The climate of Cortez
Cortez,
Colorado, located in the United States, is classified as a Mid-Latitude Steppe (BSk) climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate is characterized by significant temperature swings, with cool, sometimes freezing winters and warm to hot summers. The climate information reveals significant variations in weather conditions as the year unfolds.
Throughout the year, temperatures range from a low point of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in the winter months, peaking at 84.7°F (29.3°C) during the height of summer. Indeed, the variation in temperatures is remarkable, often shifting by several degrees within a singular day.
Humidity, on the other hand, shows a pattern of the lowest values appearing during the summer months and the highest during winter. Humidity levels waver between 26% and 73%, with the least humidity occurring in
June and the most in
January.
Rainfall presents an interesting pattern, involving fairly consistent amounts throughout the year, varying from 0.2" (5mm) in June to 1.26" (32mm) in January and
December. However, the total number of days on which rain falls seems to fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with the greatest frequency during
July (9.6 days) and the least in June (2.8 days).
The city is not without its fair share of a uniquely beautiful snowy winter blanket. The annual snowfall ranges from zero inches between
May to
September and peaks at 8.11" (206mm) in January.
The best time to visit Cortez
According to the climate data, the most favorable time to visit
Cortez would be between
May and
June. During these months, the average temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May to 82°F (27.8°C) in June, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. Furthermore, these months also record the smallest quantity of rainfall, with 0.51" (13mm) in May and 0.2" (5mm) in June respectively. The sunshine days are at their peak during this period, with an impressive 26.2 days of sunshine in June. Visitors can expect an average UV index rating of 5 in May and 6 in June.
The worst time to visit Cortez
If unfavorable weather conditions are a significant consideration, then the least favorable time to visit
Cortez might be from
December to
February. These months record the lowest temperatures, especially in
January and February when the mercury can dip as low as 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and 23.7°F (-4.6°C) respectively. In addition to the low temperatures, these months also register the highest levels of snowfall in Cortez, with January peaking at a significant 8.11" (206mm) of snow.
Spring weather in Cortez
Spring is a rapidly changing season in
Cortez. In
March, the average temperature stays fairly cold, around 50.2°F (10.1°C), accompanied by rainfall of 1.18" (30mm) and a snowfall of 2.72" (69mm). As the season progresses into
April, the temperature sees a notable increase, averaging around 58.8°F (14.9°C). The amount of rainfall and snowfall decrease drastically to 0.67" (17mm) and 0.67" (17mm) respectively. By the time
May rolls around, the spring warmth is in full effect with the temperatures averaging around 68.5°F (20.3°C). May is particularly dry, with only 0.51" (13mm) of rainfall and no snowfall.
Summer weather in Cortez
Summer in
Cortez is characterized by pleasant, warm, and dry weather. From
June to
August, the temperatures experience a steady rise, peaking at 84.7°F (29.3°C) in
July. The rainfall during this season remains below an inch, with the minimum rainfall of 0.2" (5mm) observed in June. Despite the warm climatological conditions, there is no recorded snowfall during this period. This season benefits from extended daylight hours and longer sunshine duration.
Autumn weather in Cortez
Autumn marks the transition from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter in
Cortez. In this season, expect temperatures to fall gradually from 75°F (23.9°C) in
September to a chilly 49.5°F (9.7°C) by
November. The month of September sees 0.47" (12mm) of rainfall, which then rises in
October to 0.87" (22mm) and continues to increase in November with 0.75" (19mm) of rainfall. September also sees no snowfall, but by November the snow starts to blanket the city with 2.68" (68mm).
Winter weather in Cortez
Winter in
Cortez is cold, with average temperatures from
December to
February ranging between 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and 39.4°F (4.1°C). This season is marked by the highest levels of snowfall in the year. December sees 7.44" (189mm) of snow, with an increase to 8.11" (206mm) in
January. The snowfall then tapers off to end with 7.56" (192mm) in February. Despite the cold temperatures, the lower humidity levels during the winter months offer a sharp, crisp air that can often be invigorating.
Weather in January
The weather in
Cortez,
Colorado in
January marks the start of a new year with a firm hold on winter's cold grip. The month stands as one of the coldest, with the mercury dipping to a significant low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and climbing to a high of just 35.1°F (1.7°C) on average.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Rolling into
February, the weather in
Cortez shows a slight increase in temperature, signalling the gradual approach of spring. Despite this, the cold weather persist, having an average peak of 39.4°F (4.1°C) and a low of 23.7°F (-4.6°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
Cortez begins to shift in
March as winter loosens its grip, making way for the beginnings of spring. However, the city experiences a substantial decrease in snowfall, from 7.56" (192mm) in
February to just 2.72" (69mm) in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees the weather in
Cortez transition fully into spring, shedding away the last vestiges of winter. Snowfall becomes nearly non-existent with just an average of 0.67" (17mm) falling over the city. Flower buds start to open, trees get greener, and the city begins to come alive with the vibrancy of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Cortez greatly welcomes the warm embrace of spring. The average high temperature begins to approach summer heat, reaching a satisfying 68.5°F (20.3°C), but the lows still retain a touch of spring's mild coolness at 44.6°F (7°C).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings about the official start of summer in
Cortez, heating up the weather with balmy conditions. Being one of the three months receiving only 0.2" (5mm) of rainfall, June is characterized by dry and sunny days. The hotter weather conditions provide the perfect opportunity to visit the city's beautiful parks or to savour the scenic beauty of surrounding landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Being the hottest month in
Cortez, the weather in
July epitomizes the
Colorado summer, with soaring temperatures reaching an average high of 84.7°F (29.3°C). Alongside, July also sees a noticeable uptick in rainfall, accumulating an average of 0.71" (18mm) over a span of 9.6 days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in
Cortez rounds off the summer with a slightly cooler temperature range compared to
July, providing a much-needed respite from the intense heat. The decrease in temperature provides a balmy and comfortable climate for visiting national parks located near the city.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, the weather in
Cortez starts transitioning towards fall, with a gradual drop in temperatures. The arrival of fall paints a beautiful canvas with trees changing colours and the landscape transforming into a picturesque spectacle.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October heralds the clear arrival of fall in
Cortez, noted for a substantial decrease in temperatures. As the city prepares for winter, the crisp air becomes filled with the aroma of falling leaves. This is the time of year when fall foliage is at its peak, turning the city into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, making a leisurely stroll a feast for the eyes. The start of October comes with a reduction in the average high-temperature, receding from a moderately hot 75°F (23.9°C) in
September to an enjoyable 61.2°F (16.2°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November, the weather in
Cortez takes a colder turn, signaling the impending arrival of winter. The city witnesses a distinct transition, with the fall foliage gradually giving way to winter's barren trees. The month serves as a precursor to the colder months ahead, often accompanied by the first snowflakes of the season. November is characterized by a reduction in the average high-temperature, from an enjoyable 61.2°F (16.2°C) in
October to a frosty 49.5°F (9.7°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December, the weather in
Cortez enters the heart of winter, with temperatures plunging sharply in comparison to the previous month. The average high temperature in December goes down from
November's 49.5°F (9.7°C) to a chilly 37.2°F (2.9°C).
Weather in December »