The climate of Socorro
Socorro, nestled in
New Mexico, USA, basks in the climate classified under the Köppen system as BSk, confirming a predominate Mid-latitude steppe climate. This climate specification emanates from the trend visible in the annual weather conditions, where aridity features prominently. An examination of the monthly climate data reveals distinct variations and patterns in weather, providing a comprehensive portrait of what to expect in Socorro throughout the year.
Distinctive swings in temperature become clear on investigating the year's climate. The coldest month typically is
January, with an average low temperature dipping to 29.8°F (-1.2°C), while the summertime brings the warmth, pushing the thermometer to 88.3°F (31.3°C) on an average in
June. Transitional seasons, namely spring and autumn, present moderate temperatures closely following these seasonal trends.
Humidity also takes a stride throughout the year, dipping to 25% relative humidity during
April,
May and June, climbing to a peak of 54% in January. Precipitation in Socorro is relatively low year-round, with the maximum rainfall occurring in
August and
September. Uniquely, despite its arid climate, Socorro does experience a measure of snowfall between
November to
February.
The best time to visit Socorro
A careful analysis of the available weather data makes it clear that the best time to visit
Socorro hinges heavily on what the visitors want from their trip. For those seeking the warm, sunny ambiance typical of desert climes, the months from
May to
September are ideal. These months have average high temperatures ranging from 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C), coupled with extended daylight hours (from 13.9 to 14.4 hours a day), offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Socorro
The more inhospitable side of
Socorro’s climate emerges between
November and
February. Freezing temperatures dominate this period, with lows falling between 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and 38.3°F (3.5°C), and snowfall becoming a common occurrence despite Socorro's arid climate.
January sees the highest relative humidity levels at 54% which, combined with the lower temperatures, might make the period less comfortable for visitors.
Spring weather in Socorro
Spring in
Socorro welcomes warmer temperatures, heralding the onset of the desert summer.
March signals the commencement of spring, seeing an uptick in temperatures with highs breaking into the 60s°F, reaching up to 69.6°F (20.9°C) in
May. The relative humidity plummets to about 25% in
April and May, marking the onset of the arid period.
Summer weather in Socorro
From
June to
August,
Socorro bakes under the desert sun, which stays up for up to 14.4 daylight hours, the longest in the year. Average high temperatures sore from 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C), with sunlight hours ranging from 11.7 to 12 hours a day, making summer the most sundrenched period of the year.
Autumn weather in Socorro
Autumn in
Socorro brings a noticeable drop in temperature.
September starts the transition, with average high temperatures falling from 79.5°F (26.4°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C) by
October. October heralds the beginning of the wet period, with an increase in the number of rainfall days from 6.4 to 12.1.
Winter weather in Socorro
In
Socorro, the winter chill begins to set in by
November, with an average low temperature of 38.3°F (3.5°C), dropping further to 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in
January. The frequency of snowfall days increases from 0.8 in November to 2.1 in
December, marking the beginning of the snowy period in Socoro’s calendar.
Weather in January
January, in
Socorro, greets the New Year with a winter chill. Temperatures gradually begin to climb from
December lows, however, the difference is relatively marginal. Snowfall is commonplace, painting the landscape with the soft white hue of winter.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, the mild elevation in temperature gives the first indications of winter's wane. This month proves to exhibit a curious blend of weather patterns, wherein occasional rain showers and dwindling snowfalls coexist.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a distinctive shift in
Socorro's weather, leaving much of the winter's chill behind. Engaging patterns of varied weather phenomena encompass spring rainfall with fewer snow days than the previous month. The daylight hours continue to expand, embracing the city with more of the sun's warmth and brightness.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Socorro brings about a significant increase in temperatures, indicating a clear departure from the colder seasons. The weather begins to tilt towards the warmer side, with smatterings of rainfall adding an essential balance.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May is marked by a surge of warmth, as
Socorro readies itself for the summer. The city sees a greater percentage of sunlit days in comparison to the earlier months. Rainfall remains sporadic, offering brief moments of relief from the steadily rising mercury.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June announces the onset of summer in
Socorro, defined by increased warmth and longer daylight hours. Experiencing the warmest days of the year, the city finds a dance between daily sunshine and occasional rainfall. Despite being tagged as the threshold of summer, mild evenings give an exquisite balance to the climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ushers in the peak of summer, featuring the highest temperatures and humidity for the year in
Socorro. A blend of sporadic rainfall and beaming sunlight characterizes the month, offering some respite from the heatwave. Despite the intense warmth, the frequent clouds and higher humidity help to somewhat moderate the heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Socorro continues with high summer temperatures, albeit a slight dip from
July’s peaks. The longer daylight hours persist, coupled with persistent sunshine and the occasional thunderstorm. Rainfall encounters a steady rise, bringing with it a considerable amount of cloud cover that cushions the summer heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September, the weather in
Socorro starts transitioning towards the fall season. Rainfall becomes less frequent as the month progresses, and temperatures begin a gradual decline from the summer highs. The month remains sunny, with reduced humidity levels compared to the summer months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October graces
Socorro, the preceding balmy weather gives way to cooler autumnal temperatures. The weather in October sees a drastic reduction in rainfall compared to
September, while the sunshine remains plentiful. The subtlety gradual change is more than noticeable, with a significant fall in temperatures towards the end of the month.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Socorro is synonymous with the onset of the winter season. Temperatures continue their downward trajectory from
October, and the city experiences fewer hours of daylight. Rainfall becomes scarcer as the atmosphere cools, heralding the frosty weeks ahead.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year in
Socorro culminates with
December, characterized by plummeting temperatures and the return of snowfall. As daylight hours reach their shortest and first snowflakes begin to fall, the weather confirms winter's arrival.
Weather in December »