The climate of Los Alamos
Los Alamos,
New Mexico, USA, lies within the Cfb Köppen climate classification, known as the marine west coast, with warm summers. This categorization is reflective of the weather patterns experienced throughout the year, notable for moderately warm temperatures and a somewhat equitable distribution of rainfall. Divergences in weather parameters, however, characterize each month, painting a dynamic portrait of Los Alamos' climate.
Throughout the year, monthly average high temperatures fluctuate from 37.9°F (3.3°C) in
January to 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
July. Low temperatures shift from 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in January and
December to 59.2°F (15.1°C) in July. These values reveal the contrast between the bite of winter and the gentle warmth of summer. Los Alamos experiences a substantial swing in snowfall, witnessing 5.24" (133mm) in January and no snowfall from
June to
October.
In terms of precipitation, the city sees an average rainfall between 0.39" (10mm) in
April and 2.56" (65mm) in July. Humidity also fluctuates, from 33% in June to 70% in January, bringing about variations in the environment's moisture content. The number of daylight hoursalso vary from month to month, with December possessing the fewest at 9.8 hours and June enjoying the most at 14.6 hours.
The best time to visit Los Alamos
Given the climate characteristics and weather patterns, the best time to visit
Los Alamos hinges on the visitor's preference for either warm or cold weather. If outdoor leisure activities are a priority, the months between
May and
September offer the most sunlight, with temperatures ranging from 59.7°F (15.4°C) to 80.6°F (27°C). These months provide ample daylight ranging from 13.1 hours to 14.6 hours, perfect for exploring outdoors. The lower humidity levels during these months, particularly in May (35%) and
June(33%), might provide a more comfortable experience.
The worst time to visit Los Alamos
On the flip side, the colder months from
November through
February could be a less appealing time to visit for those not fond of colder temperatures. Average high temperatures drop to between 37.9°F (3.3°C) and 49.5°F (9.7°C) during these months while the lowest temperatures can hit between 21.6°F (-5.8°C) to 29.5°F (-1.4°C). Snowfall becomes an everyday reality during these months, with
January experiencing an average of 5.24" (133mm) of snow.
Spring weather in Los Alamos
Spring in
Los Alamos sees an increase in temperature, with the monthly high temperature rising from 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
March to 68.5°F (20.3°C) in
May. Conversely, the monthly lows grow from 31.5°F (-0.3°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C). This season witnesses a decrease in snowfall from 1.54" (39mm) in March to no snowfall in May. Rainfall sees a gradual decrease from 0.71" (18mm) in March to 0.67" (17mm) in May, while humidity levels drop fairly steeply.
Summer weather in Los Alamos
Summers in
Los Alamos are notably warm, with temperatures peaking at 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
July. Low temperatures, on the other hand, vary from 54.7°F (12.6°C) to 59.2°F (15.1°C) during these months. Rainfall sees a sharp increase, especially in July, where it hits a record 2.56" (65mm). Humidity levels climb up during this season, making it the wettest period of the year in Los Alamos.
Autumn weather in Los Alamos
Fall in
Los Alamos is characterized by a decline in temperatures, with highs falling from 73.9°F (23.3°C) in
September to 49.5°F (9.7°C) in
November. Lows correspondingly decrease from 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 29.5°F (-1.4°C). Rainfall drops significantly from 1.22" (31mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November, while snowfall begins to appear in November.
Winter weather in Los Alamos
Winter witness drastic drops in temperature with highs averaging from 38.8°F (3.8°C) in
December to 37.9°F (3.3°C) in
January. The lows fall hefty into the low twenties. Snowfall is at its peak with 5.24" (133mm) in January before falling to 4.96" (126mm) in December. Rainfall in winters is relatively low, making this period the driest amongst all seasons.
Weather in January
January in
Los Alamos,
New Mexico marks the outset of the year with a chilly atmosphere. The city remains cloaked under thick coats of winter frost. An intriguing mix of snowy landscapes and cold breezes characterizes this month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving forward, the weather in
February eases from the extreme cold of
January to a slightly warmer state, signaling the transition towards spring. Despite remaining the bastion of winter,
Los Alamos encounters a decrease in snowfall, preparing the region for the warmer months ahead.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Los Alamos welcomes the early stages of spring in
March. The city shifts from winter lows to a more pleasant and warm climate. However, the remnants of winter are not entirely shed. A high of 52.3°F (11.3°C) indicates the transformation towards spring while the dropping snowfall indicates the city's winter might.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April extends the warm embrace of spring across
Los Alamos. The weather conditions shift dramatically in favor of warm sunshine as winter fades into memory. Donning the characteristic light drizzle, the valley is awash with vivid hues of blossoming flowers and leaves.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May stands at the threshold between spring and summer in
Los Alamos. The town basks in a pleasant climate, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the outdoors. Witness the stunning sights of the valley dipped in the splendid light of longer days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Stepping into summer,
June in
Los Alamos is a vibrant and lively month. As the mercury levels continue to rise, the town makes a smooth transition into memorable summer. In complete contrast to the frigid winters, the city pulsates with the summer heat and lush, green landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses the zenith of the summer months in
Los Alamos. The city basks in the glory of sunny days and clear skies high above. Nevertheless, this high-temperature month is not devoid of a significant share of rainfall. The city endures the year's highest rainfall measuring 2.56" (65mm), bringing the occasional refreshing respite from the summer heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Los Alamos continues the summer rhythm but begins the slow downward trend in temperature. Treading the fine balance between the summer warmth and anticipated coolness, the city presents an admixture of climates. Though the weather oscillates around a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C), it inclines towards the upcoming fall patterns.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
Los Alamos. The summer heat tapers off to give way to a cooler and cozier ambit. The city is decorated in hues of orange and brown as the telltale signs of autumn make an appearance. With the temperature dropping to 73.9°F (23.3°C), the city displays a kaleidoscope of warm fall colors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings in the heart of the fall season. It is a magical time with weather conditions idyllic for outdoor activities and long strolls. The city witnesses a significant drop in temperature compared to
September. However, a high of 61.5°F (16.4°C) renders October a popular traveling period, with tourists flocking to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the fall season in the city. October involves a decrease in temperature, down from a warm 73.9°F (23.3°C) in September to a comfortable 61.5°F (16.4°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November introduces the chill of approaching winters. As temperatures continue to drop,
Los Alamos prepares to bid goodbye to the vibrant fall and welcome the cold winter. A tangible crispness hangs in the air, signaling a change.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings with it the return of winter in
Los Alamos. The weather turns harsher and colder, marking the onset of the winter solstice. The sight of falling snowflakes becomes a common spectacle, painting a picturesque white landscape.
Weather in December »