Climates About Odessa, TX

Introduction to Odessa’s Climate

Odessa, Texas is located in the Permian Basin region in western Texas. This inland area has an arid desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Odessa experiences more than 300 days of sunshine per year.

The city has an elevation of 2,915 feet above sea level. Its location far from any major bodies of water and mountain ranges influences its climate. Odessa’s desert climate results in little humidity and precipitation over the course of a year.

Temperatures and Precipitation

Summer Temperatures

Summers in Odessa are extremely hot, with average high temperatures of 94°F in June, 96°F in July, and 95°F in August. The highest temperature ever recorded was 115°F in 1994. It is common for heat indices to exceed 100°F during summer afternoons.

Winter Temperatures

Winters are mild but can vary greatly. The average high temperature is 57°F in December and 58°F in January, although SUBHEADs can drop below freezing. Historically, the coldest month is January, with an average low of 31°F.

Precipitation Levels

Odessa only receives about 14 inches of rain per year on average. The wettest month is September, with 2 inches of rain, while the driest month is February, with only 0.33 inches.

Snow is rare in Odessa, only occurring one to two times per decade. The city averages no more than 2 inches of snow annually.

Four Distinct Seasons

Despite the arid climate, Odessa experiences four distinct seasons:

Spring

Spring arrives in March, although winter cold snaps can linger into April. High temperatures reach into the 70s and 80s by May. The weather is mild, making spring a comfortable season.

Summer

Summer heat settles in by June and July, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. It remains hot and dry through September. On average, Odessa experiences 90 days per year with temperatures above 100°F.

Fall

Fall provides some relief from the summer heat between October and November. However, temperatures can remain quite warm, especially in the first half of the fall. By November, highs are in the 60s.

Winter

Winter runs from December through February. While winter temperatures are mild compared to other parts of the country, cold fronts can drop temps into the 20s or 30s. January is generally the coldest month.

Weather Hazards

Heat Waves

Extreme heat is the main weather hazard in Odessa. Triple-digit heat waves lasting over a week routinely impact the region each summer. These heat waves can be dangerous or even deadly.

Drought

Low average rainfall makes drought a recurring issue. Long-term drought has been extensive over the past decade, causing crop failures and water restrictions.

Dust Storms

Gusty winds pick up loose topsoil dried out from drought, creating blinding, choking clouds of dust that sweep through the Odessa area periodically.

Flash Flooding

When heavy rainfall does occur, the extremely dry and compacted soil can contribute to flash flooding events in Odessa and surrounding regions. These floods often strike with little warning.

Average Monthly Climate Summary

Here is a table summarizing average temperature, precipitation, and extreme temperatures by month in Odessa:

MonthAverage High Temp (°F)Average Low Temp (°F)Average Precipitation (inches)Record High Temp (°F)Record Low Temp (°F)
January57310.4889 (1962)-8 (1962)
February61340.3389 (1996)-3 (1933)
March69410.5095 (1988)11 (1960)
April79510.94100 (1994)22 (1913)
May88611.50108 (1998)41 (1907)
June94681.65111 (1990)53 (1919)
July96711.73112 (1998)57 (1895)
August95691.97112 (2011)52 (1895)
September88632.00108 (2000)45 (1913)
October79531.34103 (2001)28 (1971)
November67390.7491 (2001)9 (1993)
December57310.5784 (1955)-1 (1989)

Popular Activities by Season

Odessa’s climate and seasons lend themselves to different popular outdoor activities throughout the year:

Spring

  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Golfing
  • Visiting parks and gardens
  • Attending local festivals and fairs

Summer

  • Swimming
  • Water recreation at lakes
  • Spending time indoors in air conditioning
  • Enjoying nightlife and entertainment venues

Fall

  • State and county fairs with rodeos
  • Outdoor concerts and festivals
  • Hunting seasons open
  • High school and college football

Winter

  • Comfortable daytime temperatures for biking, golf, hiking
  • Visiting indoor attractions like museums
  • Some seasonal skiing and snowboarding options a few hours away
  • Cozying up next to a fireplace or heater

Landscaping Considerations

Choosing plants

The desert climate means homeowners need to choose native, drought-resistant plants and grasses for their yards:

  • Cacti
  • Yucca
  • Desert willow
  • Agave
  • Fountain grass
  • Sagebrush

Additional tips

Other landscaping tips include:

  • Use inorganic mulch like gravel or stone
  • Group plants according to water needs
  • Utilize efficient irrigation through drip systems or soak hoses
  • Maintain 3-4 inches of organic mulch around plants
  • Test soil and amend when needed
  • Plant in the fall

Looking to the Future

Scientists predict Odessa’s climate may become hotter and drier in the coming decades due to climate change. Average temperatures could rise 4-5°F by 2050. Rainfall may decrease as well.

These changes will exacerbate heat waves, drought, and flash flooding. Community planning and preparedness will grow increasingly necessary to deal with these intensifying weather issues. Investment in water conservation strategies will also help the Odessa area manage through hotter and drier conditions in the future.

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Directions

  • Take I-20 W, exit 119B to TX-335 Spur. Go 14 miles, turn left to E County Rd West, right to S County Rd 1130, left to E 52nd St, right to N Washington Ave, left to E Murphy St, right to Winchester Ave. Destination on right.
  • Take University Blvd east 16 miles, right to S FM 866, go 8 miles north, left to I-20 Frontage Rd, right on frontage 3 miles, left to Winchester Ave, go 0.9 miles. Destination on left.
  • Take TX-158 E 35 miles to Goldsmith, right to N Main St, go 6 miles north, left to E Murphy St, second right to Winchester Ave, go 0.2 miles. Destination on right.