Periods of cold temperatures are sometimes prolonged in the winter when cold air becomes trapped in the valley. Relative humidity is often quite low in the summer when values are similar to the dry locations in southern Arizona and New Mexico. Thunderstorms, especially dry, high-based thunderstorms, occur regularly during the summer months. However, severe thunderstorms are rare. Low precipitation amounts are common to all seasons.
Winter snows are fairly frequent, but most events are light and melt off quickly.
Normal high temperatures range from the mid 90s in July to the mid 30s in January, while normal lows range from the mid 60s in July to the mid teens in January. Average annual precipitation is about 8.5 inches including about 25 inches of snow. Golf, baseball, softball, hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, boating, mountain biking, and other sports are available. The Colorado National Monument borders the city on its southwest. Several well-known ski areas and other outdoor recreation and scenic areas are within a couple hours drive from Grand Junction.