Located in the southern tip of Texas, McAllen boasts a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from the mid-70s°F in January to the mid-90s°F in July.
This makes it an attractive destination for those seeking warmth even during winter months.
The weather in McAllen is characterized by relatively low precipitation. With an annual average of just 16 inches, the area tends to be quite dry.
The month with the most rainfall is September, which typically sees about 2.13 inches of rain over 15.4 days.
Despite its dry conditions, McAllen experiences mild humidity levels.
These weather conditions, combined with ample sunshine, make McAllen an appealing choice for people who enjoy plenty of sunny days and warmer climates.
For more detailed information on McAllen’s climate, you can find specific monthly data on McAllen, TX’s yearly weather.
Average Temperature in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year. Below is an overview of the average monthly temperatures:
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 70.9 | 48.7 |
| February | 74.0 | 51.8 |
| March | 79.0 | 57.2 |
| April | 84.7 | 64.1 |
| May | 90.2 | 71.4 |
| June | 94.2 | 75.8 |
| July | 95.9 | 77.4 |
| August | 96.0 | 77.5 |
| September | 91.2 | 73.7 |
| October | 84.9 | 66.1 |
| November | 77.3 | 56.4 |
| December | 71.6 | 49.2 |
July is the hottest month, with an average temperature high of 95.9°F.
January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 48.7°F.
Temperatures typically range from mild to very hot.
In February, temperatures start to warm, averaging 74°F in the daytime.
Spring months like March and April feature more moderate temperatures, hovering in the high 70s to mid-80s.
During summer, especially in June and August, temperatures often exceed 90°F, with peaks nearing 96°F.
In October, temperatures begin to cool down from the summer highs, making it a pleasant period with highs around 84.9°F.
By November, temperatures drop further, averaging 77.3°F.
McAllen generally experiences mild winters and hot summers, with a wide variation between day and night temperatures year-round.
Average Precipitation in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas, has varied precipitation throughout the year, with notable fluctuations in rainfall and minimal snowfall. Understanding these patterns aids in preparing for different weather conditions.
Average Rainfall in McAllen, Texas
Rainfall in McAllen varies widely month to month. On average, the wettest month is September, accumulating around 5.08 inches of rain. Rainfall is typically spread over approximately 15.4 days during this month.
In contrast, February is the driest month, with an average of only 0.66 inches of precipitation, spanning about 6 rainy days.
The chance of rain is lowest in April, with just 12.8% of days seeing measurable rainfall.
Monthly Rainfall Averages:
- January: 1.11 inches
- February: 0.66 inches
- July: 1.89 inches
- September: 5.08 inches
During the summer months, rainfall increases, indicating a peak in July, marked by significant rainfall.
Despite its overall dry climate, McAllen occasionally experiences strong thunderstorms, contributing to higher precipitation in certain months.
Average Snow in McAllen, Texas
McAllen rarely experiences snow due to its subtropical climate. Snowfall is a rare event and is often not reported on an annual basis. When snow does occur, it is typically linked to unusual weather patterns and is very short-lived.
Given its geographical location, residents and visitors should not expect consistent or significant snowfall.
The infrequency and low amounts of snowfall make it more of an anomaly rather than a regular part of McAllen’s climate.
For more details, specific events like rare snowfalls can often be recounted in articles such as the one on snow and ice. This can provide more context and historical examples of when McAllen has seen snow, albeit rarely.
Average Sun in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas, enjoys a substantial amount of sun, making it a sunny and warm place to live. The amount of solar energy and sunshine hours can significantly impact daily life.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in McAllen, Texas
McAllen receives considerable shortwave solar energy throughout the year. This refers to the incoming solar radiation that reaches the surface.
The average daily shortwave solar energy in McAllen is about 5.8 kWh per square meter.
This high level of solar energy means that the region is quite sunny, which can be beneficial for solar power generation and outdoor activities.
Sunshine hours vary by month, with summer months experiencing longer sun hours.
On average, McAllen gets around 233 sunny days per year, providing ample sunlight and a generally high UV index. In July, the sunniest month, the city experiences up to 10 hours of sunshine per day.
For more detailed climatic information, you can visit McAllen Climate Data.
Average Humidity in McAllen, Texas
McAllen experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. The relative humidity in the area can affect how hot or cold it feels.
The most humid months in McAllen are typically from May to September.
| Month | Morning Humidity (%) | Afternoon Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 80 | 50 |
| February | 78 | 49 |
| March | 77 | 48 |
| April | 80 | 50 |
| May | 85 | 55 |
| June | 88 | 58 |
| July | 90 | 60 |
| August | 90 | 60 |
| September | 88 | 58 |
| October | 82 | 52 |
| November | 78 | 49 |
| December | 80 | 50 |
During these months, morning relative humidity averages around 90%, while afternoon levels drop to about 60%.
October through April have lower average humidity.
In these months, morning relative humidity is around 80%, while afternoon levels drop to about 50%. This results in a more comfortable climate for activities outside.
In McAllen, the dew point varies significantly throughout the year.
A higher dew point indicates more moisture in the air. During the peak of summer, the dew point can exceed 75°F, contributing to the sticky, uncomfortable feeling often associated with high humidity.
Average Wind in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas experiences wind speeds that vary throughout the year. On average, the wind speed is around 7 to 10 mph. This range makes the weather quite pleasant for most outdoor activities.
The wind is typically calmest in the summer months, especially June through August when the speeds can drop to as low as 5 mph.
During this time, the warm temperatures are less interrupted by high winds.
In contrast, the wind speeds increase during the cooler months.
From November to February, the average wind speed can reach around 11 mph. This brings a refreshing change to the otherwise mild winter weather.
Occasionally, McAllen can experience stronger winds due to thunderstorms.
During such events, wind speeds can temporarily spike, affecting outdoor plans.
To give a clear picture:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10 |
| February | 10.5 |
| March | 10 |
| April | 9.5 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 7 |
| July | 6.5 |
| August | 6 |
| September | 7 |
| October | 8 |
| November | 9 |
| December | 10 |
Average Air Quality in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas often experiences moderate air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently shows levels in the moderate range, indicating that air quality can be acceptable for most people.
The main pollutants contributing to the air quality in McAllen include PM2.5 particles.
Levels of these particles can vary throughout the year.
On days when the air quality is poor, people with respiratory issues should limit outdoor activities.
Visibility in McAllen can also be affected by air quality.
When pollution levels rise, there may be a noticeable haze, reducing clear views of the horizon.
Although AccuWeather provides localized AQI data, residents can also check resources like IQAir for real-time, historical, and forecast information about air pollution in the area.
Observing the weather and air quality changes, especially when it comes to cloud cover and precipitation, can help residents plan their activities more effectively.
Rain can sometimes help clear the air by washing away pollutants, thus improving overall air quality.
Topography of McAllen, Texas
McAllen is located in the southern part of Texas, within the Rio Grande Valley.
Its coordinates are approximately 26.2034° N latitude and 98.2300° W longitude.
The city sits at an elevation of around 124 feet (37.85 meters) above sea level.
The terrain of McAllen is mostly flat.
This low elevation contributes to the region’s subtropical steppe climate.
The flat landscape makes the area suitable for agriculture.
Nearby cities, such as Edinburg and Mission, share similar topographical features. Edinburg is located just north of McAllen, while Mission lies to the west.
These neighboring cities enhance the geographical and cultural fabric of the region.
To the south, the Rio Grande River marks the border between Texas and Mexico.
This river plays a crucial role in irrigation and supports the agriculture-based economy of McAllen.
McAllen’s landscape is characterized by open plains and grasslands.
These features fit well with the city’s agricultural activities, particularly citrus farming and grain production.
Because of the flat topography, McAllen experiences limited variations in altitude.
This contributes to uniform weather patterns throughout the year.
The region’s elevation and geographical location significantly influence its climate and weather conditions.
This topographical setup ensures that McAllen remains an important hub for both commerce and agriculture in southern Texas.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur in McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas experiences several extreme weather events throughout the year.
Heatwaves
Extreme heat is common in McAllen.
Days with temperatures exceeding 100°F occur frequently during summer months.
At least one out of every three days each year is considered a danger day for workers, with McAllen facing 135 danger days annually.
Severe Storms and Tornadoes
McAllen is also prone to severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.
These events can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and hail, causing significant damage to properties.
Droughts
Prolonged periods without rain are typical in McAllen.
The area has faced multiple drought events over the years, impacting local agriculture and water supply.
Flooding
Heavy rains, particularly during hurricane season, can result in flash floods.
McAllen has experienced several extreme rain events where the amount of water quickly overwhelms drainage systems, leading to significant flooding.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes occasionally impact McAllen, bringing with them torrential rains, high winds, and the potential for flooding.
The city’s location makes it vulnerable to these powerful storms.
Historical Data
Historical weather data indicates that extreme weather events in McAllen have become more frequent.
Local climate graphs show increasing trends in temperature and variability in rainfall patterns.
Best Time of the Year to Visit McAllen, Texas
The best time to visit McAllen, Texas, depends on your weather preferences and planned activities.
McAllen experiences distinct seasons, with varying temperatures and rainfall.
What is McAllen, Texas Like in Spring
Spring in McAllen sees pleasant weather.
From March to May, temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F.
This season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
Rainfall is moderate, averaging around 1.5 inches per month, making it less likely for rain to disrupt plans.
Spring’s mild temperatures and blooming landscapes attract many travelers, making it a popular season to visit.
Events and festivals also add to the vibrancy.
Visitors can explore local attractions without the scorching heat or the cold.
What is McAllen, Texas Like in Summer
Summers in McAllen are hot, with highs regularly reaching past 95°F and sometimes peaking over 100°F in August.
This season spans from June to September.
Rainfall slightly increases during this period, with about 2.8 inches in July being common.
Despite the heat, summer can still be a good time to visit if you enjoy indoor attractions, such as museums and cultural centers.
Cooling centers and water parks also offer relief from the high temperatures.
Evening events and festivals are frequent, taking advantage of the slightly cooler nights.
What is McAllen, Texas Like in Fall
Fall brings a welcome relief from summer’s heat.
From October to November, temperatures stabilize between 70°F and 85°F.
Rainfall decreases, with monthly averages around 2 inches, making it a comfortable time for travel.
The cooler weather in the fall makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries are popular during this time.
Agricultural fairs and local festivals highlight the harvest season, providing unique local experiences.
What is McAllen, Texas Like in Winter
Winter in McAllen is mild. From December to February, temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F. Occasionally, it can get colder, especially in late December and January.
Average rainfall is low, usually about 1 inch per month.
Winter is a prime season for visiting McAllen, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Snowbirds frequent the area, and local attractions remain open, offering a variety of events and festivals.
Also, holiday celebrations add a festive atmosphere, making it a charming time to travel.