There’s no one answer to what the weather will be like in the Four Corners. It all depends on where and when you’re going. 

Not unexpectedly, you can expect hot, dry summers, and cold and usually sunny winters. But let’s dig deeper to help make your visit a success.

When you visit the Four Corners region, stop by the Four Seasons Greenhouse & Nursery. For plant and garden enthusiasts, this oasis in the high desert is a must-visit destination and carries a selection of perennials native to the Four Corners.

If you are new to the area, they are there to help you find the perfect plants for your garden and learn about the climate, elevation, and help you be successful, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener. 

Weather in the Four Corners Region

The Four Corners region, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, is known for its unique and varied weather patterns, influenced by its diverse landscapes. From high desert plains to rugged mountains, this area experiences everything from hot, dry summers to cold, snowy winters.

The region’s high elevation means that temperatures can drop sharply at night, even in the desert, providing a refreshing contrast to the daytime heat.

In the mountains, you can expect cooler conditions year-round, with winter bringing plenty of snow, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring and fall are generally mild, offering pleasant conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the area’s archaeological and natural wonders.

With an average of 300 sunny days a year, the Four Corners area is a popular destination for those who enjoy clear, blue skies and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re planning a summer trip to the desert or a winter getaway in the mountains, the weather in the Four Corners will undoubtedly play a significant role in your adventure.

Weather — Four Corners Night and Day

The Daytime High vs. Nighttime Low

You’ll likely notice a significant difference between temperatures at higher altitudes. At times, daytime and nighttime temperatures can be 20 to 30 degrees different. With these temperature variations, layering your clothing is essential — wear more layers on a chilly morning and peel down to a T-shirt on a sunny afternoon.

But keep your jacket nearby; the temperatures drop in the evening and might be quite chilly for a nighttime stargazing event.

Sunny Four Corners

The Four Corners region, within the Colorado Plateau, ranges between 4,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level with both desert and mountain terrains. This area offers clear skies and bright days.

The Four Corners region, known for its dry and sunny climate, means that your skin is more prone to dryness and sunburn. Whether it’s summer or winter, be sure to drink plenty of water, use and reapply sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing and a hat, and apply lip balm with SPF.

Weather — Four Corners Seasons

Summer Monsoons in the Four Corners Region

Summer, of course, is the hottest time of the year. Fortunately, as the locals say, it’s a dry heat with low humidity. Because the weather in the Four Corners region is so varied, you’ll have to check the forecast specifically for the place you’re visiting.

For example, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park experiences summer temperatures in the lower 90s in July and August, while in Durango, Colorado, the average temperature in the hottest month, July, is about 85 degrees. However, the hottest day recorded in Durango was a toasty 102!

In this part of the country, summer monsoons may come on suddenly in the afternoon. The day can go from a sunny blue sky in the morning to dramatic thunderstorms later in the afternoon. The plus side is that the rains can quickly cool down a hot summer day! 

A sudden deluge means you must be extra careful, especially when crossing low points in the road or arroyos, the seasonal paths that water follows. They’ll be dry most of the time and then quickly reach flood stage after a thunderstorm upstream. Never cross a riverbed or arroyo when water is running. 

Water is a gift in the dry parts of the Southwest, so residents and wildlife are grateful to get it, but it means everyone has to practice common sense during and after a downpour.

Spring Four Corners Weather

Spring means that the weather is changeable: warmer than expected one day and colder the next. Layering your clothing is especially a good idea in spring. However, this is a beautiful time of year with plants greening up after winter, and the area won’t be as busy with tourists.

Fall in the Four Corners Region

Many Four Corners residents claim that fall is their favorite season, when temperatures are milder, trees change color, and outdoor adventures await. Temperatures are similar to spring, but winds are usually not nearly as strong and prevalent.

Be aware that it can snow in spring and fall, especially in the mountains. Weather forecasts are so variable daily that residents often say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes!” It might snow one day, and you’ll be wearing shorts a few days later. The best advice is to keep your eye on the weather forecasts and plan your activities accordingly.

Winter Four Corners Wonderland

Depending on where you are in the Four Corners, winter weather can include snow, rain, and beautiful blue skies. If you’re a fan of cooler temperatures and snow sports, you’ll love the Four Corners in winter! In some areas, snow might be measured in feet, but it can melt by afternoon at lower elevations.

How cold does it get in the Four Corners? Again, it depends on when and where you are. Durango has sunny winter days with temperatures ranging from lows down to 10 and highs up to 50 degrees. The city says they get about 71 inches of snow a winter, but that snow removal is manageable.  

Nearby Cortez, at an elevation a bit over 6,000 feet above sea level, has similar winter temperatures, with highs averaging in the 40s and lows in the teens.

Further south and at a lower elevation, areas like Farmington, New Mexico, experience winter lows generally in the mid 20s at night and low 40s to 50s during the day. Of course, there are always cold snaps that throw off the averages. The coldest temperature recorded in Farmington was -22 degrees!

In Monument Valley, winter daytime temperatures are often in the 40s and 50s while dropping below freezing overnight. If you want to see this iconic location covered in snow, December and January are the best times. However, the park can receive snow anytime from November to March, which usually melts by the end of the day.

Weather — Four Corners Summary

Four Corners weather varies widely, but overall, you’ll find many beautiful, sunny days to enjoy the region’s fascinating culture, history, and geography. Whether you’re heading to the Colorado mountains or the Utah desert, just be prepared for the unexpected!

The name says it all — the Four Seasons Greenhouse & Nursery is open year-round to provide a unique shopping experience, a sense of local flavor, or help you find just what you need for your yard or garden. Whether you’re looking for a tree that will last generations or herbs and tomato plants for summer salads, they have it all.