The climate of Sterling
Sterling, located in Northeastern
Colorado, possesses a Mid-latitude steppe climate, under the Köppen climate classification BSk. This climate type is defined by moderate rainfall spread equally throughout the year and a wide range in temperature, from cold winters to hot summers.
The variance in climate can be observed in the monthly averages provided. Peak temperatures occur in
July, reaching up to 88.5°F (31.4°C), whereas in
January, temperatures can drop to a low of 23.9°F (-4.5°C). This wide thermal amplitude indicates the influence of the continental climate, in line with Sterling's geographical position.
Relative humidity in Sterling varies, with drier months observed during
September to
November, where humidity drops to levels below 50%. On the contrary, the months with higher humidity levels are January and
February, when levels can reach 65%. These humidity fluctuations can have a vital impact on perceived temperature, intensifying cold or hot conditions.
Rainfall in Sterling shows a significant increase from a mere 0.35" (9mm) in January to its peak in
May at 2.95" (75mm). However, the rainfall days present a somewhat constant pattern, with the highest number of rainy days observed in May at 17.3 days, closely followed by July at 16.4 days. Snowfall is more frequent during the winter months, with January having a maximum at 1.77" (45mm).
Moreover, daylight hours increase from 9.7 hours in January to a high of 15 hours in
June. Similarly, sunshine sees its peak in June and July offering around 11.7 hours of daylight.
The best time to visit Sterling
Considering both temperature and rainfall averages, the ideal time to visit
Sterling,
Colorado, would be from late spring to early fall, particularly between
May to
September. During this period, the weather is generally fair, with average high temperatures ranging from 59.7°F (15.4°C) in
April to 82.6°F (28.1°C) in
June.
The weather during these months is usually suitable for outdoor activities, due to low likelihood of rain and a pleasant range of temperatures. However, one should be prepared for occasional downpours, considering the highest rainfall is observed in May with 2.95" (75mm).
The worst time to visit Sterling
The coldest months of the year, specifically from
December to
February, are considered the least favorable time to visit
Sterling. The average low temperature drops to 23°F (-5°C) in
January, accompanied by snowfall up to 1.77" (45mm). Besides the unfriendly cold, shorter daylight hours, ranging from 9.3 to 10.7 hours, further decrease the appeal of this season for tourism.
Spring weather in Sterling
Spring in
Sterling begins with a gradual rise in temperature from an average high of 53.8°F (12.1°C) in
March to 68.9°F (20.5°C) in
May. Rainfall sees a significant increase, reaching its peak at 2.95" (75mm) in May. While the increase in rainfall might require carrying an umbrella, the spring months also bring in longer daylight hours and sunnier days.
Summer weather in Sterling
Summers in
Sterling are generally warm, with average temperatures soaring to a high of 88.5°F (31.4°C) in
July, the hottest month of the year. Despite the high temperatures, humidity levels remain moderately low, leading to somewhat comfortable conditions. Rainfall is relatively persistently distributed across the summer months, with an average of around 2.1" (53mm).
Autumn weather in Sterling
From
September to
November, the temperature begins to decrease, dropping from a high of 78.8°F (26°C) in September to an average high of 50°F (10°C) in November. Rainfall diminishes from 1.02" (26mm) in
October to 0.47" (12mm) in November. The autumn months also bring shorter daylight hours, albeit with generally clear skies and mild daytime temperatures.
Winter weather in Sterling
Winter in
Sterling is typically cold, with high temperatures averaging 37.8°F (3.2°C) in
December and dropping to the lowest point of 23.9°F (-4.5°C) in
January. Snowfall increases during these months, with January witnessing the highest snowfall of 1.77" (45mm). Despite lower temperatures, humidity levels are relatively high, resulting in a feel of intensifying coldness.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Maintaining the frosty stride of
January,
February in
Sterling experiences slight increases in both maximum and minimum temperature values. However, February does not lose its winter charm with a significant 2.68" (68mm) of snowfall occurring over 6.7 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Sterling experiences noticeable changes in the weather scenario during
March. A significant rise in temperatures signals the advent of spring, marking a considerable contrast in comparison to
January and
February. Sunshine grows significantly plentiful covering an average of 8.3 hours per day, a considerable jump from the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in consistent springtime weather in
Sterling. Temperatures continue to rise, inducing a definitive shift from the chilly grip of winter. Simultaneously, it's the month receiving the highest amount of rainfall, approximately 1.65" (42mm) spread over 14.6 days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Relatively moderate weather characterises
May in
Sterling. The pathways towards summer begin to unveil as temperatures become warmer, establishing an amicable difference when compared to the preceding months. The month also stands out with maximum rainfall, estimated at 2.95" (75mm) spread across 17.3 days, the peak through the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Sterling,
Colorado wipes away the last traces of spring, stepping into summer unreservedly. The increase in temperatures complements the peak sunshine hours of 11.7, encapsulating the warmth of summer days. It is a dry month with lesser rain downpours than the previous month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Typically,
July is the hottest month in
Sterling,
Colorado. The expansion of daylight experiences a slight dip from
June, reducing to 14.7 hours on average. Evenings tend to be balmy with the highest average low temperature hitting 65.8°F (18.8°C).
Weather in July »Weather in August
August observes almost the same weather characteristics as
July despite minor reductions in maximum and minimum temperatures. The month is a celebration of summer in true sense with longer days and mild humidity. Distinguished by a prominent drop in rainfall from July to a lower 1.69" (43mm) over 13.3 days, August embodies the classic late-summer essence.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Sterling heralds the arrival of fall. Even though the weather bears the remnants of summer, changes gradually start to manifest, notably in temperature patterns. There is a notable decrease in the length of days to an average of 12.4 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Graduating into the thick of fall,
October in
Sterling experiences a significant drop in temperatures compared to its predecessor,
September. The shorter daylight hours magnify the autumn ambiance throughout the city. A renewed cycle of snowfall emerges with a recorded 1.81" (46mm) spread across 2.5 days, a noteworthy climate event after the warm summer months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November features a continued decrease in temperature, and an expressive increase in the number of snowfall days to 4.2, higher than what's observed in
October. However, with
Sterling transitioning to winter, November holds onto the colors of fall, resulting in a potent mixture of both seasons' glory.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Sterling,
Colorado retreats into the heart of winter in
December. The city wears a white blanket with an average snowfall of 1.38" (35mm) distributed over 6.4 days. Despite the chill, the sunshine manages to peek through with an average duration of 6.5 hours per day.
Weather in December »