The climate of New Haven
New Haven,
Connecticut, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate. Categorization under the Köppen climate classification designates a continuous presence of moisture, with no distinct dry season. This geographical positioning bestows upon New Haven a wide range of weather experiences across the seasonal spectrum.
Throughout the year, the city witnesses noticeable fluctuations in climatological parameters. Temperature oscillations occur, ranging from the chilliest lows of 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in
January, to sweltering peaks of 80.4°F (26.9°C) in
July. These oscillations extend over to humidity levels, although less characterized, they hover around mid-70 figures across the year. Rainfall varies to a certain degree from
February and
November as drier periods with 2.4in, upward, reaching a climax in
December with 3.86in. Conjoined to this, the amount of rainfall days ranges from as low as 9.4 days in January to a maximum of 18 days in July.
The prevalence of unique weather patterns is most pronounced in snowfall; January and February see the most snow accumulation with 2.13in and 2.68in respectively, snowfall substantially declines afterwards, with virtually none from
May to November. Sea temperatures, influenced by the overall weather trend, start from lows of 38.5°F (3.6°C) in February, before peaking at 73°F (22.8°C) in
August.
The best time to visit New Haven
The ideal conditions conducive for a visit to
New Haven are undoubtedly between
May and
October. During this period, the city basks in moderate temperatures which fluctuate from 65.1°F (18.4°C) to a comfortable 80.4°F (26.9°C). The sea temperature during this period is also invitingly warm, reaching a peak of 73°F (22.8°C) in
August. Besides, visitors will be able to enjoy longer daylight hours, which peak at 15.1h in
June. Moreover, the sunshine hours are also the highest between these months, indicating fewer occurrences of cloudy conditions. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that although
July holds the record for the highest average temperatures, it also records the most rain-heavy days.
The worst time to visit New Haven
The least favorable period to visit
New Haven extends from late
November to early
March. Cold temperatures predominate this timeframe, with lows plunging to 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in
January and barely rising beyond 43.9°F (6.6°C) in March. Snowfall during these months is experienced quite frequently with January leading with 6.1 snow days on average. Sea temperatures during this period are cold, dropping to a chilly 38.5°F (3.6°C) in
February. Days are also shorter, with the least daily sunlight hours occurring in
December, lasting for just 9.2h.
Spring weather in New Haven
Spring in
New Haven is characterized by a progressive warming trend. Temperatures begin to climb from an average low of 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in
March to a pleasant high of 65.1°F (18.4°C) by
May.
April marks the departure from snowfall, with a meager 0.08in recorded. Rainfall also takes an upward swing, going from 2.8in in March, culminating in a slightly wetter May with 2.76in. Daylight increases significantly during this period, adding approximately two minutes per day from March to May, resulting in a daylight peak of 14.5h.
Summer weather in New Haven
Summer provides
New Haven with its warmest conditions. The months from
June to
August register high temperatures, with
July being the hottest month boasting an average peak of 80.4°F (26.9°C). Rainfall during the summer months is fairly consistent, with a slight increase registered in July at 3.43in. Sea temperatures are at their most enticing from June to August, easily reaching a high of 73°F (22.8°C) in August. The summer season also graces New Haven with abundant sunshine, having as high as 15.1 sunshine hours per day in June.
Autumn weather in New Haven
During Autumn,
New Haven experiences a gradual cooling pattern.
September sees average highs of 72.5°F (22.5°C), which decrease to an average high of 50.7°F (10.4°C) by
November. This period also registers moderate to high rainfall, with the peak recorded at 3.54in in
October. However, it is notable that in terms of daylight and sunshine hours, Autumn still holds appealing conditions with around 11 sunshine hours per day in September.
Winter weather in New Haven
Winter ushers in the coldest period for
New Haven, characterized by a significant drop in temperatures. From
December to
February, temperatures plummet, from a high of 41.7°F (5.4°C) in December, dropping to an average low of 26.6°F (-3°C) in February. Cold sea temperatures accompany the winter chill, sinking to 38.5°F (3.6°C) in February. Snow becomes a prevalent feature of the weather scenery in December through February, with
January having the highest snowfall at 2.13in. Remarkably, despite the cold conditions, winter in New Haven possesses moderate sunshine hours with 4.8h per day in December, indicating fewer cloudy days.
Weather in January
During
January,
New Haven experiences cold winter days, typified by the blanket of snow decorating the city with an average of 2.13" (54mm) of snowfall. Marked by a drop in temperature from the relaxing autumn climate, the chill in the air is heightened by the wind, making it slightly cooler yet crisp.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January, the nip in the air persists, and
New Haven witnesses its last snow of the winter. The snowfall inches up to 2.68" (68mm) and adds to the winter holiday charm. The bitter cold of January sees some respite.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
New Haven moves into
March, the weather shows signs of gradual warming. Compared to the prior month, March is warmer with an appreciable increase in daylight hours, indicating towards the approach of spring season. Scarce snowfalls are replaced by rainfall as the primary form of precipitation, making the city gleam anew.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings significant transformations in
New Haven's weather. It is devoid of snowfall with the temperature rising to a pleasant range. The cold, biting winter is becoming a memory with the emergence of sprouting buds and blossoming landscapes.
Weather in April » Weather in May
New Haven in
May showcases a splendid weather transformation, stepping confidently into the warm, sunny days of late spring. The city says goodbye to
April’s capricious climate, firmly embracing the utilitarian weather of May, ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the harbinger of summer season in
New Haven with comfortable, warm temperatures gracing the city. It holds a significant increase in temperature, confirming the departure of the cool spring season. The daylight stretches out the most during this time, allowing ample sunshine to light up the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
New Haven marks the peak of summer, providing the highest average temperature of 80.4°F (26.9°C) and enjoying 15.1 hours of daylight. The city basks under the golden summer sun, bringing an air of laziness affecting both the locals and the visitors.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August follows the trail of
July's heated footsteps, but with a slight reduction in temperature. It's a serene time in
New Haven when nature comes alive under the warm summer sun. Rainfall is intermittent, just enough to enhance the intense greenery of the city parks.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September weather in
New Haven brings a sense of transformation, triggering the advent of the autumnal breeze. Though it follows
August's cue of warm days, the fall season paints the city with hues of cranberry red, pumpkin orange, and gilded gold.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
New Haven is the heart of the beautiful autumn season and the notable drop in temperature from the previous month starts setting in with characteristic chilly mornings and evenings. With the amber leaves decorating every street, the city encapsulates the essence of the fall season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the transition from autumn to the early winter season in
New Haven. Taking a turn from the mild weather of
October, November introduces a crisp coldness that remains till the year-end. However, the luminous fall foliage against the clear, dark blue sky creates a picturesque sight, making it equally attractive.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes the onset of winter in
New Haven,
Connecticut, USA, demonstrating temperatures as low as 32.5°F (0.3°C). Evenings turn cold earlier, marking the arrival of long winter nights. Despite its chilly attributes, locals enjoy the festivity brought in by the Christmas season.
Weather in December »