The climate of Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista,
Arizona finds itself in the mid-latitude steppe climate as per the Köppen Climate Classification. This implies that the region endures a semi-arid environment with warm temperatures and limited annual rainfall. The geographic location nestles in between the Huachuca Mountains and the San Pedro River, which significantly influences the weather patterns.
Observing the annual climate, the monthly average temperatures fluctuate between 37.8°F (3.2°C) and 90.1°F (32.3°C). Sierra Vista basks in peak temperatures from
May to
September, with the mercury hitting the 80°F (26.7°C) mark and sometimes soaring up to 90°F (32.2°C). The winter months from
December to
February still hold a mild charm with the daytime temperatures hovering around 56.5°F (13.6°C) to 59.7°F (15.4°C). Yet, winter nights can become chilly as the temperatures drop to a gentle 37.8°F (3.2°C).
Annual rainfall ranges from 0.12" (3mm) in May to a substantial 4.53" (115mm) in
July. Weather tipping towards drier months can be observed from
March to May with moisture levels plunging as low as 23% relative humidity. While rainfall occurs throughout the year, the most precipitous period descends from July to September, contributing to half of the annual rainfall.
The monsoon season in Sierra Vista comes with dramatic weather variations. The city receives most of its rainfall, peaking in July and
August. This sudden surge in humidity from 23% in
June to 47% in July corresponds with the Southwest Monsoon season. Wind speeds generally range between 5.5mph (8.9km/h) and 9.8mph (15.8km/h), with gusts reaching up to 13.9mph (22.4km/h) in
April. Additionally, visibility remains consistent at 6 miles throughout the year.
The best time to visit Sierra Vista
From a tourist's perspective, the best time to visit
Sierra Vista would be during the late spring and early fall months, particularly from
April to
June and from
September to
November. During these periods, ample sunshine lights up for about 11.1 hours to 13.8 hours daily, along with moderate temperatures ranging from 73.2°F (22.9°C) to 81.7°F (27.6°C) in the day and cool evenings dropping to between 49.1°F (9.5°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C). These months also experience minimal rainfall, lowering the chances of weather-related disruptions to outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Sierra Vista
Visitors might find the summer months from
July to
August least desirable due to the high temperatures touching the 86.5°F (30.3°C) mark and the humidity levels rising to 49%, making it uncomfortably warm. It is also during these months that
Sierra Vista undergoes its most intense monsoon phase, leading to high rainfall. Inclement weather conditions during this period might put a damper on outdoor plans.
Spring weather in Sierra Vista
Spring in
Sierra Vista is characterized by mild and comfortable temperatures ranging from 37.8°F (3.2°C) to 73.2°F (22.9°C). Rainfall during this period stays fairly low, showing a decrease from 0.67" (17mm) in
February to 0.12" (3mm) in
May. The weather gradually warms up over these months, marking the transition to the hotter summer months. Significant sunlight period can span from 12 hours in
March to peak at 13.8 hours in May, making spring an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Sierra Vista
Summer weather in
Sierra Vista is considerably hot and humid. Daytime temperatures can heat up from 80.1°F (26.7°C) to a sizzling 90.1°F (32.3°C) between
June and
August. These months also mark the peak of the annual monsoon season which results in a sharp increase in rainfall, reaching heights of 4.53" (115mm) in
July. Humidity also sees an upward trend, setting into motion a pattern of afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms.
Autumn weather in Sierra Vista
Autumn in
Sierra Vista sees a much-needed reprieve from the monsoon season with falling humidity levels from 50% in
September to 41% in
October and subsequent decrease in rainfall. Daytime temperatures start to sink gradually from 81.7°F (27.6°C) in September to a cool 65.5°F (18.6°C) in
November, while nighttime temperatures can dip to between 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Thus, the season generally offers pleasant temperatures and lesser rainfall.
Winter weather in Sierra Vista
Winters in
Sierra Vista bear witness to mild and cool weather conditions. Daytime temperatures vary from 65.5°F (18.6°C) in
December to a cooler 56.5°F (13.6°C) in
February, while nightly temperatures during these colder months range from 45°F (7.2°C) to 37.8°F (3.2°C). Rainfall parameters remain below an inch throughout, and snowfall observed in December and
January is minimal, adding to an overall mild winter experience.
Weather in January
January serves as the start of the year in
Sierra Vista,
Arizona, USA, bringing temperate conditions. Visitors can expect a cooler climate during dawn and dusk with evening temperatures dropping down to 37.8°F (3.2°C), presenting an ideal atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The transition from
January to
February in
Sierra Vista sees an uptick in both daily high and low temperatures. With an average high of 59.7°F (15.4°C), the days are warm but not excessively so. Visitors will notice an increase in sunshine hours, providing additional daylight for activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the city of
Sierra Vista begins to hint at the spring season. The change from
February is marked by a decrease in humidity, resulting in slightly drier conditions. Travelers will appreciate the comfortable daytime temperatures and the extended sunshine hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Sierra Vista moves deeper into spring with the arrival of
April, the days begin to warm up noticeably. Variances between
March and April become more pronounced, primarily through the increase in temperature and the drop in rain frequency.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The transition from
April to
May in
Sierra Vista is characterized by a considerable uptick in temperatures. The city gets significantly warmer with the average high temperature reaching 80.1°F (26.7°C), a clear indication of the impending summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer in
Sierra Vista, with temperatures soaring to seasonal highs. The city experiences the warmest weather during this month, with average highs close to 90.1°F (32.3°C). Despite the climb in temperature, humidity remains relatively low, ensuring manageable conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July perpetuates the trend of high temperatures in
Sierra Vista, although with an interesting twist. While the city remains hot during the day, rainfall frequency significantly ramps up. Hitting an average rainfall of 4.53" (115mm), a stark contrast to previous months, July is considered the wettest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Moving into
August,
Sierra Vista maintains its tendency for rainy summers. While temperatures remain high, similar to
July around 86.5°F (30.3°C), it is the average rainfall of 4.06" (103mm) that sets August apart. Sierra Vista continues to experience regular rain showers, providing much-needed relief from the higher temperatures.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of a gradual decrease in both temperatures and rainfall. While the temperature drops slightly, the city receives significantly less rainfall compared to the preceding months, with an average precipitation of 2.32" (59mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The transition into
October offers a welcome respite from the summer heat in
Sierra Vista. Temperatures continue to trend downward, and the city becomes noticeably cooler, particularly during the evenings. Tourists can expect crisp and refreshing mornings, followed by warm afternoons, creating pleasing contrasts.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses a significant drop in temperatures in
Sierra Vista, signaling the onset of the winter season. The city starts to cool down rapidly, necessitating warm clothing, particularly after sunset. Comparatively fewer daylight hours further accentuate the sense of winter, with the sun setting early in the evening.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Sierra Vista is characterized by the chills of winter. The city faces its coldest month, with temperatures dropping down to a daily average low of 37.8°F (3.2°C). Snow showers happen occasionally, usually amounting to an average snowfall of 1.22" (31mm), adding a picturesque winter aura to the city.
Weather in December »