Prescott enjoys what is probably among the finest four-season climates
experienced in the U.S. - a mile above the oppressive desert heat of summer, yet
warm enough to melt a snowfall off within a day or two in winter. Low humidity year-round
benefits respiratory patients, yet there is enough moisture to support many square
miles of Ponderosa Pine in the nearby National Forest. And there's plenty of Arizona
sun, too!
Here's a tour of the typical weather experienced each season:
Spring
Wintery storms can still have an effect in early Spring, it's not unusual
to see at least a few snowfalls and cold nights through April. By May, daytime temperatures
are warming noticeably, although evenings still require a sweater. The frequency
of precipitation has dropped off dramatically. June ushers in the first hot days
of the year; upper 90's is common as summer approaches. Humidity can be as low as
the single digits. June is also the driest month of the year.
Summer
Early summer brings a continuation of very warm, dry weather. But gradually,
clouds begin to build in the afternoons. The "monsoon" season begins in
earnest by around July 10, bringing sometimes torrential downpours during afternoon
thunderstorms. Temperatures that have soared to the 90s at noon can plummet to the
70s by late afternoon after a storm. Even on the hottest days, temperatures will
be comfortable by evening; you may even need a light sweater!
Autumn
The rainy season has ended by early Fall, ushering in pleasantly warm
days and crisp nights. A few winter-like storms may brush the area by mid-October,
bringing a little rain and jacket weather. Gardeners are wrapping things up, the
first frost can be expected before October ends. Snow is a distinct possibility by
late November.
Winter
Sunny cool days with deep blue skies and freezing nights are sandwiched
between occasional storms bringing cold rain or snow. But will it be a white Christmas?
Only about a 10% chance, unfortunately
Here are climate averages for the past 100 years from the Western Regional Climate
Center.
Period of Record : 5/ 1/1898 to 8/31/1998
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |
| Average Max. Temperature (F) |
50.5 |
54.0 |
59.0 |
66.7 |
75.1 |
85.6 |
89.0 |
86.0 |
81.8 |
72.0 |
60.5 |
51.6 |
69.3 |
| Average Min. Temperature (F) |
21.0 |
24.1 |
28.0 |
33.8 |
40.3 |
48.5 |
57.1 |
55.8 |
48.3 |
36.9 |
27.1 |
21.7 |
36.9 |
| Average Total Precipitation (in.) |
1.79 |
1.90 |
1.75 |
0.96 |
0.50 |
0.39 |
2.91 |
3.29 |
1.72 |
1.06 |
1.27 |
1.70 |
19.23 |
| Average Total SnowFall (in.) |
6.3 |
5.1 |
5.3 |
1.4 |
0.2 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.2 |
2.3 |
5.1 |
26.0 |
| Average Snow Depth (in.) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Sources for this page:
Western Regional Climate Center, wrcc@dri.edu
Opinions are solely those of the writers at movingtoprescott.com.