The climate of Dover
Dover, situated in
Delaware, USA, adheres predominantly to a Humid subtropical climate with no dry season, as per the Köppen climate classification. The weather patterns for this area are distinctive mainly because of its geographical position, with no month being dry throughout the year.
Throughout the year, the city of Dover experiences a wide range of temperature variations, with highest recorded temperatures peaking at 84.2°F (29°C) during the summer months and dipping to a chilly 28.8°F (-1.8°C) during the winter. Coupled with this, the climate here also sees fluctuations in relative humidity levels from 74% to as high as 79%, maintaining a relatively high moisture level in the atmosphere all around the year.
Rainfall also varies throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 3.15" (80mm) during the late summer months, while gradually decreasing to as low as 1.46" (37mm) in the cooler months. Interestingly, the city boasts an average of almost 15 days of rain each month, with these numbers peaking around the midst of summer.
Noticeably, Dover also experiences a mild snowfall during the colder months. Typically, snowfall is prevalent during late winter and early spring, showing the diverse patterns of weather this city offers.
The best time to visit Dover
Statistically, the months between
June and
September prove to be the warmest period in
Dover, with temperatures soaring up to a balmy 78.8°F (26°C) to 84.2°F (29°C). This is complemented by the lowest wind speeds of the year, averaging between 6.4mph (10.3km/h) and 7.6mph (12.2km/h). Consequently, it is during these months that the city experiences highest daylight hours, rising to a maximum of 14.9 hours per day.
The summer period is also characterized by high rainfall, making the city lush and green. While it does ensure higher humidity, it also drives a vibrant ecosystem, making this period an excellent time to explore Dover's natural beauty.
The worst time to visit Dover
The months from
December to
February are particularly harsh in
Dover. During this period, temperatures often plunge to a low of 28.8°F (-1.8°C), making outdoor activities less appealing. Moreover, high wind speeds (around 10mph (16.1km/h)) prevail during these months, adding to the chill factor.
Snowfall is also a weather factor during the winter season, although it is usually mild (up to 1.65" (42mm)). Still, it contributes to the overall cold and could cause travel and leisure disruptions.
Spring weather in Dover
During spring, from
March to
May,
Dover experiences rising temperatures, with heights reaching 70.7°F (21.5°C) and lows barely touching 37°F (2.8°C). It's a transitional period when rainfall remains fairly consistent at approximately 2" (51mm) per month, while humidity hovers about 74%. In general, weather conditions during spring are unpredictable, but mild, providing a variety of opportunities for outdoor engagement.
Summer weather in Dover
Dover's summer is the warmest period of the year, witnessing temperatures that fluctuate between a comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C) and a high of 84.2°F (29°C) during the peak months of
June to
August. Despite the rise in ambient temperature, the number of daylight hours increases significantly to a max of about 14.9 hours a day, allowing ample time and opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.
Autumn weather in Dover
Autumn months in
Dover, from
September to
November, see a gradual drop in temperature from 76.3°F (24.6°C) down to 54.3°F (12.4°C). Rainfall decreases a bit to around 2" (51mm) but the number of rainy days remains relatively high, floating around 11 to 13 days in a month. Simultaneously, wind speed gradually rises and daylight hours begin to shorten, setting the tone for the approaching winter.
Winter weather in Dover
Winter in
Dover manages to bring forth a different character of the city. The months from
December to
February see plummeting temperatures, as low as 28.8°F (-1.8°C) with a maximum reaching up to 46.2°F (7.9°C). Cloud cover percentage increases significantly, bringing with it the possibility of snowfall in late winter. Sunshine hours decrease to as few as 5.2 hours, and wind speeds cap at around 10mph (16.1km/h), making it significantly colder.
Weather in January
The starting month of the year brings damp conditions to
Dover,
Delaware, with a maximum snowfall of 1.65" (42mm). As air temperatures fluctuate from lows of 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to highs of 39.7°F (4.3°C), it's easy to notice a blend of winter chill and humidity in the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
With temperature lows intensifying just slightly from
January to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and the highs maintaining the low 40s°F,
February extends the cold reality of winter in
Dover. The actual snow quantity recedes to a mere 0.91" (23mm), reducing the winter wonderland effect somewhat.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A significant change in the climate appears in
March as winter slowly gives way to spring. The warm-up results in temperature highs reaching 49.6°F (9.8°C), a stark contrast to the brisk air from previous months. Rainfall is slightly more frequent, as shown by the increase in rainfall days from 9.9 to 12.8.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a striking contrast in
Dover's weather, showcasing what spring can truly display in the city. With temperature highs soaring to a pleasant 61°F (16.1°C), this mild warmth is a welcome change from the winter chill. April also records a steady drop in snowfall, with no evidence of snow on the horizon.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May inaugurates the arrival of summer with an increase in temperature, climbing to highs of 70.7°F (21.5°C). As the heat intensifies, so does the humidity, reaching a relative average of 79%. There's no sign of snow in May as summer predators snowfall trends.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is often revered as the gateway to the hottest part of the year in
Dover, with temperature highs spiking to 78.8°F (26°C). The cloud coverage, however, recedes significantly to 32%, allowing the sun to further heat the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
A highlight of
July is the soaring temperature, reaching a peak of 84.2°F (29°C) for the year in
Dover,
Delaware, which is the highest average high temperature of the year. It's a humid month, as anticipated, with relative humidity at 78%.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August sustains the summer's fervent heat, albeit with a temperature decrease to a high of 81.9°F (27.7°C). The frequency of rainfall days remains at 15.6, contributing to a monthly average rainfall of 3.15" (80mm). As a result, this month is considered to be the year's wettest.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the beginning of autumn, with the weather starting to cool down significantly from the summer high, reaching 76.3°F (24.6°C). Coupled with a decline in daily sunshine hours to 9.2, this shift indicates the changing seasons.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings forth a substantial drop in temperature, with average highs dipping to 65.3°F (18.5°C). Although still relatively humid at 77%, the city experiences increased wind speed at 8.8mph (14.2km/h), offering a pleasant, crisp fall climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a marker of the impending winter season, with a notable temperature plunge to 54.3°F (12.4°C). This month brings significantly less rainfall, registering 1.77" (45mm) on average, and fewer rainfall days at 8.1. Despite the cloud cover being at 35%, daily sunshine hours stay almost constant at 5.8.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December,
Dover,
Delaware, fully embraces the winter season, with temperatures settling between lows of 35.6°F (2°C) and highs of 46.2°F (7.9°C). This colder period is coupled with a slight increase in snowfall at 0.51" (13mm) and days of snowfall totaling 1.7 for the month.
Weather in December »