How Grand Junction, Colorado Beats Miami In Sunshine Every Year

Some people think Miami is one of the sunniest places on Earth, but what does Will Smith say about it? His entire music tribute to the city in the song “Miami” talks about all the action in the club at night. I think he mentions a sunset once.

Grand Junction might not be known for palm trees and jet skis, but would you believe that Colorado’s largest city on the Western Slope enjoys more sunshine than Florida’s second-largest city? Let’s take a closer look at how this is possible.

Why Grand Junction Sees More Sunshine Than Miami

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Did you know that, according to long-term climate data, Grand Junction, Colorado, averages 71% of possible sunshine in a year? Meaning between sunrise and sunset, more of those minutes are bathed in sun than in many other places in the United States, including Miami. Want to know why everyone on the Western Slope tells you to keep your sunscreen handy? It’s because, according to the National Weather Service, over 3,200 hours per year are sun-soaked, blue-sky hours.

What Makes Grand Junction Skies So Sunny

So how does Grand Junction get so lucky with all this sunshine? First, think elevation. The city of Miami is less than 10 feet above sea level. Climate Charts place Grand Junction at an elevation of 4,800 feet above sea level. At a higher elevation, our atmosphere is thinner and scatters less light.

Another factor, according to the National Weather Service, is the arid climate, which only gets about 9.4 inches of precipitation and 19 inches of snow. Low humidity means fewer clouds blocking the sun. Grand Junction’s location on the Western Slope also places our community in a rain shadow, meaning that moisture falls elsewhere, resulting in clearer skies.

How That Compares to Miami’s Sunshine

By comparison, Miami averages about 70% possible sunshine according to the Florida Climate Center. That may sound like Miami is neck-and-neck with Grand Junction, but Miami feels different because of its tropical climate. According to the National Weather Service, high humidity levels, frequent afternoon storms, and convection-driven clouds are a regular occurrence.

All these factors break up the consistency of the sunshine. The high-elevation, stable, and long-lasting sun on the Western Slope puts us well ahead of the “Sunshine State.”

Read More: How Great is the Weather in Grand Junction, Colorado?

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