The climate of Marfa
Marfa,
Texas, has a predominating climate that falls within the Köppen classification as a BSk, or Mid-latitude steppe. This classification indicates a semi-arid climate marked by moderate rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters. Nestled within the high desert of the Trans-Pecos, the weather conditions fluctuate considerably throughout the year.
Weather elements such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and snowfall show distinctive variance as the year progresses. The highest average temperature in Marfa peaks at around 88.3°F (31.3°C) during summer months, while the lowest drops to about 35.8°F (2.1°C) in the colder months. Annual temperatures tend to revolve between 35.8°F (2.1°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C) making it a location with relatively balanced temperatures.
Humidity ranges from its lowest point of 28% in
April to a high of 58% in
September. Marfa's climate is characterized by mostly dry months with low humidity levels, except between September, where the humidity reaches its peak. There is a notable presence of precipitation, reaching its height in September with 2.64" (67mm) and a lowest of 0.2" (5mm) in
February. Snowfall is rather light and unusual, predominantly from
December to February, albeit in small amounts.
Wind speed fluctuates moderately from around 7.3mph (11.7km/h) to 10.5mph (16.9km/h), with peak speeds reaching 15.1mph (24.3km/h) in the month of April. The relatively high wind speeds are a defining feature of the steppe climate.
The best time to visit Marfa
For those planning a visit, the most favorable time to travel to
Marfa is between late spring and early summer. During this period, the weather tends to be the most comfortable, with temperatures averaging between 69.3°F (20.7°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C). The days are characterized by less rainfall, ranging from 0.35" (9mm) to 1.46" (37mm), coupled with moderate humidity levels of 32% to 40%.
The worst time to visit Marfa
The least enticing time to visit
Marfa falls around the late summer and early autumn months. During this period, the weather conditions are relatively challenging with high precipitation reaching up to 2.64" (67mm) coupled with high humidity levels peaking at 58%. Additionally, the temperatures during these months can reach up high to 88.3°F (31.3°C), making it relatively uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Marfa
Spring weather in
Marfa marks the transition from the cold winter months to moderate warmth. Temperatures start at 55.2°F (12.9°C) in
March and gradually rise to reach about 75.2°F (24°C) by
May. Rainfall is relatively low in spring, ranging from 0.24" (6mm) to 0.91" (23mm). Additionally, wind speeds are relatively high during this period, averagely peaking around 10.5mph (16.9km/h) in May.
Summer weather in Marfa
The summer months in
Marfa are characterized by high temperatures reaching up to 88.3°F (31.3°C) and moderate rainfall that ranges from 1.46" (37mm) to 2.01" (51mm). The levels of humidity also gradually rise, peaking at 48% in both
July and
August. Days are longer with daylight hours climbing to 14.1 hours in
June and reducing slightly to 13.2 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Marfa
Autumn in
Marfa is marked by a significant drop in temperatures from 79.2°F (26.2°C) in
September to 62.8°F (17.1°C) by
November. This period experiences the highest rainfall of the year, peaking at 2.64" (67mm) in September before dropping to 0.51" (13mm) by November. Humidity levels also fluctuate during this period, peaking at 58% in September then dropping to 49% by November.
Winter weather in Marfa
Winter in
Marfa is characterized by low temperatures averaging between 35.8°F (2.1°C) in
January to 55.6°F (13.1°C) by
December. Rainfall is at its lowest, dropping to 0.47" (12mm) in December and experiencing a slight increase to 0.51" (13mm) by
February. This period also witnesses the occurrence of mild snowfall, predominantly in December and January, with snowfall reaching 0.67" (17mm) and 0.43" (11mm) in December and January respectively.
Weather in January
With the beginning of the new year,
Marfa experiences crisp weather, with
January bringing the coldest temperatures of the year. The climate reveals lower humidity levels, and with the temperature ranging from 35.8°F (2.1°C) to 55.2°F (12.9°C), the residents embrace chillier nights and cool days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February retains the winter season's charm, though it is slightly milder compared to
January. The temperatures gradually increase, and the city embraces more vibrant, sunny days. While precipitation rates are almost the same, snowfall does decrease, hinting at the arrival of spring.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March witnesses a distinctive shift as temperatures start to ascend, signaling the arrival of spring in
Marfa. The city sees warmer days, relatively lower humidity, and an increase in the length of daylight. Rainfall totals jump up to 0.35" (9mm) and spread over nearly five days, replenishing the city's breath-taking flora.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in genuine spring weather, with temperatures ranging from 52.9°F (11.6°C) to 75.2°F (24°C). The rise in temperature corresponds with an increase in rainfall and humidity, contributing to the vibrant bloom of
Marfa's vegetation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings significant warmth to
Marfa, with summer clearly on the horizon. The stark difference in temperature projections from
April creates a distinct change in the city's climate. With up to 0.91" (23mm) of rainfall over eight days, this month records a higher precipitation level, further enhancing the city's captivating landscape.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June delivers the definitive arrival of the summer season, with maximum temperatures nearing 88.3°F (31.3°C). Sunshine hours peak this month, perfect for those who love soaking in sun-rays. However, the most noticeable change is the substantial increase in rainfall, measuring up to 1.46" (37mm) over ten rainy days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Marfa steps into
July, it experiences the peak of summer with temperatures around 85.6°F (29.8°C) and humidity levels rising to 48%. This month brings an even higher rainfall volume of 2.32" (59mm) spread over 15 days, making it the wettest month of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
August mirrors that of
July, maintaining high temperatures and humidity levels. This continuity in weather patterns witnesses rainfall quantities closely resembling that of July, though slightly lower. Despite the high levels of precipitation, the city basks in ample sunlight, with the wind playing a soothing counterpoint to the summer heat.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Marfa steps into the transitioning phase from summer to fall. The weather is dominated by lower daytime temperatures, and residents start noticing a decrease in humidity. The changes in the weather pattern make September the rainiest month of the year, with precipitation escalating to 2.64" (67mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a refreshing reprieve from the heat and humidity of the preceding summer months. The temperatures register a sharp drop from
September, revealing the city's mild autumn climate. Rainfall decreases drastically to 0.79" (20mm) over just six days, indicating much drier months ahead.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Marfa prompts the gradual arrival of winter, with temperatures decreasing further. This period sees slimmer chances of rainfall and re-introduces the possibility of sparse snowfall. The daylight hours begin to decrease and Marfa enters into a phase of lower pressure levels and reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Marfa gears up for another winter in
December, marked by a drop in temperatures and minimally occurring rainfall. The city sees reduced sunshine hours, and shorter daylight hours become a norm. However, the probability of snowfall increases, with light showers predicted on a couple of days, painting the cityscape white.
Weather in December »