The climate of American Falls
Located in the state of
Idaho, USA,
American Falls is dominated by a BSk Köppen climate category, that translates to a mid-latitude steppe. This climate is characteristic of regions situated far away from both the equator and the poles, receiving a medium amount of rainfall and sunlight throughout the year.
American Falls showcases a color palette on the weather canvas that brings variation throughout the year with a clear distinction between the four seasons. The fluctuating weather pattern takes the temperature from a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C) in winter to a warm 85.8°F (29.9°C) in the peak of summer. The humidity responds similarly, following never-constant values that oscillates between 32% in
August and 86% in
January.
Residents of the city experience variation, not only in temperature and humidity, but also in a number of weather conditions. Rainfall ranges from a minimum of 0.59" (15mm) in
July to a maximum of 1.18" (30mm) in
March, coming in intermittent spells across the year. Snowfall, mostly confined to the winter months, is seen from
November to
April with 7.2" (183mm) in January being a noticeable figure.
Unique to this region is the shift in daylight hours from 9.5 hours in January to 15.3 hours in
June, the longest it gets throughout the year. Corresponding to this, sunshine hours range from a low of 5.1 hours in January to a high of 11.9 hours in June and July. It's noteworthy that in one distinct month, June, the UV index reaches an annual peak of 6.
Within this mid-latitude steppe climate, a constant barometric reading is maintained from 29.89" (759mm) in June to 30.3" (770mm) in January. Winds, on the other hand, follow a mild nature throughout the year, ranging from 7mph (11.3km/h) in January and
December to 9.6mph (15.4km/h) during April.
The best time to visit American Falls
The optimal period to visit
American Falls occurs between
May and
August when the weather is at its warmest. The temperature varies from a comfortable 64°F (17.8°C) to a peak of 85.8°F (29.9°C) in
July, coupled with a relative humidity oscillating between 33% and 51%. Precipitation is also at a minimum during these months, with rainfall varying from 0.59" (15mm) in July to 1.1" (28mm) in May. The daylight hours reach their zenith with almost 15 hours of daylight in
June.
The worst time to visit American Falls
The period from
December to
February serves as the most challenging to visit
American Falls due to extreme winter conditions. The temperature plummet down to an average low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in both
January and December. Snowfall prevails, reaching its peak in January with a significant 7.2" (183mm) of snow. Daylight hours are truncated, and sunshine hours are lower than at any other point in the year.
Spring weather in American Falls
Spring, from
March to
May, sees the transition from the cold winter months to the warm summer period. Temperatures progressively increase from an average of 44.2°F (6.8°C) in March to 64°F (17.8°C) in May. Rainfall oscillates between 0.91" (23mm) to 1.18" (30mm), making these months relatively moist. Daylight expands extensively during spring, starting from 12 hours in March and extending to nearly 15 hours by May's end.
Summer weather in American Falls
Summers in
American Falls, from
June to
August, are characterized by the highest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. Monthly temperatures span from 74.7°F (23.7°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C) at the apex, with relative humidity varying from a yearly low of 32% up to 45%. With rainfall considerably reduced during this period, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities under clear and dry conditions during the plentiful sunshine hours.
Autumn weather in American Falls
Autumn, from
September to
November, in
American Falls witnesses a significant drop in temperatures, plummeting from an average of 73.9°F (23.3°C) in September to 42.6°F (5.9°C) by November. Rainfall remains consistent, hovering around 0.75" (19mm). Daylight hours gradually recede from 12.5 hours in September to just under 10 hours in November. This period is marked by a relatively calm wind speed of 7.6mph (12.2km/h) to 7.8mph (12.6km/h).
Winter weather in American Falls
Winter is quite harsh in
American Falls, with cold and snowy conditions prevailing from
December through
February. Temperatures during these months mostly remain below freezing point, oscillating from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 29.7°F (-1.3°C). Snowfall accumulates to peak at 7.2" (183mm) in
January, accompanied by a heightened relative humidity of 84% to 86%. Despite the limited daylight hours and minimal sunshine, the serene, snowy landscape does have its unique charm.
Weather in January
American Falls,
Idaho is typically swept by chilly
January breezes traveling at around 7mph (11.3km/h) while the temperature ranges from 18°F (-7.8°C) to a high of 29.7°F (-1.3°C). Snowy days take up half of the month, accompanied by heavy cloud cover.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Residents of
American Falls would observe a slight relief from freezing temperatures in
February, with both the highs and lows moving up several degrees from
January. Snowfall decreases noticeably but still accounts for a significant amount of winter precipitation.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
American Falls marks a notable warming phase with temperatures venturing into the mid-40s°F. The arrival of springtime sees a lush increase in daylight hours, an improvement from the drearier winter months. The higher temperature levels correlate with diminished snowfall, signifying the transition out of the winter season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The warming trend continues into
April in
American Falls, with temperatures nudging past the 50°F (10°C) barrier. Swapping snowflakes for raindrops, April experiences a dip in accumulated snowfall to a mere 0.63 in. Alongside, there is a pleasant increase in hours of sunlight, offering more opportunities for soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Coming into
May,
American Falls witnesses the shift to more pleasant conditions as the weather turns significantly warmer. As expected of the late spring period, monthly highs scale beyond a comfortable 60°F (15.6°C). The town prepares to bid farewell to snowfall, with the last of the winter's traces fading out early in the month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
American Falls kicks off summer in
June, with temperatures soaring to a high of 74.7°F (23.7°C). The warmer readings push snowfall entirely out of the picture, setting the stage for pure, sunny summer days. Relative humidity drops significantly, contributing to the rather dry air.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The zenith of summer comes in
July for
American Falls, with the mercury climbing as high as 85.8°F (29.9°C). It is no surprise to find the month devoid of snowfall, while the number of hours one can bask in the sun reaches its maximum.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August retains the high heat in
American Falls, but a slight dip marks the beginning of the transition toward the fall season. The relative humidity remains constant with no marked rise or fall from
July. The month holds onto the stretched daylight hours and elevated UV index.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
American Falls brings a gradual transition towards cooler autumn weather. A notable dip in temperatures underscores the shift away from the summer season. The increased cloudiness reflects the slowly dipping temperature levels.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees the full onset of autumn in
American Falls. Temperatures slide into more bearable ranges, making outdoor activities more comfortable without the summer heat. The elevated relative humidity signifies the moisture in the air, while the decreasing daylight hours promise a change in season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes
American Falls into the firm grip of winter, with freezing temperatures becoming more frequent. The chill comes hand in hand with increased snowfall, dialing up to a significant 2.76 in for the month. A consistent drop in the number of daylight hours impacts the overall brightness of the town.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December brings
American Falls back to solid winter footing with temperatures dropping to a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C). The increase in snowfall to its annual high of 5.28" (134mm) paints a picture of a white Christmas.
Weather in December »