McKinley County Climate
McKinley County, New Mexico
Avg Annual Temp
49.0°F
Annual Precip
12.8"
Annual Snowfall
26.6"
Extreme Heat Days
29.2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About McKinley County Weather
Cool High Desert Conditions
McKinley County features an annual average temperature of 49.0°F, which is cooler than the national median. The region is semi-arid, receiving 12.8 inches of precipitation and substantial winter snowfall.
Cooler Than the State Average
At 49.0°F, McKinley County stays significantly cooler than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. Its 12.8 inches of annual rain is slightly lower than the statewide average of 14.0 inches.
Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors
McKinley receives 26.6 inches of snow, nearly triple the amount found in San Juan County. While it is cooler than Quay County, it avoids the triple-digit heat frequency found in the state's lower elevations.
Chilly Winters and Mild Summers
Winter temperatures average a cold 30.8°F, supported by over two feet of annual snowfall. Summers are pleasant with a 68.1°F average and only 29 days reaching above 90°F.
Invest in Cold Weather Gear
With 26.6 inches of snow and sub-freezing winter averages, reliable heating and snow removal tools are essential. High-altitude sun protection is also necessary despite the relatively mild 68.1°F summer average.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.