A fast, gently downhill desert course that has become a Boston-qualifier magnet. Dry February mornings start near 40°F and warm quickly once the sun clears the mountains.
By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.
Plan for about 45°F (7°C) at the 06:00 start, feeling like 39°F (4°C), with 58% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 57°F (14°C) by the finish. It rained on 0 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Tights, Running Shoes.
45°F (7°C)
57°F (14°C)
0 of 10 years
36° to 58°F
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Conditions at the 06:00 start on the race's usual date each year (first Saturday of February). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.
| Year | Start temp | Feels like | Finish | Humidity | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45°F (7°C) | 39°F | 53°F | 50% | 5 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2024 | 43°F (6°C) | 39°F | 51°F | 90% | 3 mph | – | Clear |
| 2023 | 46°F (8°C) | 39°F | 60°F | 56% | 8 mph | – | Clear |
| 2022 | 42°F (6°C) | 33°F | 53°F | 31% | 8 mph | – | Clear |
| 2021 | 42°F (6°C) | 36°F | 57°F | 71% | 6 mph | – | Clear |
| 2020 | 48°F (9°C) | 40°F | 63°F | 42% | 10 mph | – | Clear |
| 2019 | 58°F (14°C) | 55°F | 60°F | 74% | 7 mph | – | Drizzle |
| 2018 | 48°F (9°C) | 40°F | 63°F | 34% | 6 mph | – | Clear |
| 2017 | 45°F (7°C) | 39°F | 60°F | 73% | 6 mph | – | Clear |
| 2016 | 36°F (2°C) | 28°F | 49°F | 61% | 8 mph | – | Clear |
Coldest start: 36°F (2°C) in 2016. Warmest: 58°F (14°C) in 2019. Wettest: no measurable rain in any year.
Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.
Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
Breathable moisture-wicking fabric
Running Tights
Full-length compression tights
Light Gloves
Thin running gloves
Headband
Ear coverage without overheating
Running Shoes
Your regular training shoes
Wool Running Socks
Warm and moisture-wicking
✓ Worn by the author
Grid-fleece quarter zip for 25 to 40°F starts
$128
✓ Worn by the author
Compression tight for 40 to 55°F, works under shorts
$78
Touchscreen-compatible, windproof, and packable
$55
Warm, itch-free merino blend for cold runs
$38
✓ Worn by the author
Thin, ribbed quarter sock that keeps grit out
$36
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Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 45°F (7°C) (feels like 39°F (4°C)) with 58% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 57°F (14°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 0 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 36°F (2°C) in 2016; the warmest was 58°F (14°C) in 2019.
For a typical 45°F (7°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Tights, Running Shoes. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.
The Mesa Marathon is usually held on first Saturday of February. The next expected date is Saturday, February 6, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.
The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.
Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.
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