The climate of Sandpoint
Sandpoint,
Idaho falls under the Dsb zone of the Köppen climate classification, indicating a humid continental climate with dry warm summers. Situated in the northwestern United States, this city experiences a vast range of weather conditions throughout the year.
Analyzing the climate data makes it clear that Sandpoint experiences a significant shift in temperatures over four distinct seasons. High temperatures reach peaks of close to 80°F (26.7°C) in the summer months of
July and
August, while lows dip down to about 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in
December. Drastic variations in humidity are also evident, with humidity levels going from 95% in
January to a low of 53% by August. Further, rainfall and snowfall are skewed towards the colder months, making Sandpoint a city of frosty winters and relatively dry summers.
Looking at the unique weather patterns, Sandpoint receives the most rainfall in December, totaling 3.27" (83mm), compared to only 0.43" (11mm) in August. Snowfall is observed from
October through
April, with January experiencing the highest volume, clocking up to 17.28" (439mm) of snow. In contrast, the months from
May to
September are completely devoid of snow.
The best time to visit Sandpoint
Considering the weather trends, the best months to visit
Sandpoint would be between
June and
August. During this time, average high temperatures range from 68.4°F (20.2°C) to 79.9°F (26.6°C), making it suitable for outdoor activities. These months also offer the longest daylight hours of up to 16 hours per day. Although the amount of rainfall is less during summer, it is spread over 13.8 days in June and 7.3 days in
July, suggesting that rain showers will be a brief interruption rather than a damper on holiday plans.
The worst time to visit Sandpoint
Winter months, specifically from
November through early
March, are possibly the harshest times to visit
Sandpoint. With cold temperatures running from 19.2°F (-7.1°C) to 39.7°F (4.3°C) and an elevated probability of snowfall, navigating the city could be quite challenging.
December, particularly, amasses an average of 15" (381mm) of snow over 18.2 days and sees daylight for just 8.4 hours.
Spring weather in Sandpoint
During the spring months of
March,
April, and
May,
Sandpoint experiences a gradual transition in the weather. Temperatures rise from a high of 39.7°F (4.3°C) in March to a comfortable 62.6°F (17°C) by May. Rainfall during spring averages around 2" (51mm) per month and snowfall decreases from 8.35" (212mm) in March to virtually zero by May.
Summer weather in Sandpoint
Summer in
Sandpoint, from
June through
August, is characterized by warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and less rainfall. Average high temperatures hover around 68.4°F (20.2°C) in June and peak at 79.9°F (26.6°C) in August. Rainfall is at its minimum, especially in
July and August, maintaining an optimum balance for outdoor activities and adventures.
Autumn weather in Sandpoint
Autumn in
Sandpoint, encompassing
September,
October, and
November, brings cooler temperatures and heightened precipitation levels. Daytime highs begin to fall from 68.5°F (20.3°C) in September to a chilly 37.4°F (3°C) in November. However, rainfall concurrently picks up pace, especially in November with 2.6" (66mm) of rain spread over almost 15 days.
Winter weather in Sandpoint
Winters in
Sandpoint, from
December through
February, are quite cold with plenty of snowfall. Temperatures range from a high of 30.4°F (-0.9°C) in December to a low of 19°F (-7.2°C) in February. Snowfall also registers its peak during these months, with December experiencing the highest snowfall of 15" (381mm). The shorter daylight hours, averaging 8.9 to 10.2 hours per day, add to the frigid winter feel in Sandpoint during these months.
Weather in January
A fresh year in
Sandpoint opens with frigid temperatures. Having descended from
December highs,
January remains frosty, with high humidity intensifying the chill. Short daylight hours further contribute to the overall cold atmosphere.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Sandpoint ushers in a slight increase in temperatures and daylight hours, beginning to replace the frosty chills of
January. However, the climatic conditions remain chilly with persistent snowfall, albeit less intense than the preceding month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The cold grasp of winter begins to loosen in
March as
Sandpoint welcomes a transition towards milder temperatures. Snowfall starts to dwindle, paving the way for moderate rainfall which becomes more prominent. Even though the temperatures are comparatively higher than the preceding months, residents and visitors are advised to keep their warm clothing handy.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the trend of rising temperatures that started in
March. Replacing the cold and snowy winter landscapes, this month begins to imbibe a lively and more comfortable ambiance. The natural beauty of
Sandpoint takes a vibrant turn with the arrival of Spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in the charm of spring at
Sandpoint. The city comes alive with lush greenery as the temperatures continue to rise. Rainfall drops slightly compared to
April and the days extend, inviting more sunlight into the city. This time marks an ideal opportunity for tourism as the snowfall has completely ceased by now.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June indicates a distinct shift from spring to summer. The weather becomes warmer, and sunshine hours increase, paving the way for long, bright days. Outdoors beckon as the pleasant weather conditions provide a perfect backdrop for summertime activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July celebrates the peak of summer in
Sandpoint. Offering the longest daylight and highest UV index of the year, it proffers the perfect weather for sun-soaked outdoor recreational activities. Despite the heat, humidity levels drop considerably, leading to a more comfortable atmosphere compared to the colder months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following
July,
August sustains the summer vibes in
Sandpoint with similar temperature trends. However, being the last month of summer, temperatures start to exhibit a slight dip towards the end. Longer sunshine hours contribute to maintaining the summer spirit.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September carries the touch of fall to
Sandpoint. The temperature spiral downwards, marking the beginning of the end for the summer. The fall colors start to paint the town, making this month exceptionally scenic. A slight increase in rainfall days is noted, yet the weather remains comfortable for outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October fully imbibes the essence of fall with a further temperature drop. The hues of autumn strongly characterize the city's scenery. The crisp air and the rustling of leaves underfoot make it a poet's delight. The rainfall begins to rise, setting a moist backdrop for the autumn scenery.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a rapid drop in temperatures, signaling the arrival of winter's preliminary phase. The long, bright days of summer become a distant memory, replaced by shorter daylight hours. With the cloud cover increasing substantially, the city's weather becomes predominantly wet.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The last month of the year envelops
Sandpoint in a deep winter setting. With the shortest daylight hours and lowest temperatures,
December sees the city at its coldest. The festive season gets a white backdrop as the city becomes beautifully blanketed in snow.
Weather in December »