Barstow weather by month
Barstow Weather: A Month‑by‑Month Guide
Barstow sits at the edge of the Mojave Desert, just north of the San Bernardino Mountains, giving it a unique climate profile. If you’ve ever wondered how the temperatures, precipitation, or sunshine hours shift throughout the year, this guide breaks it down month by month. Whether you’re planning a visit, moving to the area, or simply curious about this desert oasis, the information below will help you stay prepared.
January – February: Mild Winter
During the winter months, Barstow stays relatively warm during the day, but nights can dip into the 30s. Snowfall is rare, but occasional frosty mornings can occur, especially at higher elevations nearby.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | 54 – 60 | 32 – 35 | 0.1 – 0.2 | 1 – 2 |
March – May: Springs into Heat
Spring brings a gradual increase in temperature, with clearer skies and short, cool evenings. By April, afternoons start warming up, and rainfall peaks slightly in May.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 68 | 42 | 0.3 | 3 |
| Apr | 76 | 47 | 0.4 | 4 |
| May | 84 | 54 | 0.3 | 3 |
June – August: The Desert Summer
Heat is at its most oppressive in July and August, with daytime highs frequently above 100°F. Nights offer little relief, and humidity stays low. Summer also brings occasional thunderstorms during monsoon season.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun | 100 | 66 | 0.1 | 1 |
| Jul | 104 | 69 | 0.2 | 2 |
| Aug | 103 | 68 | 0.1 | 1 |
September – November: Cooling Down
Autumn offers cooler evenings and more comfortable temperatures. By October, the heat begins to subside, and by November you can expect more frequent and colder rain showers.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep | 94 | 63 | 0.2 | 2 |
| Oct | 83 | 55 | 0.4 | 4 |
| Nov | 70 | 45 | 0.5 | 5 |
Year‑Long Weather Snapshot
| Season | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 57 | 33 | 0.15 |
| Spring | 78 | 48 | 0.32 |
| Summer | 103 | 69 | 0.15 |
| Fall | 73 | 49 | 0.5 |
Barstow Weather by Month: Detailed Table
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Rainy Days | Notable Weather Phenomena |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55 | 33 | 0.1 | 1 | Cool nights, occasional frost |
| February | 58 | 35 | 0.1 | 1 | Mild days, rare snow flurries |
| March | 68 | 42 | 0.3 | 2 | Clear skies, first monsoon showers |
| April | 76 | 47 | 0.4 | 3 | Increasing heat, light rain |
| May | 84 | 54 | 0.3 | 2 | Warm days, late‑spring thunderstorms |
| June | 99 | 66 | 0.1 | 1 | Start of hottest temps |
| July | 104 | 69 | 0.2 | 2 | Peak heat, occasional monsoon |
| August | 103 | 68 | 0.1 | 1 | Sustained high temps |
| September | 94 | 63 | 0.2 | 2 | Cooling onset |
| October | 83 | 55 | 0.4 | 4 | Cooler days, more rain |
| November | 70 | 45 | 0.5 | 5 | Cold showers, first frost |
| December | 55 | 32 | 0.1 | 1 | Mild winter, clear skies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the best time of year to visit Barstow?
A1: Late spring (March–May) and early fall (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Q2: Does Barstow get snow?
A2: Snow is extremely rare at the city itself but can occur a few times a year, mainly in December and January.
Q3: How many hours of sunshine does Barstow have annually?
A3: Approximately 3,200–3,400 sunshine hours per year, making it one of the sunniest spots in Southern California.
Q4: Are there any monsoon storms to watch out for?
A4: Yes, monsoon activity typically peaks in late March and May, bringing brief thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Q5: Is the summer heat safe for outdoor activities?
A5: Staying hydrated and using sunscreen are essential. Plan outdoor work or recreation early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
Resources
- National Weather Service – Barstow Forecast: weather.gov/barstow
- City of Barstow Climate Data: barstowca.gov/climate
- Mojave Desert Climate Overview: mojdex.com/climate
- National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI): ncei.noaa.gov
These sources provide up‑to‑date forecasts, long‑term climate patterns, and historical weather data for those who need deeper insight into Barstow’s environment.
