Climate and monthly weather forecast
Champaign, IL

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An old building that works as an auditorium within the University of Illinois in Champaign
An old building that works as an auditorium within the University of Illinois in Champaign

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 »
Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

In Champaign, January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 31.8°F (-0.1°C) and a low of 20.5°F (-6.4°C).

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 129.9 rainfall days, and 18.15" (461mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

What is the snowiest month in Champaign?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 8.7 days and typically aggregates up to 1.85" (47mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Champaign?

Throughout the year, there are 27.1 snowfall days, and 5.91" (150mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index in Champaign?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 13.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Champaign, snow does not fall in May through October.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 0min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Champaign?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

What are the warmest months?

Champaign's July weather, with an average high temperature of 81.1°F (27.3°C) and an average low temperature of 65.1°F (18.4°C), tends to be the warmest of the year.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is July, with an average relative humidity of 85%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 10.4 days and typically collects 0.94" (24mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

October is the least humid month in Champaign, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight.

Average temperature
Champaign, IL

Average temperature - Champaign, IL

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.5°F).

Average pressure
Champaign, IL

Average pressure - Champaign, IL

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed
Champaign, IL

Average wind speed - Champaign, IL

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.3mph).

Average humidity
Champaign, IL

Average humidity - Champaign, IL

The month with the highest relative humidity is July (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).

Average rainfall
Champaign, IL

Average rainfall - Champaign, IL

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (2.24").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (0.94").

Average rainfall days
Champaign, IL

Average rainfall days - Champaign, IL

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (15.3 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (6 days).

Average snowfall
Champaign, IL

Average snowfall - Champaign, IL

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.85").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Champaign, IL

Average snowfall days - Champaign, IL

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Champaign, IL

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Champaign, IL

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Champaign, IL

Average sunshine days - Champaign, IL

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.8 days).

Average UV index
Champaign, IL

Average UV index - Champaign, IL

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Champaign, IL

Average visibility - Champaign, IL

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are July and August (5mi).

Champaign, Illinois, USA

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