The climate of Raton
Characterized by a mid-latitude steppe climate, as defined by the Köppen climate classification,
Raton sits in
New Mexico with notable weather patterns and varied conditions. BSk is the predominating climate classification, indicating relatively dry and temperate conditions throughout the year.
Examining the provided climatological data, a discernible pattern emerges across the multiple parameters provided; changes in temperature, both high and low, rainfall, daylight hours, sunshine hours, wind speed and UV index. Peak high temperatures typically occur in
June to
August, reaching up to 79.5°F (26.4°C) to 81°F (27.2°C), while the coldest temperatures occur from
December to
February with lows plummeting to 21°F (-6.1°C) to 22.8°F (-5.1°C).
Annual rainfall fluctuates, with the highest levels recorded between
July and August, at 2.60in and 2.24in respectively. Remarkably, little to no rainfall is witnessed from
May to
September, indicating a dry period. Interestinly, snowfall is recorded from
October to
April with highest measurements observed in February (4.17in) and
March (4.02in).
The best time to visit Raton
Based on the climate data, the most favorable period to visit
Raton falls between
May and
June. During this time, temperatures range between the welcoming warmth of 68°F (20°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C)—ideal for outdoor explorations and activities. Humidity levels remain relatively low, averaging at around 41% to 42%, ensuring comfortable conditions. Longer daylight hours, an average of 14.2 hours to 14.7, paired with the significant number of sunshine hours (11.6h to 12h) accentuate the visitor experience. Performance of precipitation metrics further bolsters these assertions as both rainfall and snowfall reach a year-round low.
The worst time to visit Raton
The months of
December,
January, and
February showcase the least hospitable conditions for travel in
Raton. A frigid atmosphere prevails as temperatures drop to as low as 21°F (-6.1°C). Reduced daylight hours, declining to as few as 9.7h, coupled with decreased sunshine days, from 22.3 days to 19.4 days, further exacerbate the gloominess. Weather hazards such as increased snowfall, with a maximum of 4.17in in February, and reduced visibility further pose relative challenges during this period.
Spring weather in Raton
In
Raton, spring unfolds from
March to
May, with temperatures gradually increasing from 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 68°F (20°C). The area experiences a notable amount of rainfall, particularly in
April and May, with total precipitation logged at 1.06in and 0.87in respectively. Similarly, the number of sunshine hours increases from 9.3 hours in March to 11.6 hours in May, promoting a temperate and bright ambiance perfect for outdoor pursuits.
Summer weather in Raton
Between
June and
August, summer in
Raton is marked by warm, dry conditions. Temperatures rise to highs of 79.5°F (26.4°C) to 81°F (27.2°C) and low temperatures stick around 53.2°F (11.8°C) to 56.8°F (13.8°C). Despite the slight uptick in humidity levels to 52%, the weather remains pleasant and relatively dry. Occasional fluctuations are marked by striking peaks in rainfall of up to 2.6in in
July.
Autumn weather in Raton
Autumn takes hold of
Raton from
September to
November, painting an idyllic picture of tempering conditions. Temperatures descend gently from the highs of the summer, lowering to an average between 50.7°F (10.4°C) to 73.4°F (23°C). Reduced rainfall amounts, down to just 0.91in in September and
October, facilitate outdoor activities. The sunshine duration reduces slightly to between 11h to 7.8h.
Winter weather in Raton
The onset of winter, from
December to
February, witnesses a marked decline in temperatures. High temperatures drop drastically from a comfortable 40.8°F (4.9°C) to 43.2°F (6.2°C), and lows can plummet down to the chilling range of 21°F (-6.1°C) to 22.8°F (-5.1°C). With snowfall measurements peaking to about 3.43in in December and 4.17in in February, along with reduced daylight hours, winter presents strikingly cold, yet intriguingly beautiful vistas in
Raton.
Weather in January
In
Raton,
New Mexico,
January ushers in the height of winter. The month generally presents frigid temperatures with the lowest dropping to 21.4°F (-5.9°C) and the highest barely crossing 40.8°F (4.9°C). As a consequence of these cold conditions, it witnesses 3.43" (87mm) of snowfall distributed over around seven days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February still holds onto winter characteristics tightly with bone-chilling temperatures and frequent snow showers. There is a noticeable increase in temperature from
January to February with the lowest temperature setting at 22.8°F (-5.1°C) and the highest reaching 43.2°F (6.2°C).
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Raton transitions towards spring in
March, a gradual rise in temperature becomes evident. A striking increase in maximum temperature up to 52.5°F (11.4°C) is observed from
February's highest point. The snow lessens, leaving only 4.02" (102mm) behind, signifying the last call of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings more spring-like weather to
Raton,
New Mexico. The temperatures continue their upwards trajectory from the previous
March values, with the highest reaching up to 59°F (15°C). The rainfall increases to 1.06" (27mm) on average, making it a wetter month than the previous.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Raton,
New Mexico, marks the real commencement of spring. Unfolding warmer weather, the lowest temperature transits at 42.8°F (6°C), providing relief from the freezing cold. Rainfall dips a bit to 0.87" (22mm), paving the way for drier conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Home to summer's onset,
June radiates a warmer ambiance. The climate becomes hot as the month progresses with the highest temperature soaring up to 79.5°F (26.4°C). There is around 1.02" (26mm) average rainfall, indicative of the season's sporadic showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July dominates as the hottest month of the year in
Raton with the highest average temperature recorded at a scorching 81°F (27.2°C). The maximum amount of rainfall for the year can be observed in this month, with a towering 2.6" (66mm) of precipitation.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following
July's precedent,
August retains the hot weather with temperatures barely dropping. The highest temperature remains consistent at 79.5°F (26.4°C), but the intense showers slightly taper off to 2.24" (57mm). Rain continues to play a significant role in defining August's weather, maintaining the humidity level.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, a noticeable transition from the scorching summer heat towards milder autumn begins. The drop in temperature begins with the highest averaging 73.4°F (23°C), indicating that the sting of summer is starting to wear off.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Raton sees a further descent in temperature, with the highest figure settling at 61°F (16.1°C). A significant decrease in sunshine hours is noted, and a crisp, cool autumn breeze begins to take over. A slow but steady transition towards colder months is underway, with the first snowflakes of the season starting to fall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signifies the dawn of winter with a sharp decline in temperature down to a maximum of 50.7°F (10.4°C). It brings increased snowfall — about 2.44" (62mm) — signaling a move towards the snowy winter months. The rain recedes further, leaving behind only 0.39" (10mm) of precipitation.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Raton cements the winter season. The mercury drops further with the maximum temperature settling at 40.1°F (4.5°C). A considerable 3.39" (86mm) of snowfall transforms the city into a snowy retreat. Rainfall is relatively low with around 0.51" (13mm) precipitation adding to the month's total.
Weather in December »