Santa Cruz County Climate
Santa Cruz County, Arizona
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
61.7°F
Annual Precip
16.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.4"
Extreme Heat Days
90
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
8a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
4,785
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Santa Cruz County
Climate Verdict
Santa Cruz County has a warm, averaging 61.7°F year-round, semi-arid conditions with only 16.1 inches of annual precipitation, significant summer heat with 90.19999999999999 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 46.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.2°F. The 32°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.
Regional Context
Santa Cruz County closely matches the Arizona statewide average temperature of 63.5°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Arizona, the county experiences 23.214991591741608 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Santa Cruz County Weather
Mild and Moist Southern Borderlands
Santa Cruz County averages 61.7°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than much of the desert Southwest. It is one of the wettest regions in Arizona, receiving 16.1 inches of precipitation per year.
Cooler and Wetter Than the State Average
The county's 61.7°F average is nearly two degrees cooler than the Arizona state average of 63.5°F. It also exceeds the state's average rainfall by nearly 4 inches, making it a relatively lush environment for the region.
A Cooler Refuge Near Pima County
Santa Cruz is noticeably cooler than Pima County, which averages 68.1°F just to the north. It also receives significantly more moisture than Yuma, which survives on only 4.1 inches of rain compared to Santa Cruz's 16.1.
Moderate Summers and Soft Winters
July averages a temperate 78.2°F, supported by only 90 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are comfortable with a 47.0°F average and negligible snowfall of only 0.4 inches.
Plan for Rain and Moderate Sun
The 16.1 inches of rain mean residents should maintain good drainage systems and prepare for a vibrant growing season. While there are 90 heat days, the mild 78.2°F July average allows for more outdoor flexibility than neighboring counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.