Climate and monthly weather forecastCortez, CO
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Cortez
Cortez, Colorado, located in the United States, is classified as a Mid-Latitude Steppe (BSk) climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate is characterized by significant temperature swings, with cool, sometimes freezing winters and warm to hot summers. The climate information reveals significant variations in weather conditions as the year unfolds.Throughout the year, temperatures range from a low point of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in the winter months, peaking at 84.7°F (29.3°C) during the height of summer. Indeed, the variation in temperatures is remarkable, often shifting by several degrees within a singular day.
Humidity, on the other hand, shows a pattern of the lowest values appearing during the summer months and the highest during winter. Humidity levels waver between 26% and 73%, with the least humidity occurring in June and the most in January.
Rainfall presents an interesting pattern, involving fairly consistent amounts throughout the year, varying from 0.2" (5mm) in June to 1.26" (32mm) in January and December. However, the total number of days on which rain falls seems to fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with the greatest frequency during July (9.6 days) and the least in June (2.8 days).
The city is not without its fair share of a uniquely beautiful snowy winter blanket. The annual snowfall ranges from zero inches between May to September and peaks at 8.11" (206mm) in January.
The best time to visit Cortez
According to the climate data, the most favorable time to visit Cortez would be between May and June. During these months, the average temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May to 82°F (27.8°C) in June, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. Furthermore, these months also record the smallest quantity of rainfall, with 0.51" (13mm) in May and 0.2" (5mm) in June respectively. The sunshine days are at their peak during this period, with an impressive 26.2 days of sunshine in June. Visitors can expect an average UV index rating of 5 in May and 6 in June.The worst time to visit Cortez
If unfavorable weather conditions are a significant consideration, then the least favorable time to visit Cortez might be from December to February. These months record the lowest temperatures, especially in January and February when the mercury can dip as low as 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and 23.7°F (-4.6°C) respectively. In addition to the low temperatures, these months also register the highest levels of snowfall in Cortez, with January peaking at a significant 8.11" (206mm) of snow.Spring weather in Cortez
Spring is a rapidly changing season in Cortez. In March, the average temperature stays fairly cold, around 50.2°F (10.1°C), accompanied by rainfall of 1.18" (30mm) and a snowfall of 2.72" (69mm). As the season progresses into April, the temperature sees a notable increase, averaging around 58.8°F (14.9°C). The amount of rainfall and snowfall decrease drastically to 0.67" (17mm) and 0.67" (17mm) respectively. By the time May rolls around, the spring warmth is in full effect with the temperatures averaging around 68.5°F (20.3°C). May is particularly dry, with only 0.51" (13mm) of rainfall and no snowfall.Summer weather in Cortez
Summer in Cortez is characterized by pleasant, warm, and dry weather. From June to August, the temperatures experience a steady rise, peaking at 84.7°F (29.3°C) in July. The rainfall during this season remains below an inch, with the minimum rainfall of 0.2" (5mm) observed in June. Despite the warm climatological conditions, there is no recorded snowfall during this period. This season benefits from extended daylight hours and longer sunshine duration.Autumn weather in Cortez
Autumn marks the transition from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter in Cortez. In this season, expect temperatures to fall gradually from 75°F (23.9°C) in September to a chilly 49.5°F (9.7°C) by November. The month of September sees 0.47" (12mm) of rainfall, which then rises in October to 0.87" (22mm) and continues to increase in November with 0.75" (19mm) of rainfall. September also sees no snowfall, but by November the snow starts to blanket the city with 2.68" (68mm).Winter weather in Cortez
Winter in Cortez is cold, with average temperatures from December to February ranging between 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and 39.4°F (4.1°C). This season is marked by the highest levels of snowfall in the year. December sees 7.44" (189mm) of snow, with an increase to 8.11" (206mm) in January. The snowfall then tapers off to end with 7.56" (192mm) in February. Despite the cold temperatures, the lower humidity levels during the winter months offer a sharp, crisp air that can often be invigorating.Weather in January
The weather in Cortez, Colorado in January marks the start of a new year with a firm hold on winter's cold grip. The month stands as one of the coldest, with the mercury dipping to a significant low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and climbing to a high of just 35.1°F (1.7°C) on average. Weather in January »Weather in February
Rolling into February, the weather in Cortez shows a slight increase in temperature, signalling the gradual approach of spring. Despite this, the cold weather persist, having an average peak of 39.4°F (4.1°C) and a low of 23.7°F (-4.6°C). Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in Cortez begins to shift in March as winter loosens its grip, making way for the beginnings of spring. However, the city experiences a substantial decrease in snowfall, from 7.56" (192mm) in February to just 2.72" (69mm) in March. Weather in March »Weather in April
April sees the weather in Cortez transition fully into spring, shedding away the last vestiges of winter. Snowfall becomes nearly non-existent with just an average of 0.67" (17mm) falling over the city. Flower buds start to open, trees get greener, and the city begins to come alive with the vibrancy of spring. Weather in April »Weather in May
In May, the weather in Cortez greatly welcomes the warm embrace of spring. The average high temperature begins to approach summer heat, reaching a satisfying 68.5°F (20.3°C), but the lows still retain a touch of spring's mild coolness at 44.6°F (7°C). Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings about the official start of summer in Cortez, heating up the weather with balmy conditions. Being one of the three months receiving only 0.2" (5mm) of rainfall, June is characterized by dry and sunny days. The hotter weather conditions provide the perfect opportunity to visit the city's beautiful parks or to savour the scenic beauty of surrounding landscapes. Weather in June »Weather in July
Being the hottest month in Cortez, the weather in July epitomizes the Colorado summer, with soaring temperatures reaching an average high of 84.7°F (29.3°C). Alongside, July also sees a noticeable uptick in rainfall, accumulating an average of 0.71" (18mm) over a span of 9.6 days. Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in Cortez rounds off the summer with a slightly cooler temperature range compared to July, providing a much-needed respite from the intense heat. The decrease in temperature provides a balmy and comfortable climate for visiting national parks located near the city. Weather in August »Weather in September
In September, the weather in Cortez starts transitioning towards fall, with a gradual drop in temperatures. The arrival of fall paints a beautiful canvas with trees changing colours and the landscape transforming into a picturesque spectacle. Weather in September »Weather in October
October heralds the clear arrival of fall in Cortez, noted for a substantial decrease in temperatures. As the city prepares for winter, the crisp air becomes filled with the aroma of falling leaves. This is the time of year when fall foliage is at its peak, turning the city into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, making a leisurely stroll a feast for the eyes. The start of October comes with a reduction in the average high-temperature, receding from a moderately hot 75°F (23.9°C) in September to an enjoyable 61.2°F (16.2°C). Weather in October »Weather in November
By November, the weather in Cortez takes a colder turn, signaling the impending arrival of winter. The city witnesses a distinct transition, with the fall foliage gradually giving way to winter's barren trees. The month serves as a precursor to the colder months ahead, often accompanied by the first snowflakes of the season. November is characterized by a reduction in the average high-temperature, from an enjoyable 61.2°F (16.2°C) in October to a frosty 49.5°F (9.7°C). Weather in November »Weather in December
In December, the weather in Cortez enters the heart of winter, with temperatures plunging sharply in comparison to the previous month. The average high temperature in December goes down from November's 49.5°F (9.7°C) to a chilly 37.2°F (2.9°C). Weather in December »Updated: Aug 2, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January is the month that records the lowest temperatures, with averages ranging from a high of 35.1°F (1.7°C) to a low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C).
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%.
The wettest months are January and December, with an average 1.26" (32mm) of rainfall.
In Cortez, during the entire year, the rain falls for 78.9 days and collects up to 9.84" (250mm) of precipitation.
Months with snowfall are January through April, October through December.
The month with the most snowfall in Cortez is January, when snow falls for 8.5 days and typically aggregates up to 8.11" (206mm) of snow.
In Cortez, during the entire year, snow falls for 34.4 days and aggregates up to 29.29" (744mm) of snow.
The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 6.5h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
May through September are months without snowfall.
The least humid month is June, with an average relative humidity of 26%.
June is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2.8 days and accumulates 0.2" (5mm) of precipitation.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 42min of daylight.
With an average of 12.1h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.
Cortez's temperatures peak on average in July, reaching 84.7°F (29.3°C) at their highest and 61.5°F (16.4°C) at their lowest.
With an average of 9h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Cortez, CO
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (84.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (35.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.8°F).
Average pressure
Cortez, CO
- Average pressure in January:
30.23"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.88"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.87"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.1"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.16"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.23"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.87"Hg).
Average wind speed
Cortez, CO
- Average wind speed in January:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in September:
6.9mph - Average wind speed in October:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
5.9mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is January (5.7mph).
Average humidity
Cortez, CO
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (73%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (26%).
Average rainfall
Cortez, CO
- Average rainfall in January:
1.26" - Average rainfall in February:
1.22" - Average rainfall in March:
1.18" - Average rainfall in April:
0.67" - Average rainfall in May:
0.51" - Average rainfall in June:
0.2"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.71" - Average rainfall in August:
0.75" - Average rainfall in September:
0.47" - Average rainfall in October:
0.87" - Average rainfall in November:
0.75" - Average rainfall in December:
1.26"
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are January and December (1.26").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (0.2").
Average rainfall days
Cortez, CO
- Average rainfall days in January:
6.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
2.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
9.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in October:
5.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
7.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (9.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (2.8 days).
Average snowfall
Cortez, CO
The month with the highest snowfall is January (8.11").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Cortez, CO
- Average snowfall days in January:
8.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
4.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
1.6 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.5 days
The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and December (8.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cortez, CO
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 54min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 48min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 42min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 24min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 12min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 12min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 36min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
6h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 12min - Average sunshine in March:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
11h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
11h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
12h and 6min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 54min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in November:
7h and 18min - Average sunshine in December:
6h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 6h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Cortez, CO
- Average sunshine days in January:
20.7 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
19.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
19 days - Average sunshine days in May:
24.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
26.2 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
18.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
19.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
21.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
23.4 days - Average sunshine days in November:
23.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19 days
The month with the most sunshine days is June (26.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (17.6 days).
Average UV index
Cortez, CO
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Cortez, CO
The months with the most cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 27).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 9).
Average visibility
Cortez, CO
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
