The climate of Bloomington
Bloomington, a vibrant city within the U.S. state of
Illinois, nestles in an area dominated by a humid continental climate, identified as Dfa according to the Köppen Climate Classification. This setting sparks off significant temperature variations and precipitation throughout the year.
A closer look into the climatic data reveals a series of patterns. Monthly highs average from 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in
January to a peak of 80.8°F (27.1°C) in
July showing the sharp distinction between summer and winter temperatures. Simultaneously, night temperatures fluctuate between 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in winter and 64.6°F (18.1°C) in summer. The annual range of temperatures suggests profound differences between seasons.
Further into weather parameters, notable variations occur in the annual precipitation pattern. The city receives a rainfall range from 1.18" (30mm) in January to approximately 2.99" (76mm) in
May. With 17.5 rainfall days, May also marks the peak of precipitation frequency. In contrast, dry months like
December register lower rainfall figures around 1.22" (31mm) distributed over 7.1 days. December along with January and
February also bring snowfall, with values extending up to 2.44" (62mm) in January.
Analyzing sunlight data reveals that
June enjoys the longest daylight hours extending to 15 hours, whereas December experiences the shortest span of light, limited to around 9.3 hours. The sunshine duration aligns with this pattern, with up to 9.7 hours of clear skies in June and a shorter period of 4.1 hours in December.
The best time to visit Bloomington
The ideal period to visit
Bloomington is the warmer half of the year. From
May to
September, the climate is warmer, and the temperatures are conducive for outdoor activities. In
June, the highest amount of daylight (15 hours) and sunshine (9.7 hours) occur, creating perfect conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city.
The worst time to visit Bloomington
The city can exhibit harsh and unfavorable weather conditions, particularly during the colder months from
November through
March. The temperatures are at their lowest, with
January being the coldest, displaying a high of just 30.7°F (-0.7°C). During this phase, the city also experiences noticeable snowfall as well as reduced daylight and sunshine hours.
Spring weather in Bloomington
Between
March and
May,
Bloomington witnesses spring and a gradual increase in temperature. The average maximum extends from 48.7°F (9.3°C) in March to 72°F (22.2°C) in May while the minimum temperature ranges from 34°F (1.1°C) to 55.4°F (13°C). Additionally, the leap from 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation in March to 2.99" (76mm) in May indicates a moistening trend during the season.
Summer weather in Bloomington
The summer season, from
June to
August, is characterized by warm temperatures. The daytime highs average around 80°F (26.7°C) while the nights stay comfortable with temperatures a bit above 60°F (15.6°C). Despite the higher temperatures, these are also the months with the most daylight hours and the maximum amount of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Bloomington
Autumn in
Bloomington covers
September through
November. It brings in a noticeable dip in temperatures but remains fairly mild compared to winter, with the daytime highs averaging between 75.7°F (24.3°C) in September and 47.7°F (8.7°C) in November. The rainfall decreases during these months, making the season slightly drier than spring and summer.
Winter weather in Bloomington
Winter, prevailing from
December until
February, brings cold and snappy conditions to
Bloomington. High temperatures can reach 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in
January while the lows can plummet to a chilly 18.9°F (-7.3°C). The months are marked by reduced sunlight duration and increased cloud cover, while snowfall is prominent, enhancing the frosty feel of the season.
Weather in January
In
Bloomington,
Illinois, the year commences with brisk temperatures and predominant cloud coverage, marking
January as a typical winter month. Highs of 30.7°F (-0.7°C) and lows of 18.9°F (-7.3°C) are accompanied by snowy conditions, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The cold persists throughout
February in
Bloomington, albeit with a slightly increased average temperature. Strong gusty winds continue to sweep across the city, occasionally accompanied by snowfall, adding a few fresh inches to the already accumulated winter snow.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the arrival of spring in
Bloomington as temperatures progressively rise and the landscapes gradually transform. Daylight hours lengthen and sunshine becomes more prevalent, providing warmer and brighter days. The transition from winter to spring is marked by melting snow and increased rainfall of roughly 1.65" (42mm), stimulating the city's natural regeneration.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences a significant transition in
Bloomington's weather calendar, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. The city welcomes the onset of consistent spring weather, which includes an increase in rainfall to an average of 2.4" (61mm), nurturing the blooming flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Bloomington signifies the full bloom of spring, with mild temperatures and ample sunshine. The month is characterized by increasingly comfortable day temperatures, reinforcing the spring vibrancy. Increased rainfall nurtures the local flora, painting the city with various hues of greens.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June greets
Bloomington with the onset of summer, featuring longer daylight hours and significantly warmer temperatures. The city becomes a hub for outdoor activities, facilitated by the ample sunshine covering the city for almost 15 hours a day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Being the peak of summer,
July brings the highest average temperature of 80.8°F (27.1°C) to
Bloomington. The city is immersed in sunshine for most of the month, complemented by warm, balmy nights and a steady breeze, making it the quintessential summer month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August, summer persists in
Bloomington featuring warm temperatures similar to the previous month. The ample sunshine continues to bathe the city, turning it into a hot summer haven, with the mercury hovering close to 79.9°F (26.6°C).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September embarks upon the transition from summer to fall in
Bloomington, with temperatures starting to cool slightly. The city witnesses a gradual decrease in daylight hours, signaling the forthcoming change of season. Although rain showers become less frequent, they are substantial enough for the foliage to retain its lush green appearance.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings typical autumnal charm to
Bloomington,
Illinois with cooler temperatures and a noticeable shortening of daylight hours. Bloomington's cityscape transforms into a canvas of warm hues as the leaves begin to change.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Bloomington signifies the transition from the vibrant autumn to the onset of winter. The chill in the atmosphere becomes more pronounced as temperatures continue to drop, only reaching an average high of 47.7°F (8.7°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is characterized by consistent cold weather in
Bloomington,
Illinois, making it a true winter month. With an average high temperature of 36.5°F (2.5°C), the city enters the depths of winter. The concentration of cloud coverage increases with the frequency of snowfall, adding to the winter charm.
Weather in December »