Climate and monthly weather forecast
Portales, NM

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Silhouette windmill images on a small hill in Portales in NM, below the colorful yellow, orange, and grey sunset sky
Silhouette windmill images on a small hill in Portales in NM, below the colorful yellow, orange, and grey sunset sky

The climate of Portales

Portales, New Mexico, USA, lies within the purview of the BSk or the Mid-latitude steppe Köppen climate classification. This indicates a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers, cool winters, and minimal rainfall. The climate data reveals an annual progression, presenting the changing conditions over the months.

Average high temperatures vary from 50°F (10°C) in January up to 90°F (32.2°C) from June to August, showcasing the warmth of the summer months. Concurrently, the low temperatures run the gamut from 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in the winter month of December to a balmy 69.4°F (20.8°C) in July. Relative humidity follows this pattern to an extent, with the lowest in April at 34% and culminating in 54% in December.

Rainfall sets a characteristic graph, recording as low as 0.28" (7mm) in November and peaking at 1.81" (46mm) in October. Intriguingly, most rainfall days occur in summer and early autumn, particularly from June to September with a peak of 12.9 days in July. Adding to this idiosyncratic pattern is the presence of snowfall only from November and through March, peaking in December with 1.18" (30mm).

The amount of daylight Portales sees over a year runs from 9.9 hours in December to 14.4 hours during June, denoting the extended summer solstice. Correspondingly, the average number of hours of sunshine ranges from 7 hours in the winter months of December and January to a pleasant 11.9 in July. The UV index mirrors this, ranging from a low of 2 in December to a zenith of 7 in the summer.

One can expect high visibility throughout the year as it does not fluctuate, remaining at 6 miles. Wind speeds in Portales span from 9.9mph (15.9km/h) in August to 13.3mph (21.4km/h) in April, demonstrating a mild wind behavior. Atmospheric pressure, on the other hand, remains consistently between 29.84 in/hg in June and 30.11 in/hg in January.

The best time to visit Portales

Given the examination of climatic parameters, the best time to visit Portales would arguably be September. It is a month where the weather moderates after the searing summer. Average high temperatures start to drop, reaching a comfortable 81.7°F (27.6°C) and low temperatures are still reasonable, averaging 61.2°F (16.2°C). Besides, the daylight period remains generous at 12.4 hours. Furthermore, wind speeds are at a relatively low average of 10.6mph (17.1km/h), indicating consistent weather for visitors to explore and bask in the sites of Portales.

The worst time to visit Portales

The harshest period in Portales is in the heart of winter, particularly in December. The dropping daylight hours and minimum UV index signify a less hospitable environment for most visitors. The chill is evident with average high temperatures dipping to 50°F (10°C) and lows down to 31.1°F (-0.5°C), which might incongruity outdoor activities. The increased snowfall and cloud cover during this month may deter travelers seeking sun and warmth.

Spring weather in Portales

The spring season in Portales from March to May brings warming temperatures along with an increase in daylight hours. Temperatures oscillate between an average high of 65.3°F (18.5°C) in March, up to an appreciable 80.1°F (26.7°C) in May. Correspondingly, low temperatures too make a leap from 42.3°F (5.7°C) to 55.4°F (13°C). Rainfall ranges from 0.63" (16mm) in March to as much as 1.02" (26mm) in May, thus supplying sufficient hydration without causing inconvenience.

Summer weather in Portales

During the local summer, which spans from June through August, temperatures in Portales soar up to 90°F (32.2°C). Balmy low temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C) to 69°F (20.6°C), thus marking a warm and humid phase. Rainfall occurs most frequently in this period, with July witnessing the highest number, approximately 12.9 rainfall days. However, the downpour amount isn't substantial to cause any significant disruption.

Autumn weather in Portales

Autumn is marked by a drop in temperatures from the peak summer highs. The average high fluctuates between 81.7°F (27.6°C) in September and 59.5°F (15.3°C) in November, whereas the average low moves from 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 39.2°F (4°C). Interestingly, despite the decreasing temperatures, rainfall peaks in October at 1.81" (46mm) among the driest phases of February and November.

Winter weather in Portales

The winter in Portales sees temperatures plummeting, with average highs falling from 59.5°F (15.3°C) in November to 50°F (10°C) in December before moving back up slightly in January. Low temperatures trail the trend, sinking to a bottommost value of 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in December. Snowfall graces the land from November to March, with the most abundant fall of 1.18" (30mm) in December, making it a period to revel in winter festivities.

Weather in January

January's weather in Portales, New Mexico delivers the year's lowest temperatures, making it the coldest month, with temperatures as low as 31.3°F (-0.4°C) and as high as 50.9°F (10.5°C). Snow is not uncommon this month, providing a wintry spectacle for locals and visitors alike. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Portales, New Mexico witnesses a snail-paced increase in temperature, a sign of the impending spring. Even though the thermometer's mercury rises slightly compared to the previous month, it is still a cold time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 33.6°F (0.9°C) to 54.7°F (12.6°C). Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into spring, March in Portales, New Mexico observes a significant leap in temperatures, typically between 42.3°F (5.7°C) and 65.3°F (18.5°C). As the temperature rises, so does the vibrancy of nature, signaled by burgeoning flowers and greener landscapes. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Portales, New Mexico brings warmer temperatures, ranging from 47.7°F (8.7°C) to 72.3°F (22.4°C), offering ideal conditions for outdoor excursions. Nature brims with energy, as the longer sunshine hours spur the growth and development of vegetation. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Heat seeps into the city of Portales, New Mexico in May, as temperatures continue to climb, with a range from 55.4°F (13°C) to 80.1°F (26.7°C). The vibrant colors of flora become more vivid under the bright, abundant sunshine. Marked by the highest rainfall of 1.02" (26mm), the city is abuzz with life and activity. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June greets Portales, New Mexico with summer heat, as the average temperatures peak at 90.7°F (32.6°C). Nature appears in full bloom, painted with every saturation of green under the generous sunlight. The rising temperatures couple with the highest level of humidity seen so far, creating a palpable feel of summer. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Portales, New Mexico experiences the highest temperatures of the year, with an average high at an intense 90.5°F (32.5°C). July's sun blazes down on the city, enhancing the thriving bustling summer atmosphere. Despite the heat, showers are still frequent, providing a much-needed relief for the summer-ripened landscapes. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Portales, New Mexico extends its summer ambiance, as temperatures hover between 68.2°F (20.1°C) and 90.1°F (32.3°C). The city radiates life under the hot sun, with long summer days and warm, pleasant evenings. Despite the decrease in rainfall from the peak month of July, August is still marked by regular showers, maintaining a humid atmosphere. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Portales, New Mexico ushers in the initial hints of fall. The month witnesses a temperature shift, on the cooler side, from 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 81.7°F (27.6°C). Although the intensity of the sun reduces, the abundant sunshine helps maintain warm afternoon temperatures. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Portales, New Mexico is a golden month, with fall in full sway and temperatures cool down between 49.5°F (9.7°C) to 70.2°F (21.2°C). October's sun shines differently, gilding the city with an autumnal hue and creating a picturesque setting. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November in Portales, New Mexico, temperatures fall even further, lying between 39.2°F (4°C) and 59.5°F (15.3°C), offering the first glimpse of approaching winter. The fading sunlight and the chilly gusts adding the final brush strokes to the autumn canvas. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Portales, New Mexico bears the return of winter with temperatures dropping from 31.1°F (-0.5°C) to 50°F (10°C). Amid the chill, the city glows under the holiday lights, making the shorter days feel magical rather than gloomy. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 30, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain?

In Portales, during the entire year, the rain falls for 86.6 days and collects up to 11.77" (299mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, October through December.

When does it snow the most?

The months with the most snowfall in Portales are January and February, with an average 1.34" (34mm) of accumulated snow.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 12.8 snowfall days, and 5.79" (147mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January, February and December, with an average of 7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 34%, April is the least humid month in Portales.

When it does not snow?

In Portales, snow does not fall in May through September.

What are the warmest months?

Portales experiences its average highest temperatures in June, reaching a peak of 90.7°F (32.6°C) and a minimum of 66.7°F (19.3°C).

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year in Portales, with an average of 14h and 24min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 11.9h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year in Portales.

When is the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Portales.

What is the wettest month?

October is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 6.6 days and accumulates 1.81" (46mm) of precipitation.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is November, when the rain falls for 2.6 days and typically collects 0.28" (7mm) of precipitation.

What month is the coldest?

In Portales, December is the month with the lowest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 50°F (10°C) and a low of 31.1°F (-0.5°C).

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 54%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 54min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The month with the lowest UV index is December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
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Long-term
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Average temperature
Portales, NM

Average temperature - Portales, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (90.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (50°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (31.1°F).

Average pressure
Portales, NM

Average pressure - Portales, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.84"Hg).

Average wind speed
Portales, NM

Average wind speed - Portales, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (13.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (9.9mph).

Average humidity
Portales, NM

Average humidity - Portales, NM

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (54%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (34%).

Average rainfall
Portales, NM

Average rainfall - Portales, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (1.81").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (0.28").

Average rainfall days
Portales, NM

Average rainfall days - Portales, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (12.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (2.6 days).

Average snowfall
Portales, NM

Average snowfall - Portales, NM

The months with the highest snowfall are January and February (1.34").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Portales, NM

Average snowfall days - Portales, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (3.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Portales, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Portales, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Portales, NM

Average sunshine days - Portales, NM

The month with the most sunshine days is January (26.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (14 days).

Average UV index
Portales, NM

Average UV index - Portales, NM

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Portales, NM

Average cloud cover - Portales, NM

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 21).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 13).

Average visibility
Portales, NM

Average visibility - Portales, NM

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Portales, New Mexico, USA

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