Climate and monthly weather forecast
Nevada, USA

Nevada climate is mainly of arid and semi-arid types (Köppen climate classification BWh/BWk, BSh/ BSk), with hot summers and cold winters. Nevada lies in the Western United States and is the driest state in the union. California in the west, Oregon in the northwest, Idaho in the northeast, Utah in the east, and Arizona in the southeast, share borders with the state. The Pacific Ocean and the desert regions in the south influence the dry climate of the state.

Nevada, the Silver State, is mostly arid, with an average elevation of 1608 meters and highest of 4401 meters at Boundary Peak. The geography consists of desert lands and semi-arid regions of the Great Basin. The Mojave Desert is in the south, while the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe lie in on the western boundary. The southern portion has flat terrain and receives less rain. Mountain ranges above the desert plains consist of lush forests. The Snake River's tributaries drain the north, while the Colorado River drains the southern portion of the state. The Sierra Nevada is home to several rivers, including the Carson, Truckee, and Walker rivers. The vegetation is of alpine and sub-alpine types in the high mountains.

The best time to visit Nevada is in the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November. The spring is cooler than the summer, which tends to be severely hot and uncomfortable in much of the state. The fall season brings color to the landscape and is calmer than the spring and summer. Thunderstorms are frequent in late spring and summer, while mid-summer to early fall experiences tornadoes. The diurnal temperature range is the shortest during April and October, which makes the conditions comfortable.

The worst time to visit Nevada is during the winter as the state experiences cold weather with occasional extreme temperatures. Although extended periods of frigid weather are rare due to high mountain ranges in the north and east, arctic masses spill through them to produce cold waves. Low temperatures drop below freezing in many parts, and sometimes even below 0°F (-17.8°C). The scanty rainfall is responsible for creating cold deserts in much of Nevada. The north and central regions are susceptible to heavy snowfall, particularly in the high mountains. Snowfall over 45" (1143mm) is possible in twenty-four hours, and amounts over 330" (8382mm) in the winter are not rare. However, the cold season is to the liking of snow lovers who find joy in sports like skiing and hunting.

Spring in Nevada is marked by warm weather, with occasional thunderstorms later in the season. It acts as a transition period from the cold winter to the hot summer, providing temperatures that are more comfortable for outdoor activities. Rainfall remains scarce, but the increase in temperatures and blooming vegetation makes this a favorable time for exploration. Temperatures during spring vary across the state, ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Late spring may experience occasional tornadoes, adding a level of unpredictability to the weather.

Nevada's summer is intensely hot and dry, especially in the southern regions. Daytime highs frequently stay above 100°F (37.8°C) from June to September. The difference between day and night temperatures can often exceed 40°F (4.4°C). In the southern parts, like Las Vegas, daytime highs can average 105°F (40.6°C) at the peak of summer. Despite these high temperatures, low humidity levels keep the heat from feeling too oppressive. The summer months also receive minimal precipitation.

Autumn in Nevada offers pleasant conditions with temperatures gradually cooling down from the extreme heat of summer. This season brings color to the landscape, providing picturesque views for travelers. Temperatures generally range from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C) during this period. The fall months are characterized by calm weather, with less frequency of thunderstorms compared to spring and summer. Rainfall continues to be minimal, maintaining Nevada's typically dry climate.

Winter in Nevada varies significantly between the north and south. In the northern regions, winters are long and cold, with minimum temperatures ranging from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C). The southern parts experience shorter and milder winters, with daytime highs averaging 57°F (13.9°C) in Las Vegas. Snowfall is heavy in the central and northern regions, ranging between 20" (508mm) and 30" (762mm), while the south receives occasional light outbursts. Despite the cold weather, the ample sunshine and opportunities for winter sports attract visitors to Nevada's mountainous areas.

January is one of the coldest months of the year in Nevada, with notable differences in climate between the northern and southern parts of the state. In the north, winter temperatures are more severe, while the south experiences milder conditions. In Las Vegas, situated in the southern part of the state, daytime highs average around 58°F (14.4°C), and nighttime lows can drop to 34°F (1.1°C). Weather in January »

February continues the winter season in Nevada, though signs of a gradual transition towards milder weather begin to appear, particularly in the southern parts of the state. The northern areas still experience significant cold, but there's a slight increase in temperature compared to January. In the south, Las Vegas experiences daytime highs of approximately 63°F (17.2°C), with nighttime lows around 39°F (3.9°C). Weather in February »

March in Nevada serves as a transitional month, signaling the arrival of spring and a departure from the cold winter months. The temperature starts to rise throughout the state, but distinctions between the northern and southern regions continue to exist. In Las Vegas, in the southern part of the state, temperatures range from daytime highs of 69°F (20.6°C) to nighttime lows of 44°F (6.7°C). Weather in March »

April in Nevada signifies a firm establishment of spring, with temperatures continuing to rise across the state. The contrast between the northern and southern regions persists, though the entire state enjoys a move towards more temperate conditions. Las Vegas, representing the southern part of Nevada, experiences daytime highs of approximately 78°F (25.6°C), with nighttime lows around 51°F (10.6°C). Weather in April »

May in Nevada marks the transition from spring to the beginnings of summer. With temperatures climbing further, the state begins to experience the warmer weather characteristic of the approaching hot season. In the southern area, such as Las Vegas, daytime highs reach around 88°F (31.1°C), with nighttime lows of 60°F (15.6°C). Weather in May »

June in Nevada signals the full arrival of summer, characterized by hot and arid conditions throughout the state. The temperature continues to soar, marking June as one of the initial months of intense heat. Las Vegas, located in the southern part of Nevada, experiences daytime highs of approximately 100°F (37.8°C), with nighttime lows around 69°F (20.6°C). Weather in June »

July in Nevada represents the peak of the hot summer season. The temperatures reach their zenith, and the arid conditions that characterize the state's climate continue to prevail. In the southern regions, including Las Vegas, daytime highs often stay at or above 104°F (40°C), with nighttime lows at approximately 74°F (23.3°C). Weather in July »

August in Nevada continues the trend of hot and dry summer conditions. Although the temperatures start to show signs of decreasing, the weather remains characterized by its aridity and warmth. In Las Vegas and other southern regions of the state, daytime highs linger around 101°F (38.3°C), with nighttime lows of 70°F (21.1°C). Weather in August »

September brings a noticeable transition in Nevada's weather, with temperatures beginning to decrease as the state moves towards autumn. While the hot and arid conditions persist, especially in the southern parts, there is a gradual shift towards more pleasant and cooler weather. In the southern regions, including Las Vegas, daytime highs are around 95°F (35°C), with nighttime lows near 63°F (17.2°C). Weather in September »

October in Nevada marks a clear transition into autumn, with temperatures continuing to decline and the weather becoming more temperate. The intense heat of the summer months gives way to more comfortable conditions, though the state's overall dryness remains. In southern areas like Las Vegas, daytime highs are typically around 81°F (27.2°C), with nighttime lows of 55°F (12.8°C). Weather in October »

November in Nevada brings further cooling and a transition towards winter, especially in the northern regions. The decline in temperature becomes more pronounced, and while the arid conditions remain, the state experiences a significant shift in its weather patterns. In the southern areas, including cities like Las Vegas, daytime highs average around 67°F (19.4°C), with nighttime lows dropping to 45°F (7.2°C). Weather in November »

December in Nevada heralds the arrival of winter, with temperatures falling significantly and the northern regions experiencing colder conditions. The contrast between the north and south continues, but the overall trend is towards winter weather across the state. In the southern parts, such as Las Vegas, daytime highs are typically around 58°F (14.4°C), with nighttime lows of 38°F (3.3°C). Weather in December »