8°F (28.2°C) and a nighttime average of 60.4°F (15.8°C).
Humidity ranges between 24% in
June, making it the driest month, to 66% in January, making it the most humid month of the year. The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine averaging from 6.8 hours a day in
December to 12.2 hours a day in June. The city sees most of its rain in July, averaging 2.56" (65mm) spread across 16.2 days, while the least rainfall occurs in June with an average of just 0.24" (6mm) over three days.
Flagstaff also exhibits unique weather patterns. Noticeably, a sharp dip in sunshine days is seen during July and
August, dropping to 11.4 and 12.3 days respectively, despite longer daylight hours.
The Best Time to Visit Flagstaff
The ideal time to visit
Flagstaff is between
March and
June, as temperature highs range from 53.8°F (12.1°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C). These months delight visitors with increased daylight hours ranging from 12 to 14.5 hours, and diminished rain days ranging from 5.6 to 3, ensuring more opportunities for outdoor activities.
The Worst Time to Visit Flagstaff
The least favorable time to visit would be between
November and
February. During this period, average high temperatures range from 42.6°F (5.9°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C), plummeting as low as 24.8°F (-4°C) at night. The climate becomes more rugged, with increased snowfall accumulated to as high as 7.36" (187mm) in
December.
Spring Weather in Flagstaff
Spring blooms in
Flagstaff from
March to
May with average high temperatures steadily ascending from 53.8°F (12.1°C) to 68.9°F (20.5°C). These months come with less precipitation, around 0.55" (14mm) to 0.75" (19mm), usually over 5.6 to 4.8 rain days. Humidity decreases significantly during this season, from 47% in March to 33% in May.
Summer Weather in Flagstaff
Flagstaff's summer period stretches from
June to
August. The highest temperature recorded in this period is 82.8°F (28.2°C) in
July, while nighttime temperatures remain agreeable between 54.1°F (12.3°C) and 60.4°F (15.8°C). Despite the warm temperatures, this season exhibits a sharp increase in rainfall, peaking at 2.56" (65mm) in July over approximately 16 rain days.
Autumn Weather in Flagstaff
Autumn in
Flagstaff, running from
September to
November witnesses cooling temperatures. Average high temperatures shift downwards from 75.2°F (24°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C), while the nighttime averages fall between 53.8°F (12.1°C) and 32.2°F (0.1°C). Rain days decrease significantly to between 9 and 2.5 days, with rainfall ranging from 0.98" (25mm) to 0.94" (24mm) across these months.
Winter Weather in Flagstaff
December ushers in winter in
Flagstaff, which extends up to
February. These months are quite cold with average high temperatures fluctuating between 42.6°F (5.9°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C) and lows reaching down to 24.8°F (-4°C). These months also experience an increase in snowfall, reaching as high as 7.36" (187mm) in December, and consistently recording more than 2" (51mm) throughout this season. The shortened daylight hours, reaching a low of 9.8 hours per day in December, further add to the crisp winter feeling.
Weather in January
In
Flagstaff,
January is marked by winter conditions with the lowest temperatures of the year. The city experiences an average high of just 42.6°F (5.9°C) and a chilling average low of 25.2°F (-3.8°C). Snowfall is prevalent, leading to picturesque landscapes and drawing winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February still bears the freshness of winter in
Flagstaff, although marginally warmer than
January. Noticeably, the average snowfall increases to a significant 5.94" (151mm), making it an ideal time for snow-related activities.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Flagstaff witnesses a significant shift in weather patterns. There is an upswing in average high temperature, reaching up to 53.8°F (12.1°C). The snowfall also records a substantial decrease from the previous month. Consequently, March paves the path for an imminent spring, making temperature changes noticeable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Flagstaff is an embodiment of spring, characterized by warmer days and nights. Notably, the average wind speed picks up, reaching 9.6mph (15.4km/h), resulting in a fresher atmosphere. This month also experiences an obvious rise in the UV index, making the sun's rays stronger and more hazardous.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Flagstaff is characterized by further precipitation decrease, with an average of just 0.75" (19mm). As temperatures rise, the city enters a phase of dry, warm weather. Coupled with a drop in the relative humidity, this makes for some comfortable evenings and clear skies.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in
Flagstaff, with temperatures rising noticeably. The mercury soars to an average high of 81.5°F (27.5°C), marking this month as one of the hottest of the year. At the same time, June records the lowest average rainfall, indicating a dry atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Flagstaff brings an abrupt change as rainfall jumps to a high 2.56" (65mm), the highest for the year. While temperatures continue to remain high and the sun shines brightly, sudden showers become characteristic of this month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August introduces a subtle change in weather conditions in
Flagstaff. The rainfall decreases slightly from its
July peak, marking the end of the heavy rain phase. However, the city still experiences a healthy dose of sunshine, presenting a nice balance of sun and showers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the autumn season in
Flagstaff. A prominent feature is the drop in maximum temperature to 75.2°F (24°C), down from the 80s of previous months. Simultaneously, the rainfall also reduces significantly, making the climate relatively drier.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Flagstaff is a harbinger of the upcoming winter season. There is a marked drop in temperature, with an average high of 63.5°F (17.5°C). In a surprising turn, snow makes a comeback, albeit just 1.34" (34mm) on average, indicating the start of the snowy season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a cooldown in
Flagstaff weather. A significant drop in temperature to an average high of 53.1°F (11.7°C) signals the transition to the winter season. The snowfall increases to 2.6" (66mm), making the city's landscapes wintry.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings brilliance to winter in
Flagstaff with temperatures dropping to an average low of 24.8°F (-4°C) and snowfall reaching its highest at 7.36" (187mm). Despite the chill, the city exhibits a striking winter appeal, attracting tourists.
Weather in December »