The climate of Carbondale
The unique climate of
Carbondale,
Illinois, USA, is classified under the Köppen climate categorization as a Cfa type, also known as the Humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by humid and hot summers followed by mild winters with no dry season. Situated in the Southern part of the state of Illinois, Carbondale offers varied weather patterns through each consecutive month of the year.
A detailed viewing of data reveals a notable fluctuation in temperatures within a span of a year. The highest average temperatures range from 39.6°F (4.2°C) in
January up to an apex of 87.4°F (30.8°C) in
July. Meanwhile, the lowest average temperatures display equivalent variations from a cold 26.2°F (-3.2°C) during January to a warmer 68.7°F (20.4°C) in July. Relative humidity offers less disparity through the year, fluctuating only slightly between 71% in
October and 79% in
May.
The city of Carbondale is subject to a fair share of rainfall. The lightest and heaviest rainfall levels are recorded in
September with 1.85in and
April showing 4.49in respectively. Days of rainfall also waver, from 10.3 days in
February, to a high of 17.1 days in May. Snowfall is rather less frequent and mainly recorded in the colder months, with January seeing the highest at 1.26in and May to September experiencing no snowfall.
The best time to visit Carbondale
Based on the overall climate conditions, the best time to visit
Carbondale would be during the late spring to early summer months. From
May to
July, visitors will experience temperatures ranging from 75.7°F (24.3°C) up to 87.4°F (30.8°C). These warm temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and exploration of what the city has to offer. The relative humidity is not excessively high during these months and ranges from 76% to 79%.
Noticeably, Carbondale also experiences its maximum daylight hours during this time, with 14.2 hours in May and a high of 14.7 hours in
June. Another appealing factor is the sunshine duration during these months, with May offering up to 9.3 hours and June showcasing the longest sunshine span with 10.6 hours.
The worst time to visit Carbondale
Considering the colder temperatures and relatively higher chances of precipitation, the least favorable time for a visit to
Carbondale would be during the winter months. The coldest months, from
December to
February, exhibit temperatures that plummet down to as low as 26.2°F (-3.2°C) in
January. Additionally, wintertime in Carbondale is characterized by frequent snowfall, peaking to 1.26in in January.
Spring weather in Carbondale
Spring in
Carbondale exhibits a moderate climb in the temperature, from a lower average of 38.8°F (3.8°C) in
March to a higher average of 48.6°F (9.2°C) in
April. Concurrently, it brings about an increase in rainfall levels, peaking at 4.49in in April.
Summer weather in Carbondale
The summer months showcase a steady rise in temperature, reaching the climax of
Carbondale's heat with temperatures rising to 87.4°F (30.8°C) in
July. Rainfall during these months remains moderate, showing only a minor drop from 3.82in in
May to 3.11in in July.
Autumn weather in Carbondale
Autumn begins with a pleasantly warm temperature of 80.4°F (26.9°C) in
September which drops to a cooler 54°F (12.2°C) in
November. Rainfall decreases during this period, with September seeing the lowest rainfall of 1.85in for the year.
Winter weather in Carbondale
As winter settles in, temperatures dip with the lowest average of 26.2°F (-3.2°C) in
January. The winter periods also mark the occurrence of frequent snowfall, with January registering the highest snowfall of 1.26in.
Weather in January
January in
Carbondale,
Illinois, commences the year with temperatures mostly between 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and 39.6°F (4.2°C), showing considerable cold. The city encounters a fair amount of snow during this month. Rainfall is also something to keep in mind, with wet weather relatively frequent.
Weather in January » Weather in February
With temperatures slightly on the rise from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C), the weather in
February in
Carbondale,
Illinois, starts to show some signs of change. Although snowfall is not a rare phenomenon, it is relatively less compared to
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March in
Carbondale,
Illinois, swings towards the beginning of Spring. The months edges on warmth with temperatures climbing from 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 55.2°F (12.9°C). Despite the temperature shift, rainfall remains relatively stable, consequently affecting the ground conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather in
Carbondale,
Illinois, is indicative of Spring, with temperatures advancing from 48.6°F (9.2°C) to 66.2°F (19°C). Rainfall reaches its peak for the year with 4.49" (114mm) on average, providing nourishment for the blooming vegetation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Carbondale,
Illinois, welcomes Summer as temperatures consistently reach between 58.3°F (14.6°C) and 75.7°F (24.3°C). Despite the rise in temperature, relief is provided by the gentle breeze that is characteristic of this period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The Summer season is firmly rooted in
Carbondale,
Illinois, in
June, with temperature fluctuation noticed from 66.4°F (19.1°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C). This month earmarks the year’s highest recorded sunshine hours of 10.6, making the days abundant in natural light.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
At the height of summer,
Carbondale,
Illinois, sees temperatures soaring between 68.7°F (20.4°C) and a sweltering 87.4°F (30.8°C) in
July. It is notable that this month carries the peak temperature for the year. Even though the cloudy days are minimal, rainfall is quite common.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in
Carbondale,
Illinois, remains similar to
July, with temperatures generally ranging between 66.4°F (19.1°C) and 85.8°F (29.9°C). This month sees a decrease in rainfall levels although the breeze tends to pick up just slightly.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the onset of fall to
Carbondale,
Illinois, with temperatures dropping from 60.3°F (15.7°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C). The decrease in rainfall to an average of 1.85" (47mm) marks the driest month of the year. Less cloud cover coupled with increased visibility may lead to more sunshine and clear skies.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Carbondale,
Illinois, showcases a clear shift towards autumn, with temperatures varying between 49.3°F (9.6°C) and 67.5°F (19.7°C). This month witnesses a variable range of weather conditions, with no extremes on any parameter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
November in
Carbondale,
Illinois, transitions into winter. Temperatures start to drop down again, hovering from 38.7°F (3.7°C) to 54°F (12.2°C). While the rain continues to be a constant companion, signs of the first snowfall may appear.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Carbondale,
Illinois, welcomes winter in earnest, with temperatures confined between 31.8°F (-0.1°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C). Snow becomes a prominent feature once again, averaging 1.26" (32mm) for the month. Limited rainfall and shorter daylight hours indicate typical winter weather patterns.
Weather in December »