The climate of Champaign
Nestled in the state of
Illinois, USA,
Champaign falls under the Köppen climate classification of Dfa. The city experiences a humid continental climate coupled with hot summers and no distinctive dry season. Weather patterns and parameters differ throughout the year, offering a variety of conditions to those living in or visiting this region.
Within a year, temperatures can range from an average low of 20.5°F (-6.4°C) in
January to a high of 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
July. The city experiences increased humidity during the summer months with relative humidity reaching to 85% in July from 74% in
April. However, there are significant declines in the relative humidity during the autumn season to around 70% during the month of
October.
Champaign experiences rainfall throughout the year with the highest average rain falling in April at 2.24" (57mm). The city sees the minimum rainfall in
September, with an average of 0.94" (24mm). Snowfall is largely confined to the months from
December to
March, with the highest amount of monthly average snowfall recorded in January at 1.85" (47mm).
A unique pattern of daylight hours can be observed in the city. From a minimum of 9.7 hours in January, the daylight hours increase to a maximum of 15 hours in
June. Conversely, Champaign experiences its highest cloud percentage in the cooler months, with 57% cloud coverage in January, and the least during the summer with only 31% cloud coverage in
August and September.
The best time to visit Champaign
Taking into account various weather conditions, it becomes evident that the best time to visit
Champaign is during late spring and early fall. During this period, the city sees longer daylight hours coupled with moderate temperatures which are conducive for outdoor activities. Relative humidity is also relatively lower during this period, making the days more comfortable for tourists.
The worst time to visit Champaign
Champaign winters can be quite harsh with lowest average temperatures diving down to about 20.5°F (-6.4°C) in
January. In addition, the city witnesses decreased visibility, with an average of 5 miles in the winter months. Given these conditions, it is recommendable to avoid visiting during this time to prevent any possible discomfort and disturbances in itineraries.
Spring weather in Champaign
Spring in
Champaign witnesses a significant rise in temperatures from an average high of 31.8°F (-0.1°C) in
February to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in
April. The city also sees a rise in average daily rainfall from 0.98" (25mm) in February to 2.24" (57mm) in April. The increasing temperatures and sufficient rainfall make for a vibrant spring season in the city.
Summer weather in Champaign
Summers provide the highest temperatures in
Champaign, with the warmest month being
July with an average high of 81.1°F (27.3°C). The period from
June to
August tends to be quite humid, with relative humidity levels hovering between 80% and 85%. Despite the humidity, this season is characterised by an abundance of sunshine, with daylight hours peaking at 15 in June.
Autumn weather in Champaign
During autumn,
Champaign experiences a decrease in temperatures from 76.1°F (24.5°C) in
September to 49.1°F (9.5°C) in
November. The decrease in temperatures is coupled with a downward trend in average rainfall, from 0.94" (24mm) in September to 1.14" (29mm) in November. The city also enjoys extended periods of sunshine, ranging between 6.2 hours per day in
October to 5.4 hours per day in November.
Winter weather in Champaign
Champaign experiences its coldest temperatures in winter, with
December to
February averages ranging from a low of 20.5°F (-6.4°C) to a high of 37°F (2.8°C). While average rainfall decreases during this season, the city sees its highest average snowfall, with the highest 1.85" (47mm) in
January. Despite fewer daylight hours, there are still opportunities for winter activities and sports within this season.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Champaign,
Illinois, commences amidst a typically cold and slightly humid winter ambiance. The prevailing weather condition during this month is cooler compared to
December, with an average high-temperature hovering around 31.8°F (-0.1°C) and an average low-temperature settling at about 20.5°F (-6.4°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February unfolds,
Champaign experiences a slight elevation in temperature. Compared to
January, this month records a higher average range, with temperatures fluctuating from 37°F (2.8°C) to 24.3°F (-4.3°C). The city undergoes a comparable level of humidity and almost similar amounts of precipitation and snowfall as in January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Heading into
March, the spring weather begins to make its presence felt in
Champaign. The temperatures further rise, making this month marginally warmer than
February. The rainy season also goes into full swing with a record 1.65" (42mm) of rainfall and the city encountering precipitation on an estimated 11 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases a significant change as temperatures soar, indicating the transition towards the warmer months. Incidentally, it emerges as the month with the highest average rainfall, recording 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation. Conversely, the frequency of snowfall is notably low, with
Champaign witnessing barely some fractions of an inch of snow.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the spring season peaks in
Champaign, sliding it to the warmer side of the weather spectrum. The shift from the relatively cooler
April is notable with a significant rise in average temperatures. Besides, rainfall figures present a slight decline, landing at approximately 2.2" (56mm).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the summer season in
Champaign, accompanied by the highest average temperatures of the year. The city is most humid during this month, the relative humidity reaching 80%, the same as recorded in
February. However, rainfall displays a decrease, with a total of 2.01" (51mm) distributed typically over 14.6 days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Champaign enjoys the pinnacle of its summer with persistent warmth and the mercury hovering at an average high of 81.1°F (27.3°C). This month manifests the highest levels of humidity seen all year, marking it at 85%. Remarkably, despite the soaring temperatures and high humidity, July observes a slight decrease in rainfall compared to
June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Champaign carries forward the summer legacy with high temperatures and increased humidity. Despite a marginal dip in temperature from
July, August maintains the weather in the high-summer range. This month, however, experiences less rainfall and more sunshine than its predecessor.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September arrives,
Champaign experiences a slight retreat from the high-summer weather. The advent of fall initiates a drop in temperature from the summer highs of
August. A notable feature of this month is the significantly low rainfall, registering less than an inch of precipitation, the leanest in the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further amplifies the fall season in
Champaign with a discernible downturn in temperature from
September. The drop is more prominent in this month, translating into a cool and pleasing weather. The occurrence of rain witnesses an uptick, with over 1.5" (38mm) of rainfall on average.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Champaign is marked by substantial cooling as winter begins to set in. The shift from the cool
October to a decidedly colder November is apparent with dropping temperatures. The trend of increasing precipitation continues with approximately 1.14" (29mm) of rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Champaign ushers in the deep winter chill and short days characteristic of the year-end. The cold weather from
November intensifies this month, with temperatures taking a substantial dip. It also records an increase in snowfall, standing at 1.1" (28mm), the highest since the start of the year.
Weather in December »