The climate of Portal
Identified by the Köppen climate classification as a BSk,
Portal,
Arizona, experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate. This type of climate, typical of semi-arid regions, is characterized by moderate temperature variations and modest rainfall levels.
Throughout the year, Portal showcases an array of temperatures, from a high of 92.8°F (33.8°C) in
June to a low of 36.3°F (2.4°C) in
January. A notable aspect of Portal's climate is the temperature swell from
March to June where the highs increase from 68.2°F (20.1°C) to 92.8°F (33.8°C). These temperatures show a marked decrease afterward, sinking from 91°F (32.8°C) in
July to 54.5°F (12.5°C) in
December.
In considering rainfall, Portal enjoys a relatively dry climate with an annual average of less than 1 inch per month. Rainfall levels are at their peak from July to
September, with august being the wettest month seeing 1.81" (46mm) of rain. Snowfall is sporadic and mainly confined to January and March, which collectively account for roughly one inch.
Looking at the amount of daylight and sunshine, a noteworthy feature is the steady increase from January peaking in June with 14.2 daylight hours and 11.9 hours of sunshine respectively. A subsequent decrease occurs until December.
Wind speeds in Portal take on an interesting trajectory, increasing from January to
April, peaking at 11.1mph (17.9km/h), and diminishing afterward towards the end of the year.
The best time to visit Portal
Tourists seeking a blend of warmth and sunshine will find
May to be the most accommodating with its average high temperature of 82.9°F (28.3°C) and sunshine duration of about 11.7 hours. This is coupled with moderate wind speeds and humidity, as well as relatively low rainfall, making for an ideal setting for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Portal
July and
August, despite reaching high temperatures, are less desirable for tourism due to the high rainfall levels with 1.81 and 1.46" (37mm) respectively. In addition, the relative humidity also increases significantly, potentially leading to uncomfortable conditions for some visitors.
Spring weather in Portal
Portal's spring weather, extending from
March to
May, sees an impressive surge of temperatures from 68.2°F (20.1°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). The wind speed also increases from 9.8mph (15.8km/h) in March to 11.1mph (17.9km/h) in
April, settling back down to 10.7mph (17.2km/h) in May. Spring days in Portal are quite luminous with sunshine duration extending from 9.2 hours in March to 11.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Portal
Between
June and
August, temperatures remain steady with highs around 90°F (32.2°C). The climate, however, takes a wet turn with rainfall spiking to 1.81" (46mm) in
July and 1.46" (37mm) in August. Despite the rainfall, the duration of daylight and sunshine remains abundant, making it great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Portal
Portal's autumn from
September to
November, welcomes a slow decline in temperatures, from 84.2°F (29°C) in September to 63.9°F (17.7°C) in November. Rainfall decreases significantly after its summer peak, down to 1.22" (31mm) in September, and continuously dropping to 0.71" (18mm) in November. The amount of daylight and sunshine starts to diminish as winter approaches.
Winter weather in Portal
During the winter months from
December to
February,
Portal experiences considerably lower temperatures, dropping down to 36.3°F (2.4°C). The rainfall is minimal, only slightly increasing to 0.55" (14mm) by February. Snowfall, although not heavy, is observed in
January with 0.24" (6mm). The day's length shortens during winter, with daylight ranging from 10.1 hours in December to 11.1 hours in February, and sunshine lingering between 7 to 8.2 hours during this period. The wind speed decreases as well, making for colder, crisp days.
Weather in January
The weather in
Portal,
Arizona, starts the year off with temperate conditions, moving slowly from the chill of winter. Daylight averages approximately 10.3 hours, gradually increasing as the month progresses. The pressure stabilizes at around 30.11" (765mm), suggesting stable weather patterns.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Portal,
Arizona, sees a slight increase in temperature, hinting at the approaching Spring. It is, however, still winter, and the weather maintains a balance between the cold of
January and the warmth of the following months.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March arrives in
Portal,
Arizona, the first hints of Spring begin to show. The weather gradually warms up, making way for delightful temperatures typical of the season. There is a dip in humidity relative to previous months, falling to 29%.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather in
Portal,
Arizona, is typically characterized by an increase in temperature and the unmistakable signs of Spring. Compared to
March, there is a significant increase in daylight hours, providing more time to enjoy the weather outdoors.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is when summer truly begins in
Portal,
Arizona. Weather during this month is predominantly characterized by warmth and longer hours of daylight. Compared to the breezier conditions of
April, the wind speeds start to decrease, rendering an overall calm ambiance.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Portal,
Arizona, is a month that highlights summer weather at its peak. Temperatures continue to soar, the duration of daylight is at its highest, and cloud cover is minimal, making this month the ultimate personification of summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to ride the wave of summer heat in
Portal,
Arizona, with temperatures remaining high. In addition to the higher temperatures, this month experiences an increased amount of rainfall. Despite being in the summer season, July records the highest rainfall of the year at approximately 1.81" (46mm).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Taking a slight turn from
July,
August in
Portal,
Arizona, introduces minor changes. The scorching heat of July begins to subside, but the weather remains firmly within the summer spectrum. Correspondingly, there is a slight drop in daylight hours from July to August although the rate of cloud cover remains constant.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The month of
September in
Portal,
Arizona, indicates the onset of Fall, with declining temperatures being the dominant feature. The transition becomes evident from the lowering temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The rainfall sees a more significant drop from
August to September, sliding down to about 1.22" (31mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's weather in
Portal,
Arizona, gives a clear indication that Fall is in full swing. There is a significant temperature drop, and the summer heat becomes a distant memory. Similarly, the number of daylight hours decreases, and the winds gain speed, reflecting the seasonal change.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives in
Portal,
Arizona, the weather takes a noticeable turn towards winter. The brisk air and the noticeable drop in temperature signify the shift in seasons. While rainfall largely remains the same as
October, the climatic transition is evident in the gradually shortening daylight hours and the increased relative humidity of about 43%.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter in
Portal,
Arizona. With a considerable drop in temperature from
November, it is the coldest month of the year. Although the number of daylight hours is at the lowest, the amount of sunshine doesn't decrease by as steep a margin, allowing for bright winter days.
Weather in December »