The climate of Galena
Galena, a city in northern
Illinois, USA, is classified under the Köppen climate system as Dfa. This classification symbolizes a humid continental climate, with no distinct dry season and a hot summer. On an annual basis, Galena experiences a wide range of temperatures from as low as 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C).
This Midwest city receives robust rainfall with an average accumulation ranging from 1.26" (32mm) to 4.29" (109mm) throughout the year. The frequency of rainfall also differs from month to month, peaking in
May with an average of 20 rainy days. However, even the driest month,
February, still observes a rainfall average of 1.42" (36mm) across 4.8 days.
The city's humidity does not exhibit extreme variations, fluctuating between 76% to 87%. The duration of daylight varies from 9.1 hours in
December to a generous 15.2 hours in
June, while sunshine hours range from a minimum of 4.1 to a maximum of 9.8 hours a day.
Galena experiences minimal snowfall from May through to
October with the numbers climbing from
November through February, when it reaches a height of 5.12" (130mm) in
January. Winter months also experience fewer sunshine days and the ultraviolet index is at the lowest number during this period.
The best time to visit Galena
If warm weather and long days are preferred, planning a trip to
Galena between
May and
September would be ideal. During these months, the city experiences the maximum temperature hovering around mid-70s°F and more than 14 hours of daylight. Moreover, these are the months when the sunshine hours peak at around 8 to 9 hours a day, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Galena
For those averse to cold weather, it would be best to sidestep a trip to
Galena between
December to
February. During this time of year, temperatures plummet to the low teens°F and daylight hours are at a year-round low of around 9 hours. Furthermore, these winter months observe substantial snowfall, reaching a maximum of over 5" (127mm) in
January, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Galena
Springtime in
Galena signals a gradual uptick in temperatures, along with an increase in rainfall. The temperatures during these months (
March to
May) swing between 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and 67.6°F (19.8°C). Rainfall is frequent, peaking at 4.09" (104mm) in May spread across 20 days.
Summer weather in Galena
Between
June and
August,
Galena experiences warm and comfortable weather. Temperatures during this time remain relatively stable, with lows around 59.4°F (15.2°C) and highs peaking at 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
July. Despite the summer season, Galena experiences moderate rainfall, with an average amount of under 4.29" (109mm).
Autumn weather in Galena
Autumn, between
September and
November, in
Galena ushers in a crispness to the air, as temperatures retreat from the highs of summer. The mercury fluctuates between 42.4°F (5.8°C) and 73°F (22.8°C) and is accompanied by differences in daily rainfalls, peaking at 2.72" (69mm) in
October.
Winter weather in Galena
Winter in
Galena is characterized by cold temperatures, a decrease in daylight hours, and frequent snowfall. A noticeable drop in temperature happens during these months (
December to
February) with lowest temperatures recorded between 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to 21.4°F (-5.9°C). Snowfall reaches the peak of 5.12" (130mm) in
January and daylight hours are notably shortened to about 9 hours. Therefore, this period is well suited to those with a fondness for winter sports or cooler weather.
Weather in January
In
January,
Galena,
Illinois, experiences one of its coldest months of the year. The month of January ushers in an array of snowfall with an average of 5.12" (130mm), making it a picturesque winter season. The weather is characterized by shorter daylight hours and longer nights.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February weather in
Galena, takes a shift towards slightly warmer temperatures compared to previous month. However, colder temperatures still dominate the scene, at times dropping to 15.8°F (-9°C). The snow accumulation lessens to some degree, providing breaks between the previous month's frequent snowfalls.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in
March brings not only the spring season but also a dramatic increase in daylight hours. The departure from the wintry weather can be observed as snowfall reduces to an average of 2.05" (52mm). This month's weather allows for longer outdoor activities as daylight stretches past the previous winter months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Coming out from the winter,
April weather in
Galena becomes increasingly warm and wet. Distinct from the cold and dry conditions of
March, April receives a dramatic increase in rainfall, averaging 3.35" (85mm). This transformation to warmer weather aids in the blooming of flora and fauna.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a month where
Galena sees a significant peak in temperature, as well as a notable elevation of both rainfall and humidity. It boasts the highest rainfall of the year, with an average of 4.09" (104mm), being an undeniable month of the wet season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Galena's climate in
June experiences an increment in temperature, building up the summer's heat. Sunshine dominates the weather during this period, with an average of 9.5 sunshine hours per day. June marks a distinct shift in weather, where warmth becomes prevalent.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, the weather in
Galena reaches its peak summertime characteristics. Notably, this is the hottest month of the year with high temperatures scaling to 79.7°F (26.5°C). Coupled with long daylight hours, July invites a range of outdoor activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in
Galena marks the nearing end of the summer season. Although the temperature remains relatively high, a slight decline begins to emerge from the month's peak in
July. The rainfall pattern takes a plunge, with a decrease observed from the amount in July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings noticeable changes in
Galena's weather as the fall season settles in. Modest drops in temperature signify the transition from summer's heat. However, the arrival of fall does not mean the end of sun-drenched days, with an average of 9 sunshine hours daily.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is a month of visible weather changes in
Galena. The arrival of fall sees a marked decline in temperature, with cold nights becoming more frequent. Rainfall remains a prominent feature, though not at the levels of the summer months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November's arrival, winter starts to draw closer in
Galena. The cold weather becomes more intense, a sharp contrast to the previous mildness of
October. November sees an average maximum wind speed of 10.6mph (17.1km/h), signifying the windy nature of the month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Galena ushers in the full swing of winter, with dropping temperatures and increasing snowfall. The weather can be characterized by its lower visibility, limited to an average of 6 miles. Despite the inclement conditions, the Christmas festivities provide a burst of warmth.
Weather in December »