The climate of Gunnison
Situated in the heart of the American state of
Colorado, the picturesque town of
Gunnison enjoys a Subarctic climate, officially classified as Dfc according to the Köppen system. This category of climate is synonymous with severe winters, cool summers, and no dry season, shaping the overall course of the town's weather across all seasons.
Monthly average temperatures in Gunnison see a wide range from 1.9°F (-16.7°C) to 75.6°F (24.2°C) throughout the year, indicating a marked temperature difference between the summer and winter months. Overall, the highest temperatures are observed in
July, with the mercury rising to 75.6°F (24.2°C), while
January tends to be the coldest month, with minimum temperatures dipping to 1.9°F (-16.7°C). The rainfall pattern stays fairly consistent over the year, centered around a range of 0.55" (14mm) to 1.3" (33mm).
Relative humidity in Gunnison stays on the higher side with values spanning between 44% and 88%. The driest period can be noted in
June when the relative humidity drops to 44%. In contrast, the months of January and
February see the town enveloped in a moist environment with humidity levels soaring above 87%. The town does not experience a dry month, per se, in line with the subarctic climate classification. It is also subject to considerable snowfall, particularly from
December to February when snowfall ranges from 4.69" (119mm) to 6.5" (165mm).
The best time to visit Gunnison
Judging by the parameters of climate and weather, the optimum period to visit
Gunnison would fall between
May and
September. During these months, temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 44.4°F (6.9°C) to 73.2°F (22.9°C), much milder in comparison to the often severe winter temperatures. Additionally, these months experience lower relative humidity at around 54% and more hours of daylight, ranging from 13.2 hours to 14.8 hours, allowing visitors to better appreciate the natural landscape and partake in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Gunnison
The months between
November and
March can be challenging for travel to
Gunnison due to the cold and often harsh winter conditions. Temperatures during this period can plummet below freezing, averaging between 1.9°F (-16.7°C) and 39°F (3.9°C). The presence of heavy snowfall, particularly in
December and
February, amounting up to 6.5" (165mm), could severely impede travel and outdoor activities. Coupled with fewer daylight hours, ranging from 9.5 to 12 hours, and increased cloud coverage, the ambiance during these months tends to be gloomier.
Spring weather in Gunnison
Spring months in
Gunnison see a notable transition in weather from
March through
May. March starts with minimum temperatures averaging around 12.4°F (-10.9°C), which gradually rise to reach 30.4°F (-0.9°C) by May. Highs similarly track an upward trajectory, moving from 35.2°F (1.8°C) in March to reach 56.8°F (13.8°C) in May. Rainfall registers a moderate increment, ranging from 0.91" (23mm) in March to 0.91" (23mm) in May.
Summer weather in Gunnison
The summer period from
June to
August extends a warm respite to
Gunnison's residents and visitors. June begins with an average low of 38.3°F (3.5°C), while August sees a high of 73.2°F (22.9°C). The town also witnesses its longest daylight hours during these months, going from 14.8 hours in June to 13.6 hours in August. Despite the warmer temperatures, rainfall does not see a significant increase, hovering around 0.59" (15mm) to 0.79" (20mm).
Autumn weather in Gunnison
Autumn in
Gunnison, occurring from
September to
November, sees temperatures dropping from 37.9°F (3.3°C) to 15.8°F (-9°C), making the weather increasingly brisk. Rainfall decreases in this period, going from 0.55" (14mm) in September to 0.55" (14mm) in November, accompanied by a decline in daylight hours from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Gunnison
Winter season in
Gunnison, spanning from
December to
February, is characterized by a severe chill with lows averaging between 1.9°F (-16.7°C) and 3.6°F (-15.8°C). Hailing as the coldest period in the year, there is also ample snowfall, reaching up to 6.5" (165mm) in December. Despite the increase in precipitation, daylight hours remain the shortest, beginning at 9.5 hours in December and extending up to 10.8 hours by February. This time of year is also marked by the highest relative humidity rates, oscillating between 83% to 88%.
Weather in January
In
Gunnison,
Colorado, USA,
January ushers in the New Year with low temperatures and high humidity. Relative humidity peaks at a high percentage of 87%, creating a noticeably damp environment often exacerbated by occasional snowfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
While
February continues the chill of
January, in
Gunnison the weather starts to transition with slightly improved temperatures. The snow-pack increases compared to January with an expected accumulation of 6.97" (177mm) of snow.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings with it the onset of spring and the promise of warmer days ahead in
Gunnison. Despite marked improvements, wintry conditions remain with an average temperature below freezing at night and 6.81" (173mm) of snowfall. This fluctuation between winter and vernal conditions characterizes March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The gradual transition to spring continues into
April, with warmer temperatures becoming more frequent in
Gunnison. The earlier transition melts away the pristine snow cover, reducing snowfall to an average of 5.35" (136mm). April sees a significant increase in daily sunlight hours, adding a sense of brightness and warmth to the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the definitive arrival of spring in
Gunnison with mild, temperate weather. Another marked decrease in snowfall occurs in May, dropping down to an average of 3.35" (85mm), heralding the last vestiges of winter's departure.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As the gateway to summer,
June brings significant changes to the weather in
Gunnison. Summer vibes begin to take hold, and the average maximum temperature surpasses 70°F (21.1°C) for the first time since last summer. Increased daylight hours, along with milder temperatures, make June a delightful time for outdoor escapades.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the height of summer in
Gunnison, with the warmest temperatures of the year. This month bears the distinction of having the highest average maximum temperature of the year at 75.6°F (24.2°C). These summer days are brimming with sunshine, typically warm, and provide plentiful daylight for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August remains firmly entrenched in summer in
Gunnison, though there is a negligible dip from the pinnacle of
July's heat. Tastes of the approaching autumn start to creep in as the intensity of the summer sun wanes slightly. Despite this, warmth is not quite ready to surrender its hold, and August remains significant for outdoor activities and travel.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Gunnison signals the onset of autumn with gradually fading warmth, shorter days, and changing leaf colors. The transition from summer heat to autumn coolness can be sensed in the more moderate temperatures gracing the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October plunges deeper into autumn in
Gunnison with a notable drop in temperatures. The stark difference to the warmth experienced in recent months sets a pathway towards winter. Meanwhile, snowfall becomes commonplace once more in October, as the snow covers the city with an intrinsic charm.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Gunnison indicates solid progression towards winter, with stark drops in temperature. The colder clime prepares residents for the impending winter, and snowfall increases to 4.02" (102mm), coating the landscape in a fresh layer of snow.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Gunnison,
Colorado, marks the official beginning of winter with its lowest temperatures and an increase in snowfall to a considerable 6.5" (165mm). The end of the year brings with it a true winter wonderland experience, where snow-covered landscapes and frosting chill becomes an everyday norm.
Weather in December »