Rio Arriba County Climate
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.8°F
Annual Precip
14.8"
Annual Snowfall
37.6"
Extreme Heat Days
17
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,008
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Rio Arriba County
Climate Verdict
Rio Arriba County has a cool, averaging 46.8°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.8 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 16.72 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 37.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 26.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.3°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Rio Arriba County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Rio Arriba County is 8.1°F cooler than the New Mexico statewide average of 54.8°F, the county experiences 41.18685545935546 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Rio Arriba County Weather
Chilly Northern Mountain Climate
Rio Arriba County is quite cold by national standards, with an annual average temperature of 46.8°F. The county receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, making it a distinctly wintry region.
Among the Coldest in NM
Rio Arriba's 46.8°F average is much lower than the state's 54.8°F baseline. Despite its cold temperatures, its 14.8 inches of annual precipitation is very close to the state average of 14.0 inches.
Less Snow Than Neighboring Mora
Rio Arriba's 37.6 inches of snow is significant but trails far behind Mora County's 62.1 inches. It remains much cooler than southern San Juan County, averaging only 17 days of extreme heat.
Harsh Winters and Brief Summers
Winters are cold with a 28.0°F average, while July temperatures peak at a mild 68.3°F. Extreme heat is rare here, occurring only 17 days per year on average.
Winterize Your Home and Car
With a winter average of 28.0°F and 37.6 inches of snow, freezing pipes and road safety are major considerations. You can save on cooling costs, as temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.
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.