The climate of Mesa
Mesa's climate typifies that of a subtropical desert, denoted BWh according to the Köppen climate classification. It sits in
Arizona, a state in the southwest of the USA that experiences sweltering summers and mild winters, owing to its close proximity to the Sonoran Desert. The temperatures vary significantly from 101.8°F (38.8°C) in
July to 62.4°F (16.9°C) in
December, making for a considerably wide range throughout the year. This climate allots for scarce rainfall with the wettest month being July, recording an average rainfall of 1.1" (28mm).
The relative humidity ranges from 17% in
June to 44% in December, giving a demonstration of the extreme dryness Mesa experiences annually. Throughout the year the city enjoys significant sunshine; the sunniest months are in summer with June recording an impressive 12.2 hours of sunshine per day. This drops to 6.8 hours a day by December. Wind conditions in Mesa stay relatively temperate, peaking at 7.3mph (11.7km/h) in
May and June.
The best time to visit Mesa
Mesa's subtropical desert climate results in mild, pleasant winter months, making it an appealing winter getaway. One finds the best conditions for visiting from late autumn to early spring, precisely between
December and
March, when the city experiences cooler temperatures. Winters in Mesa tend to have daytime highs reaching 63.9°F (17.7°C), and average lows of 46.4°F (8°C) in December. Alongside with reduced humidity, this period offers considerable daylight hours, allowing for optimal viewing of the picturesque desert landscapes.
The worst time to visit Mesa
Mesa experiences high summer temperatures in most of
June,
July and
August, peaking at a scorching 101.8°F (38.8°C) in July. Combined with the hottest lows at 82.9°F (28.3°C), these factors make Mesa's summer rather stifling and undesirable for travelers. Despite its sunniest days, the heightened temperature and increased humidity may result in uncomfortable conditions.
Spring weather in Mesa
Spring in
Mesa comes with an incredible shift in weather conditions. The season sees an increase in temperatures from the high of 66.7°F (19.3°C) in
March to a soaring 90.1°F (32.3°C) in
May. Similarly, the low temperatures also rise remarkably from 48.7°F (9.3°C) in March to 64.6°F (18.1°C) in May. The rainfall remains low with the highest rainfall of 0.71" (18mm) in the season being recorded in March. Daily sunshine hours gradually increase up to 11.9 hours per day by the end of May, promising long, sunny days.
Summer weather in Mesa
Summer in
Mesa is characterized by extremely high temperatures and substantial sunshine. The highest temperature ever recorded in Mesa is 101.8°F (38.8°C) in
July, and even the lowest at 82.9°F (28.3°C) remains strikingly high. The humidity is at its lowest point in
June at about 17%, making the high temperatures even more intense. While the summer sees some of its sunniest days, at 12.2 hours per day, it is also the wettest part of the year, with July receiving 1.1" (28mm) of rainfall.
Autumn weather in Mesa
Autumn in
Mesa experiences a drop in temperature, yet still remains reasonably warm. Average high temperatures descend from 95.4°F (35.2°C) in
September to 73°F (22.8°C) by
November. The daily lows range between 77.4°F (25.2°C) in September and 55.2°F (12.9°C) in November. The rainfall remains pretty consistent in this period and daylight hours and sunshine duration reduce slightly.
Winter weather in Mesa
Winter in
Mesa is characterized by mild to cool weather conditions. Average high temperatures descend to as low as 62.4°F (16.9°C) in
December before gradually rising again. The nights can be cool with an average low of 46.4°F (8°C) in December and gradually increasing thereafter. Despite reduced hours of daylight with December recording the year’s low at 10 hours per day, the city enjoys significant sunshine, with December having about 6.8 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in January
Mesa,
Arizona's weather in
January sees a noteworthy shift towards milder conditions, compared to
December's chillier weather. The city experiences a balance of sunshine and a moderate amount of cloud coverage, creating a unique blend in this unusual winter season.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February in
Mesa,
Arizona presents itself with a subtle yet distinctive change as the city treads towards the end of winter. Humidity starts to drop, hinting at the approaching arid conditions. The length of daylight hours sees a slight boost, making the days marginally longer.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March arrives in
Mesa,
Arizona, significant signs of spring start to become more apparent. It acknowledges its reputation as a dry city by showcasing decreased relative humidity. The city further showcases its unique weather patterns, boasting an exceptionally clear sky and an increase in sunshine hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Taking strides into spring,
April's weather in
Mesa,
Arizona features declining rainfall, further amplifying the aridity of this incredible city. The reduced rain also helps in enhancing the visibility, providing breath-taking views of the city landscape.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May's weather in
Mesa,
Arizona marks the swift transition from the gentle springtime to the characteristic harsh desert summer. The intensifying heat resulting from longer sunshine hours reshapes the environment, driving down humidity to rather low levels.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Mesa,
Arizona sees a pronounced arrival of summer with extreme temperature shifts observed. The duration of sunlight is at its peak, leading to baking hot, long summer days. As the cloud cover also dwindles, the brightness of the sunshine further enhances.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather in
Mesa,
Arizona is marked by the most extreme heat, ushering in the truly punishing phases of summer. Alongside, the city sees an unexpected surge in rainfall, offering a brief respite for the parched city landscapes.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Continuing the trend of extreme summer heat,
August's weather in
Mesa,
Arizona remains undeterred, maintaining the city's desert reputation. A heightened rise in the number of daylight hours contributes to prolonged periods of intense heat.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
Mesa,
Arizona steps into
September, the city starts to bid adieu to the peak summer heat. The percentage of cloud cover continues its ascension trend from
August, providing some much-needed shade to the city residents. Despite this, September promises longer daylight hours, balancing both sun and shade.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As fall sweeps through
Mesa,
Arizona in
October, the weather begins a slight shift from the intense summer towards a more comfortable climate. The reduction in daylight hours hints at the approaching winter, while the number of sunshine days remains relatively steady.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Mesa,
Arizona sees a noticeable change of weather, showcasing a blend of late fall and early winter atmosphere. As the daylight hours continue to reduce, so does the UV Index indicating less exposure to direct sunlight.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the end-of-year month arrives,
December's weather in
Mesa,
Arizona presents a full-fledged winter scenario. The decrease in daily sunshine hours and longer nights announce the arrival of winter. Humidity and cloud coverage see a spike from
November, clothed under a white winter coat.
Weather in December »