Temperatures vary quite a bit at our elevation (6,300-6,800 feet above sea level) and are usually much cooler than other areas of Texas.
81°F
Live Cameras
Check out live weather conditions at McDonald Observatory!
Weather Links
Check out these links for weather forecasts and satellite views of cloud coverage.
- National Weather Service
- The Weather Underground (enter “Fort Davis, TX” for our area)
- National Center for Atmospheric Research satellite view (Choose “ABQ” on the map for our area)
Monthly Climate Data
The below table lists historical climate data, courtesy of the Western Regional Climate Center. Please note these are all averages; therefore, the low temperature on a particular night can be much lower (for example in the 20s or teens during the winter).
Monthly Averages, 1935-2016
Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rain (in) | Avg Snow (in) |
Jan | 53.5 | 32.0 | 0.68 | 1.9 |
Feb | 56.9 | 33.9 | 0.49 | 0.8 |
Mar | 63.7 | 38.2 | 0.40 | 0.2 |
Apr | 71.4 | 45.2 | 0.50 | 0.1 |
May | 78.6 | 52.4 | 1.63 | 0 |
Jun | 84.5 | 58.2 | 2.49 | 0 |
Jul | 82.7 | 58.9 | 3.82 | 0 |
Aug | 81.3 | 58.4 | 3.69 | 0 |
Sep | 76.6 | 54.4 | 2.95 | 0 |
Oct | 70.5 | 48.0 | 1.61 | 0.1 |
Nov | 61.2 | 38.7 | 0.61 | 0.4 |
Dec | 54.4 | 33.6 | 0.60 | 1.2 |
What to Wear
For outdoor summer programs, make sure you bring a light jacket and long pants.
For fall, winter, and early spring programs, layer your attire and bring a warm coat, thermals, gloves, and something to keep your head warm. If you need warmer clothing than what you arrived with, our gift shop sells sweatshirts, blankets, and other cozy gear.
What Happens If It’s Cloudy
We will take every reasonable opportunity to present sky-viewing programs as originally planned. In the event of cloudy or inclement weather, we provide alternative programming options, which are unique to each.
- Star Parties
- Special Viewing Nights (36-inch Telescope)
- Special Viewing Nights (82-inch Telescope)
- Solar Viewings