Climate and monthly weather forecast
Rio Rancho, NM

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The climate of Rio Rancho

Location and climate classification play key roles in shaping the weather of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA. Falling in the Köppen climate zone BSk, Rio Rancho experiences a predominant mid-latitude steppe climate. This climate type is characterized by relatively dry and sunny conditions, with moderate temperature fluctuations.

Analyzing the meteorological variables, it is clear that the weather of Rio Rancho displays considerable variation over the course of the year. Temperature extremes are from 27°F (-2.8°C) in the winter months to 87.8°F (31°C) in the height of summer. Meanwhile, relative humidity levels show an upward trend from 27% in June to 62% in January.

Patterns can be discerned in the precipitation levels as well. Monthly averages show that rainfall occurs from 0.35" (9mm) on the lower side to 1.14" (29mm) in the month of July, coinciding with the peak of summer. Snowfall, on the other hand, peaks at 3.15" (80mm) in January and dwindles to negligible levels from April to November. In terms of overall annual daylight, Rio Rancho sees between 9.8 hours per day in December to 14.5 hours per day in June, with the corresponding sunshine hours ranging from around 7.1 to 12.1 hours.

The best time to visit Rio Rancho

The ideal time for a visit to Rio Rancho depends entirely on personal preferences. For those seeking milder weather conditions, spring (from March to May) serves as an excellent time. During this period, temperatures steadily rise from an average low of 37.4°F (3°C) to a comfortable 74.8°F (23.8°C), and rainfall averages are relatively low. The daylight extends to about 14 hours per day in May, and sunshine lasts for up to 11.9 hours per day.

The worst time to visit Rio Rancho

Those not fond of high temperatures or increased rainfall might want to avoid visiting Rio Rancho in the height of summer, particularly in July. This month experiences the highest average temperature of 87.8°F (31°C) along with the highest rainfall of 1.14" (29mm). Moreover, despite the daylight lasting for around 14.3 hours per day, the UV index also peaks during this period, rising to 7, indicating a higher likelihood of skin damage due to sun exposure.

Spring weather in Rio Rancho

Springtime brings a gradual rise in temperature in Rio Rancho, warming to an average of 59.4°F (15.2°C) in March and increasing to 74.8°F (23.8°C) by May. This season sees scant rain, averaging only 0.35" (9mm) per month, keeping the humidity relatively low. A sharp decrease in snowfall is also observed during spring, ceasing altogether by April. Meanwhile, wind speeds also see a rise during this period, peaking at 9.1mph (14.6km/h) in the month of April.

Summer weather in Rio Rancho

The onset of summer marks the warmest period in Rio Rancho, with temperatures soaring to an average high of 87.8°F (31°C) in July. While the duration of daylight reaches its peak of 14.5 hours in June, sunshine lingers over the city for 12.1 hours per day. Rainfall is at its maximum for the year, with July witnessing an average of 1.14" (29mm). The influence of these summer rains on the otherwise dry climate is noticeable in the rise in humidity levels, reaching up to 39% in July.

Autumn weather in Rio Rancho

Autumn sees a downward trend in temperature, dropping from a high of 78.8°F (26°C) in September to a milder 54°F (12.2°C) in November. Rainfall decreases during this season, with November receiving an average of 0.47" (12mm). The humidity levels also begin to rise during this period, increasing to 47% in November. The daylight in this season ranges from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.

Winter weather in Rio Rancho

Winter in Rio Rancho is characterized by colder conditions, with the average low temperature dipping to 27.1°F (-2.7°C) in December, while the highest does not exceed 43.2°F (6.2°C). Despite the drop in temperature, the rainfall remains relatively low, averaging 0.59" (15mm) for December. Snowfall makes its appearance, peaking at 3.15" (80mm) in January, leading to increased visibility. Cloud coverage increases during this period, with December witnessing a 20% cloud coverage. Despite the shorter days with daylight lasting for only around 9.8 - 10.1 hours, sunshine endures for approximately 7.1 hours per day.

Weather in January

In Rio Rancho, New Mexico, January signifies the height of winter with low temperatures and substantial snowfall. As the coldest month, it experiences average low temperatures of 27°F (-2.8°C) and a snowfall of 3.15" (80mm). With the chilly conditions, the length of daylight is also comparably shorter, limiting outdoor activities primarily to the daytime. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Proceeding towards warmer weather, Rio Rancho, in February, harbors a climate conversion from biting winter cold to relatively bearable temperatures. The city receives a decline in both snowfall and the number of snowfall days from 3.15" (80mm) and 4.2 days in January to 2.01" (51mm) and 3.3 days respectively in February. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Rio Rancho introduces spring with warmer temperatures, longer sunlight hours, and reduced snowfall. Considerably warmer than February, March observes an average high temperature of 59.4°F (15.2°C) and an almost negligible snowfall of 0.31" (8mm). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April is a delightful period in Rio Rancho as the city continues to warm up. April witnesses an enhancement in the temperatures with average daytime highs rising to 66.6°F (19.2°C) providing a balmy spring experience. Bright sunshine and minimal precipitation become the key weather features, bringing forth the season's blossoming flora. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Rio Rancho experiences the full bloom of the Spring season and the onset of Summer during May. With the high temperatures averaging around 74.8°F (23.8°C), it is a clear signal that the summer heat is around the corner. This is the first month of the year in which there is no recorded snowfall, signifying the end of winter's reign. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Rio Rancho is synonymous with the arrival of summer. This month is the onset of the warmest part of the year with temperatures soaring to a high of 87.4°F (30.8°C). The weather is generally dry, with relative humidity being quite low, making it less muggy and more comfortable for residents and visitors alike. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the pinnacle of summer in Rio Rancho, replete with high temperatures and sunny days. It is the warmest month of the year, with the temperature hitting an average high of 87.8°F (31°C). The area's outdoor activities are in full swing, with people taking advantage of the long, hot days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In Rio Rancho, August represents the last full month of summer. The average high temperature measures a warm 85.8°F (29.9°C), reflecting a slight dip from the July peak. Increased rainfall instigates a slight decrease in temperatures, providing a mild respite from the intensive summer heat. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Rio Rancho signals the arrival of autumn, characterized by decreasing temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. The city observes a high of 78.8°F (26°C), a noticeable dip from the August average. As autumn advances, the weather begins to cool down gradually, preparing the city for the approaching winter. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October ushers in the core of fall in Rio Rancho with soft sunlight, cooler temperatures, and vivid landscapes. The high temperatures further soften down, averaging around 66.2°F (19°C), setting the stage for the arrival of winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Rio Rancho witnesses the transition from autumn to winter. The average high temperature further decreases down to 54°F (12.2°C), marking an evident change in climatic conditions. The city sees a slight rise in humidity, giving the air a crispness typical of the late fall. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Rio Rancho signifies the advent of winter, with low temperatures and increasing snowfall. The city experiences a high of 43.7°F (6.5°C) and sees the first substantial snowfall of the year, measuring up to 2.01" (51mm). Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Rio Rancho?

Rio Rancho's temperature records reveal January as the coldest month, marked by average highs of 43.2°F (6.2°C) and lows of 27°F (-2.8°C).

What is the most humid month in Rio Rancho?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 62%.

How many days does it rain in Rio Rancho?

In Rio Rancho, during the entire year, the rain falls for 80.6 days and collects up to 6.97" (177mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Rio Rancho?

January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.

When does it snow the most in Rio Rancho?

The month with the most snowfall in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is January, when snow falls for 4.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.15" (80mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Rio Rancho?

In Rio Rancho, during the entire year, snow falls for 14.8 days and aggregates up to 9.02" (229mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Rio Rancho?

The months with the least sunshine in Rio Rancho are January and December, with an average of 7.1h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Rio Rancho?

The months with the lowest UV index in Rio Rancho are January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the driest month in Rio Rancho?

The months with the least rainfall in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, are March through June Rain falls for 6.6 days and accumulates 0.35" (9mm) of rain.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Rio Rancho?

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.

When it does not snow in Rio Rancho?

In Rio Rancho, snow does not fall in May through September.

What is the least humid month in Rio Rancho?

The least humid month in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is June, with an average relative humidity of 27%.

When are the longest days in Rio Rancho?

With an average of 14h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

What month has the most sunshine in Rio Rancho?

June has the most sunshine of the year in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index in Rio Rancho?

With an average maximum UV index of 7, June is the month with the highest UV index.

What are the warmest months in Rio Rancho?

In Rio Rancho, temperatures reach their average annual highs in July, measuring 87.8°F (31°C) and a minimum average of 66.2°F (19°C).

What is the wettest month in Rio Rancho?

July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Rio Rancho?

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Rio Rancho.

Average temperature
Rio Rancho, NM

Average temperature - Rio Rancho, NM

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (43.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (66.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27°F).

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Average pressure
Rio Rancho, NM

Average pressure - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are April and May (29.89"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Rio Rancho, NM

Average wind speed - Rio Rancho, NM

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.7mph).

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Average rainfall
Rio Rancho, NM

Average rainfall - Rio Rancho, NM

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.14").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are March, April, May and June (0.35").

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Average rainfall days
Rio Rancho, NM

Average rainfall days - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (3.6 days).

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Average snowfall
Rio Rancho, NM

Average snowfall - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the highest snowfall is January (3.15").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Rio Rancho, NM

Average snowfall days - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (4.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Rio Rancho, NM

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

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: 7h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Rio Rancho, NM

Average sunshine days - Rio Rancho, NM

The month with the most sunshine days is November (25 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.8 days).

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Average visibility
Rio Rancho, NM

Average visibility - Rio Rancho, NM

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).

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Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA

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