The climate of Lubbock, Texas, is known for mild winters and hot summers, along with almost everything in between.
While the area enjoys a relatively consistent climate, one thing new Lubbock residents consistently comment on is that things can sometimes get a bit crazy.
It’s common to see the sun, rain, dust storms, and the sun again in one day. So, to help new residents to the city better understand what the climate is like and how you should prepare, I’ll give you an insider’s look at the environment in Lubbock throughout the year.
Overview of the Lubbock Climate
The city of Lubbock and the larger Lubbock County enjoy an average of 262 sunny and partly sunny days throughout the year. Compared to other cities throughout the state, Lubbock is number two for total sunny days, just behind areas like El Paso.
For city residents, this translates into generally warm summers and relatively mild winters with some extremes during both seasons.
The middle of summer can get quite hot, with occasional weeks consistently having temperatures over 100 Fahrenheit (37+ Celsius). At the same time, winters can occasionally see sub-zero temperatures and extreme snow storms (though relatively rare).
Overall, though, the temperature in the city remains relatively stable throughout the year, with four mostly distinct seasons.
Lubbock Weather Throughout the Seasons
To better understand the individual seasons, I’ll explain what you can expect from typical weather patterns and the extremes you should look for during each season.
Fall Weather in Lubbock
The fall weather in Lubbock is usually relatively mild, with cooler temperatures and traditionally dry weather.
You can expect the temperatures to remain warm throughout the first few months of fall, typically September and October, gradually cooling down around the middle of October through late November.
One thing to note is that fall typically marks the beginning of cotton harvesting season. Combined with the wind and typically dryer weather, this can mean allergy issues for many people.
Average Temperature High:
September – 84 Fahrenheit
October – 75 Fahrenheit
November – 64 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature:
September – 72 Fahrenheit
October – 62 Fahrenheit
November – 50 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature Low:
September – 61 Fahrenheit
October – 50 Fahrenheit
November – 39 Fahrenheit
Average Number of Days With Rain or Snow:
September – 6.4 days
October – 4.1 days
November – 2.7 days
Winter Weather in Lubbock
Winters in Lubbock can be mild, with periods of harsh cold weather that can range from a few days to a week. The winds and flat open landscape can make the cold weather more pronounced.
Overall, winters in the city are sunny with little snow and rain in the way. The town occasionally suffers from arctic blasts that significantly lower temperatures, sometimes below 0 Fahrenheit. However, the majority of winter days in the city are excellent, mildly cold, and sunny.
Average Temperature High:
December – 56 Fahrenheit
January – 55 Fahrenheit
February – 61 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature:
December – 41 Fahrenheit
January – 40 Fahrenheit
February – 44 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature Low:
December – 31 Fahrenheit
January – 29 Fahrenheit
February – 33 Fahrenheit
Average Number of Days With Rain or Snow:
December – 2.6 days
January – 2.1 days
February – 2.5 days
Spring Weather in Lubbock
Things begin warming up during the spring months in Lubbock. The temperature gradually begins increasing during the daytime with still cool nights. Spring also marks the beginning of the wetter part of the year, peaking in early summer.
One thing to be aware of is that the spring months in Lubbock are when more severe storms and tornadic activity occur. However, don’t let this frighten you, as there hasn’t been a major (or even minor) tornado in the city for many decades.
You can expect a higher percentage of cloudy days during spring, beginning in March and peaking in early summer during June. The final freeze of the year also typically occurs in early spring, usually in March, marking the definitive end of the winter season.
Average Temperature High:
March – 69 Fahrenheit
April – 77 Fahrenheit
May – 85 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature:
March – 52 Fahrenheit
April – 61 Fahrenheit
May – 70 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature Low:
March – 40 Fahrenheit
April – 49 Fahrenheit
May – 58 Fahrenheit
Average Number of Days With Rain or Snow:
March – 3.3 days
April – 4.2 days
May – 7.3 days
Summer Weather in Lubbock
Summers in Lubbock can range from hot to brutally hot. It’s not uncommon for the temperatures to hit 100 Fahrenheit and over for periods lasting a few days to even weeks.
The one upside is the air is mostly dry, which, for many, can make the heat much more tolerable than in more humid locations of Texas. Summers also offer the highest number of days with rainfall, which can bring about cooler weather.
One thing to note is that Lubbock summers can be pretty windy. While low in number, you can expect one to two major dirt storms during the summer months. These storms typically last an hour or less and bring low visibility for drivers.
Average Temperature High:
June – 91 Fahrenheit
July – 93 Fahrenheit
August – 91 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature:
June – 78 Fahrenheit
July – 81 Fahrenheit
August – 79 Fahrenheit
Average Temperature Low:
June – 67 Fahrenheit
July – 70 Fahrenheit
August – 68 Fahrenheit
Average Number of Days With Rain or Snow:
June – 8.8 days
July – 6.5 days
August – 7.4 days
Extreme Weather Concerns in Lubbock
While the weather in Lubbock can be considered relatively mild, it’s not without the occasional bouts of severe weather. Though not as common as many parts of the United States, you should be aware of the severe weather concerns in the city so you can be prepared when they occur.
Severe thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are the most common severe weather event in Lubbock and the surrounding areas. These often occur in spring and summer, bringing heavy rains, flash flooding, hail, lightning, and strong winds.
During these storms, it’s best to stay off roads and, if hail occurs, find shelter. Flooding is expected because the city is built on flat lands, which can make driving hazardous in certain parts of the city.
While hail is common during these severe thunderstorms, the size is typically small, with most stones ranging from marble to nickel-sized. Occasionally, goofball-sized and even larger hails have been recorded, so finding shelter outdoors is essential.
Snow storms
Snow storms in Lubbock are usually mild, occurring on average once or twice a year. While these storms generally drop no more than a few inches, there have been cases of severe snow storms in the city.
Most snow storms in Lubbock will often last a few hours, with most snow melting within a few days. Ice on the roads during these storms can present a significant hazard, so remain vigilant when driving, as accidents are common.
The local schools typically delay start times or close during significant snow storms. It’s important to remember that because snow is not as common in Lubbock as in other areas of the United States, the city doesn’t have the same capacity for clearing roads, and drivers are often less prepared.
Tornados
Lubbock is in the middle of the region known as Tornado Alley. However, don’t let that frighten you. While there have been tornados in the area, it is uncommon for them to touch down in the city.
When tornados occur within the city limits, these are often short-lived and smaller storms, causing minimal damage.
That said, there have been major tornadic events in the city previously. The last major tornado occurred in 1970 and was so powerful that it obtained an F5 rating on the Fujita scale.
So, while it is pretty rare for severe tornados to occur in the city, it’s still important to remain alert during severe weather. Tornado sirens have been installed in the town and, along with weather app notifications and news stations, can provide warnings if tornadic activity occurs.
Severe dust storms
As noted, the city usually suffers from one or two dust storms yearly. These are typically small and pass quickly, but significant dirt storms, known as Haboobs, have occurred occasionally.
For the most part, these dirt storms are not a significant hazard. The most significant risk is while driving due to the low visibility. During Haboobs significantly, visibility can drop to as low as zero in minutes.
People with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors during these events. Pulling to the side is also encouraged if driving during major dirt storms. Other than this, dirt storms in the city pose minimal risk other than outdoor furniture and newly washed vehicles.
5 Tips for New Residents to Adapt to the Climate
Now that you know the weather patterns and significant hazards, I’ll cover some tips to make moving to Lubbock much easier.
1. Have appropriate clothing for each season.
As you’ve probably figured out already, the weather in Lubbock can be pretty diverse. You must have the appropriate clothing for all weather types.
You will want everything from shorts and shirts to heavy winter clothing such as snow boots and insulated jackets. You should also pick up a raincoat as the rain storms in the city can be severe.
It’s essential to purchase these items BEFORE you need them. The South Plains Mall is one of the best places to find everything. If you are thrift shopping, it’s easy to find great deals on clothing going out of season. This makes it incredibly easy for new residents to stock up on what is needed for the following year.
Other good locations for thrift shopping include T.J. Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory. However, there are many clothing options for all budgets throughout the city that sell clothing for all seasons.
2. Learn to drive in snow and rain.
This is critical and becoming more of an issue as people from outside the area move into Lubbock. You will be driving in slick conditions in both snow and rain.
Black ice, which is hard to see ice accumulated on the road, is a significant problem during freezing weather in the city.
Because significant snow and ice storms are not as common in Lubbock, many residents have not learned to drive during these conditions, often leading to significant accidents.
Even if you are from an area of the country where driving in the snow during winter is the norm, be extra cautious in Lubbock.
While the city has measures to clear the roads during icy conditions, the reality is that not every road gets cleared of snow and ice. It’s also important to note that early morning is often the most dangerous time for driving as many roads will not yet be de-iced, so be careful going to work or school.
3. Ensure you stay hydrated during the summer months.
Summer months in Lubbock can be scorching and dry, so you need to make sure and stay hydrated. Also, if you hope to make it to old age without looking like a raisin, use sunscreen and moisturizers.
It is common for temperatures to reach 100 Fahrenheit or more for days and weeks during the summer months. Plan if you work outside or enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
4. Consider a monthly car wash pass.
Lubbock is known as the dirt city for a reason. It would be best if you planned on having a dusty vehicle more often than not. If keeping your car clean is essential, purchasing a monthly car wash pass can be affordable.
Dirt storms during the spring and summer months and snow and rain storms during the winter and spring months ensure that cars stay dirty in the city.
The surrounding farms and occasionally strong winds also contribute to a dusty environment. Plenty of car washes throughout the city to remedy this, and monthly passes typically cost no more than $30.
5. Prepare for itchy eyes and noses.
Continuing from the above point, dirty cars aren’t the only concern with the dusty conditions around the city. Certain seasons in Lubbock will be a problem if you suffer from allergies.
The main culprit is the spring months and harvesting season in the fall when dust and debris are present in the air.
If you suffer from severe allergies, ensure the appropriate medications are available. This will save you from fits of sneezing and the myriad of other ailments that occur to allergy sufferers.
Contact Lubbock Lease Homes to Get Settled in as a New Lubbock Resident
Lubbock is an excellent place if you want mild weather and sunshine. While winter brings cold weather, it isn’t nearly as bad as many other areas of the United States.
For new residents, the key is to ensure that you understand the climate you are moving to and are prepared for the weather conditions in and around the city.
If you haven’t moved to Lubbock and are considering doing so, contact us today. And, if you don’t yet have a home picked out, check out the available selection of rental homes here at Lubbock Lease Homes.
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