The climate of Shiprock
Situated in
New Mexico, USA,
Shiprock is known for its mid-latitude steppe climate, according to Köppen climate classification. The town experiences a BSk climate, characterized by modest precipitation and broad temperature variations.
During the course of a calendar year, Shiprock experiences significant temperature fluctuation, with the high temperature ranging from 38.8°F (3.8°C) in the coldest month to as high as 89.1°F (31.7°C) in the hottest month. Comparatively, the low temperature varies from 23.7°F (-4.6°C) to 68°F (20°C). Consequently, this extensive temperature variation demonstrates a characteristic pattern of a mid-latitude steppe climate.
Rainfall is generally modest, with monthly averages fluctuating from as low as 0.35" (9mm) up to 1.42" (36mm), indicating a semi-arid condition. The town receives between 4.4 to 15.4 days of rainfall per month depending on the season. Noticeably, the period from
June to
August receives the maximum amount of rainfall, whereas precipitation is at its lowest between
March and
May.
Snowfall is a relatively rare occurrence in Shiprock accounting for just 2.91" (74mm) in
January, declining to a nil quantity by March and remains absent until
November. Similarly, the duration of daylight fluctuates seasonally with a minimum of 10 hours in
December and extending up to 14.7 hours in peak summer months of June and
July.
The best time to visit Shiprock
Summer months of Harlingen, from
May to
September, offer the best timeframe to schedule an expedition. During this period, temperature highs sustain between 73.4°F (23°C) and 89.1°F (31.7°C), providing warm and comfortable weather. This duration also offers maximum daylight, reaching up to 14.7 hours in
June. Additionally, an average humidity of 28% to 35% contributes to the overall comfort and pleasantness of the weather during this timeframe.
The worst time to visit Shiprock
Although
Shiprock can be visited anytime during the year, the period from
December to
February might present less favorable conditions. It is during this span that temperature lows down to 23.7°F (-4.6°C) and high temperature averages do not go beyond 44.8°F (7.1°C). The short duration of daylight hours, which reaches a yearly low of 9.7 hours in December, can limit outdoor activities during these months.
Spring weather in Shiprock
In
Shiprock, the spring season extends from
March to
May. The weather is marked by moderate temperatures with the high temperature averaging from 56.1°F (13.4°C) to 73.4°F (23°C) and lows oscillating between 37°F (2.8°C) to 50.5°F (10.3°C). It is the driest season with rainfall averaging between 0.35" (9mm) to 0.59" (15mm) over 6.8 to 7.2 days per month. This period also sees a significant increase in daylight duration, rising from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Shiprock
Summer in
Shiprock starts in
June and concludes by
September. It is characterized by temperature highs between 73.4°F (23°C) to 89.1°F (31.7°C), while the lows range from 59.9°F (15.5°C) to 68°F (20°C). This period experiences maximum rainfall from 0.43" (11mm) to 1.42" (36mm) over 4.8 to 15.4 days a month. The duration of daylight peaks reaching between 14.1 hours to 14.7 hours and drops gradually to 12.4 hours by the end of September.
Autumn weather in Shiprock
The ensuing autumn months in
Shiprock are between
October and
November, with temperature highs descending from 78.8°F (26°C) to 52.9°F (11.6°C) and lows retreating from 59.9°F (15.5°C) to 34.7°F (1.5°C). Rainfall decreases with November being the driest month, receiving only 0.43" (11mm) of rain spread across 4.4 days. Daylight duration decreases to 10.2 hours by November.
Winter weather in Shiprock
Winter encompasses
December through
February, witnessing the lowest temperatures in
Shiprock with highs between 38.8°F (3.8°C) and 44.8°F (7.1°C) and lows from 23.7°F (-4.6°C) to 28.9°F (-1.7°C). The months of
January and February see the most snowfall amounting to 2.91" (74mm) to 2.56" (65mm), respectively, spread across 4.9 to 4.8 days in a month. Daylight duration is at its lowest, reaching only 9.7 hours a day in December but increases to 10.9 hours by February.
Weather in January
The year begins on a chill note in
Shiprock,
New Mexico, with an icy embrace. The air is thin, crisp and carries humidity at 70%. It can be challenging to recognize the subtleties of the environment because visibility is compromised at around 6 miles.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Similar to
January,
February brings with it a cold charm. Temperatures continue to hover in the lower side while fields lie dormant under winter's sturdy grip. Light snow showers can still be observed, giving way to drier conditions by month-end.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring starts to settle in
March, the weather begins its transition, and
Shiprock starts blooming. Snowfall recedes rapidly, making March a month of change. It has a mere 0.24" (6mm) of snowfall but is not entirely free from winter’s clasp.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April in
Shiprock sees mild temperatures and welcoming spring showers. With the environment changing rapidly, the city focuses more on blooming flora rather than flurries of snow. Snow remains a rare occurrence, with April recording practically no snowfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is an inviting month in
Shiprock. The landscapes radiate vibrancy while the air is filled with a warm and appealing aroma. This month greets residents with cheerful weather and more sunny days. While the temperatures continue to climb, it is the favorable weather conditions that truly mark May.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sun shines brightly in
Shiprock, marking the arrival of summer. Long, warm, sunny days, coupled with a comforting breeze, become a classic depiction of the summer here. Hitting the highest average daylight hours of about 14.7 hours, June stands out as the month with the most extended days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Round the year,
July is the warmest in
Shiprock. It brings sweltering temperatures but also intermittent reprieve from the heat in the form of rain showers. Unsurprisingly, July records the highest average high temperature of 89.1°F (31.7°C) and registers the most amount of rainfall, with 1.34" (34mm).
Weather in July »Weather in August
The sweltering heat of
July hovers, albeit with a less dominant force, in
August. This month marks the retreat of summer, with warm conditions slowly making way for the autumnal chill. August contrasts starkly with its predecessor, as it records a comparatively lower average high temperature of 86°F (30°C).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Shiprock is synonymous with the onset of fall. A considerable dip in temperature can be felt, signaling the departure of summer. While the days still remain sun-soaked, a hint of crispness seeps into the evening air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the mid-fall season in
Shiprock. The weather is characterized by a mix of warm afternoons and cool evenings. A lighter wardrobe during the day and a heavier one for nights are the norms for this month. As nature prepares to brace the winter, the rainfall averages decrease to 0.67" (17mm) compared to
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Shiprock means winter steadily approaching. Temperatures start plummeting, but snowfall remains scarce, with only 0.2" (5mm) recorded on average. A stark contrast can also be seen in the daylight hours, from 11.2 hours in
October to the shortened stretch of 10.2 hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
With an average high temperature of 40.5°F (4.7°C),
December declares the onset of winter in
Shiprock. The decrease in temperature announces the arrival of snow, the city records an average of 2.24" (57mm) of snow. The chilly December wind whistles through the deserted trees, bearing an unmistakable winter note.
Weather in December »