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Gaines County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec61.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

61.7°F

Annual Precip

17.2"

Annual Snowfall

4.8"

Extreme Heat Days

97

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.7"
0.7"
1.0"
1.1"
2.2"
1.9"
2.0"
1.8"
2.8"
1.3"
1.0"
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

5,190

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/02
First fall frost (32°F): 11/06

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring53°71°4.3"Summer79°81°5.8"Fall51°72°5.1"Winter42°46°2.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 77% of US counties
Wetter than 10% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 28% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Gaines County

Climate Verdict

Gaines County has a warm, averaging 61.7°F year-round, semi-arid conditions with only 17.2 inches of annual precipitation, significant summer heat with 96.6 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 4.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 42.1°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 80.6°F. The 38°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

Gaines County is 3.8°F cooler than the Texas statewide average of 65.5°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 14.7 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Gaines County Weather

High Desert West Texas

Gaines County has an annual average temperature of 61.7°F, which is milder than many southern counties. However, its 17.2 inches of annual rain marks it as an exceptionally dry, semi-arid environment.

Dry and Temperate Plains

At 61.7°F, Gaines is nearly 4 degrees cooler than the Texas state average. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, receiving only about half of the 31.9-inch Texas average rainfall.

Typical West Texas Aridity

Gaines shares the low-moisture, high-sunlight profile of the Permian Basin and Llano Estacado. It receives significantly more snow than Central Texas neighbors but far less rain than East Texas.

Hot Afternoons and Snow

Summers are hot with 97 days reaching 90°F, while July averages 80.6°F. Winters are cold and dry, featuring 4.8 inches of annual snowfall and an average winter temperature of 43.6°F.

Brace for Low Humidity

Residents must plan for 97 days of extreme heat by using swamp coolers or high-efficiency AC. Winter weather preparation is also necessary to handle the 4.8 inches of snow that periodically covers the plains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Gaines County?
The average annual temperature in Gaines County, TX is 61.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Gaines County get?
Gaines County receives an average of 17.2 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 Gaines County?
Yes, Gaines County receives an average of 4.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Gaines County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Gaines County is 79.6°F. The county experiences an average of 97 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Gaines County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Gaines County is 43.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 42.1°F.

Track your own weather in Gaines 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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