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Zapata County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec74.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

74.4°F

Annual Precip

20.4"

Annual Snowfall

0.1"

Extreme Heat Days

172

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.8"
0.5"
0.7"
1.2"
2.6"
2.6"
2.8"
1.5"
4.4"
1.4"
1.2"
0.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

9b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

9,011

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 01/19
First fall frost (32°F): 12/22

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring70°82°4.5"Summer87°88°7.0"Fall66°83°7.0"Winter57°63°1.9"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 99% of US counties
Wetter than 15% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 6% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Zapata County

Climate Verdict

Zapata County has a hot, with an average annual temperature of 74.4°F, semi-arid conditions with only 20.4 inches of annual precipitation, extreme heat exposure with 171.8 days per year 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 exceptionally mild, with January averaging 57.4°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 87.4°F. The 30°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. January is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.

Regional Context

Zapata County is 8.9°F warmer than the Texas statewide average of 65.5°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 11.5 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 66.9581266173242 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Zapata County Weather

Extreme southern heat and sun

Zapata County is one of the warmest places in the U.S., with a 74.4°F annual average temperature. This semi-arid climate receives only 20.4 inches of rain, making it both hot and dry.

Far exceeding the Texas average

At nearly 75°F, Zapata is roughly nine degrees warmer than the Texas state average. It faces a staggering 172 days of extreme heat each year, nearly double the count of northern counties.

The heart of the Rio Grande

Zapata is much hotter and drier than the state average of 65.5°F and 31.9 inches of rain. Its climate closely mirrors the intense heat found in neighboring Webb and Starr counties.

Endless summer and mild winters

Summer lasts most of the year, with a July average of 87.4°F and virtually no snow. Even in January, the average temperature remains a balmy 57.4°F.

Prioritize extreme heat safety

Residents must plan for 172 days of temperatures over 90°F with high-efficiency cooling and hydration. Protective sun gear and tinted windows are essential for the intense South Texas sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Zapata County?
The average annual temperature in Zapata County, TX is 74.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Zapata County get?
Zapata County receives an average of 20.4 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 Zapata County?
Yes, Zapata County receives an average of 0.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Zapata County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Zapata County is 87.4°F. The county experiences an average of 172 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Zapata County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Zapata County is 59.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 57.4°F.

Track your own weather in Zapata 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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