The climate of Sun Valley
Located in
Idaho, USA,
Sun Valley boasts a predominantly Subartic, subalpine climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, which categorizes it as a Dsc climate. This classification manifests in marked seasonal changes characterizing the weather conditions throughout the year.
A broad analysis of the climate parameters reveals seasonal extremes in weather. The high yearly temperature fluctuates from 26.8°F (-2.9°C) in
January to 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
July, while the lowest temperature changes from 8.4°F (-13.1°C) in January to 50.5°F (10.3°C) in July and
August. The relative humidity follows a similar trend, starting from 85% in January, dipping to 37% in August, before rising to 84% at the end of the year in
December.
The area sees a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall ranging from 0.43" (11mm) in July to 2.01" (51mm) in
March. Snowfall is significant from December till
February, with the peak in February at 15" (381mm). An interesting aspect of Sun Valley's weather is its sunshine duration, broad daylight lasts between 9 hours in December to 15.4 hours in
June, and the number of sunshine days varies from 15.8 days in December to 20.8 days in July.
The best time to visit Sun Valley
Records of
Sun Valley's climate conditions suggest that the most favorable time to visit would be from
June to
August. During these summer months, the temperatures range from a comfortable 62.4°F (16.9°C) to a warm 74.1°F (23.4°C). Coupled with the relatively low humidity (from 37% to 55%), these conditions afford pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The daylight lasts around 15 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing and exploration. Rainfall is also at its lowest during these months, amounting to less than an inch, adding to the appeal of this period for visitors.
The worst time to visit Sun Valley
Based on the climatological patterns, the least favorable period to visit
Sun Valley would be from
December to
February. This period sees harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as 8.4°F (-13.1°C) and peaking at a chilly 26.8°F (-2.9°C). Snowfall during these months is significant, with figures going up to 15" (381mm) in February. Additionally, the area is enveloped by the relative humidity levels of up to 85%, making the weather cold and damp. Daylight during this period is also limited to around 9 hours, thus restricting outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Sun Valley
Spring in
Sun Valley, from
March to
May, is marked by a considerable increase in temperature from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 51.4°F (10.8°C). Rainfall during this season is relatively high, with an average of 1.76" (45mm) spread across 12.7 days. The amount of snowfall, however, decreases markedly from 12.56" (319mm) in March to 1.46" (37mm) in May. The average hours of daylight increase from 12 in March to 14.7 in May, presenting a good amount of daylight for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
Summer weather in Sun Valley
Summer is the most pleasant season in
Sun Valley, with temperatures ranging from 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
May to a high of 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
July. The weather remains dry, with humidity levels dropping to 38% in July from 55% in
June. Rainfall also drops to an annual low of 0.43" (11mm) in July. Meanwhile, the long daylight hours, from 15.4 hours in June, gradually decrease to 13.9 hours by
August.
Autumn weather in Sun Valley
Autumn in
Sun Valley introduces cooler temperatures, ranging from a high of 63.7°F (17.6°C) in
September to 34.7°F (1.5°C) by
November. The humidity increases from 44% in September to 75% in November. Rainfall during this season is moderate, increasing from 0.87" (22mm) in September to 1.1" (28mm) in November. The number of daylight hours reduces gradually from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November.
Winter weather in Sun Valley
November marks the start of the winter months in
Sun Valley that sees the most severe weather with temperatures ranging from 25°F (-3.9°C) in
December to 26.8°F (-2.9°C) in
January. Snowfall reaches its peak during winter, with the highest at 15" (381mm) in
February. Humidity levels are high, ranging between 84% and 85%. The daylight shrinks to 9 hours and the number of sunshine days is at its lowest during this time, ranging from 16.3 days in December to 15.8 days in January.
Weather in January
Invigorating cold and snow characterize
January's weather in
Sun Valley,
Idaho. The cold is most bitter this month with low temperatures plunging to 8.4°F (-13.1°C) while the highs barely reach 26.8°F (-2.9°C). Coupled with a hefty snowfall of 12.72" (323mm), Sun Valley transforms into a winter paradise.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Going from
January to
February,
Sun Valley sees a slight increase in temperatures without a substantial break from its winter persona. More snow adds another 15" (381mm) layer, earning February the title of the snowiest month of the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the start of warmer weather in
Sun Valley but still retaining the winter feel. A marked distinction from
February is seen in the daily highs, now reaching 32.2°F (0.1°C), with lows at 16.9°F (-8.4°C). Meanwhile, snowfall decreases to 12.56" (319mm), and the lengthening daylight hours hint at the impending spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a noticeable weather change in
Sun Valley as the city begins to shake off winter's intensity. The snowfall significantly decreases to 5.83" (148mm) compared to
March's 12.56" (319mm), and temperatures start climbing with the daily highs reaching a comforting 39.9°F (4.4°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May progresses further into the spring weather in
Sun Valley and sees a significant transformation from its winter scene. The accentuated warmth with highs soaring to 51.4°F (10.8°C) and lows comfortable at 32.9°F (0.5°C) puts the final end to the icy conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes summer into
Sun Valley, drawing a stark contrast to the prior winter-chilled months. Temperatures rise dramatically from
May, with daily highs elevating to a pleasant 62.4°F (16.9°C). Additionally, significant decreases in rain from 1.77" (45mm) in May to 1.22" (31mm) in June mean drier conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ranks as the warmest month in
Sun Valley, not only a change from
June but a total departure from the city's wintry image. Temperatures peak this month with the maximum reaching a comfortable 74.1°F (23.4°C) and minimum at 50.5°F (10.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Sun Valley's
August weather continues in the balmy trend from
July, making it another distinctly summer month. Temperatures hover around the same range with highs coming down slightly to 73.2°F (22.9°C). The sunny, less humid conditions persistence is in contrast to the dampness that characterized the spring months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of autumn in
Sun Valley, bringing a milder and less intense heat than the preceding summer months. Temperatures fall from the highs of 73.2°F (22.9°C) in
August to a more temperate 63.7°F (17.6°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a further dip in
Sun Valley's weather with autumn's chill becoming more pronounced. High temperatures reduce significantly from
September's 63.7°F (17.6°C) to a cooler 48°F (8.9°C) in October. The city undergoes an aesthetic transformation with fall foliage dressing up the cityscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Sun Valley facilitates the transition into winter, its weather a blend of remaining autumn coolness and emerging winter chill. The dip in temperature is evident with highs falling to 34.7°F (1.5°C), quite a descent from
October's 48°F (8.9°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December sees
Sun Valley fully enveloped in winter. Compared to
November's transitional weather, December establishes a cold climate with highs limited to 25°F (-3.9°C) and lows dipping to 8.6°F (-13°C).
Weather in December »