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Sierra County Climate

Sierra County, New Mexico

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec60.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

60.3°F

Annual Precip

11.0"

Annual Snowfall

3.4"

Extreme Heat Days

85

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.4"
0.3"
0.3"
0.5"
0.6"
2.1"
2.3"
1.8"
0.9"
0.6"
0.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,718

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 03/30
First fall frost (32°F): 11/06

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring52°68°1.1"Summer77°79°5.0"Fall49°71°3.3"Winter41°46°1.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 72% of US counties
Wetter than 2% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 26% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Sierra County

Climate Verdict

Sierra County has a warm, averaging 60.3°F year-round, arid conditions receiving just 11.0 inches of precipitation annually, significant summer heat with 84.51666666666667 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 3.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 41.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 79.5°F. The 38°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

Sierra County is 5.5°F warmer than the New Mexico statewide average of 54.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for New Mexico, the county experiences 26.609811207311203 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Sierra County Weather

Hotter Than the National Average

Sierra County's 60.3°F annual temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. It receives only 11.0 inches of precipitation, well below the national average.

One of New Mexico's Warmest Spots

At 60.3°F, Sierra County is much warmer than the state average of 54.8°F. It is characterized by high heat and very little winter precipitation.

Warmer and Drier Than Neighbors

With 85 days above 90°F, Sierra is hotter than Socorro to the north. It receives only 3.4 inches of snow, which is less than half of what Socorro experiences.

Intense Summer Heat and Minimal Snow

July averages a hot 79.5°F, contributing to 85 extreme heat days each year. Winters remain mild compared to the rest of the state, with an average of 42.7°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Sun Protection

High-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity to survive 85 days above 90°F. Residents can skip the heavy winter gear, as the county only sees 3.4 inches of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Sierra County?
The average annual temperature in Sierra County, NM is 60.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Sierra County get?
Sierra County receives an average of 11.0 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Sierra County?
Yes, Sierra County receives an average of 3.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Sierra County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Sierra County is 78.1°F. The county experiences an average of 85 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Sierra County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Sierra County is 42.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 41.4°F.

Track your own weather in Sierra County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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