Rapides Parish Climate
Rapides Parish, Louisiana
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
66.4°F
Annual Precip
59.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"
Extreme Heat Days
94
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
9a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
6,398
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Rapides Parish
Climate Verdict
Rapides Parish has a warm, averaging 66.4°F year-round, very wet conditions receiving 59.3 inches of precipitation annually, significant summer heat with 94.48333333333333 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 48.7°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 82.2°F. The 34°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.
Regional Context
Rapides Parish closely matches the Louisiana statewide average temperature of 67.0°F.
Climate Profile
About Rapides Parish Weather
A classic southern climate
Rapides Parish averages 66.4°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. This central Louisiana location experiences high humidity and consistent warmth.
Close to the state average
The parish temperature of 66.4°F is nearly identical to the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It serves as a benchmark for the state's interior weather patterns.
Wetter than its neighbors
Rapides receives 59.3 inches of rain, making it wetter than nearby Natchitoches Parish at 55.9 inches. It also matches the high regional count of 94 extreme heat days.
Intense heat and soft winters
Summers are hot, averaging 81.5°F with 94 days over 90°F annually. Winters are mild at 50.5°F, and snow is extremely rare at 0.1 inches per year.
Plan for heavy summer rain
Expect frequent thunderstorms during the 59.3-inch annual rainfall cycle. Cooling is essential for the 94 days of extreme heat, so maintain efficient insulation and AC units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Rapides Parish?
How much rain does Rapides Parish get?
Does it snow in Rapides Parish?
How hot does Rapides Parish get in summer?
How cold are winters in Rapides Parish?
Track your own weather in Rapides Parish
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.