The climate of Joliet
Resting in the state of
Illinois,
Joliet experiences a Humid Continental climate, classified as Dfa according to the Köppen climate classification. Due to this climate, weather conditions in Joliet fluctuate greatly between months, where each of the four seasons are well represented with clear defining characteristics.
The city's annual weather parameters depict considerable variations. Temperature ranges fluctuate between a peak of 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
July, to a chilling low of 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in
January. Humidity, although relatively high throughout the year, peaks at 83% in
February, providing some respite in the cold winter month.
On the precipitation front, Joliet records notable rainfall throughout the year, reaching its highest at 4.41" (112mm) in
May. Public attention draws to the snowfall patterns, with noticeable snow registering from 1.57" (40mm) in
April and wintry highlights in January at 4.33" (110mm).
Visibility remains consistent at 6 miles for most months, with slight variation in January and February. While winds maintain an average speed of 8.9mph (14.3km/h) in
December, gusts can reach as high as 14.5mph (23.3km/h) in
November.
The best time to visit Joliet
For those wishing to make the most of their visit to
Joliet, the months
May through to
September prove inviting. During this period, temperatures range from a pleasant 70.3°F (21.3°C) to 80.1°F (26.7°C). The sunlight hours peak to 15.1 hours in
June, allowing tourists ample time to explore the city in daylight. Despite the high temperatures, humidity is relatively lower compared to other months, hovering between 77% to 80%.
The worst time to visit Joliet
January registers as the harshest month to visit
Joliet due to the low temperature of 17.4°F (-8.1°C), coupled with high snowfall up to 4.33" (110mm) and reduced daylight of only 9.6 hours. The accompanying winds, averaging 9.5mph (15.3km/h), worsen the cold conditions. Additionally,
February's peak humidity of 83% compounded with an average temperature of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) makes the city uninviting for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Joliet
Spring in
Joliet runs from
March to
May, with temperatures increasing from 46.2°F (7.9°C) to 70.3°F (21.3°C). Rainfall escalates during spring, peaking at 4.41" (112mm) in May, being the heaviest rainfall across the year. Despite the increased precipitation, the period also experiences longer daylight hours, reaching 14.5 hours by May's end.
Summer weather in Joliet
During the summer months,
Joliet experiences its highest temperatures, rising to a high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
July. Despite being the hottest part of the year, rainfall reduces from
June's 4.02" (102mm) to 2.83" (72mm) by
August. Sunshine prolongs up to maximum of 15.1 hours in June, dimming slightly to 14.8 hours by July, providing ample visibility throughout the day.
Autumn weather in Joliet
Autumn commences in
September with temperatures decreasing from 74.7°F (23.7°C) to 47.1°F (8.4°C) by
November. Simultaneously, rainfall shows a marked rise in September and
October before reducing to 1.69" (43mm) in November. Cloud coverage also shows an increase in November as autumn progresses.
Winter weather in Joliet
Wintertime in
Joliet, spanning
December to
February, is typically cold with the lowest temperature dropping to 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in
January. Snow curtains the city during this period, peaking at 4.33" (110mm) in January. Daylight hours contract to a minimum of 9.2 hours in December, the shortest throughout the year.
Weather in January
The climate in
Joliet,
Illinois in
January manifests the heart of winter characterized by its relative coldness and dampness. This month sees the maximum snowfall with 4.33" (110mm) and registers an average high of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) and a low of 17.4°F (-8.1°C), enumerating the lowest temperatures of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The transition to
February doesn't denote a significant departure from the winter chill, but a slight increase in temperature is noticeable. February weather reveals average high temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C), slightly higher than
January’s 29.3°F (-1.5°C), yet its 3.7" (94mm) of snowfall is generally lesser.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March serves as a bridge in
Joliet's climactic shift from winter to spring, marking an increase in temperature and sunlight hours. This month shows a remarkable rise in temperature with an average high of 46.2°F (7.9°C) and a noteworthy reduction in snowfall down to 1.65" (42mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a distinct signal of spring's arrival in
Joliet. Although
March’s temperate climate extends into April, this month observes the onset of considerable rainfall - up to 3.62" (92mm). Longer daylight hours are enjoyed courtesy of the season, shrinking the prevalence of cloud cover.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Joliet welcomes warmer weather and the onset of the city's rainiest month with 4.41" (112mm) of rainfall recorded. The change in season is accompanied by a noticeable leap in temperature, bringing longer daylight hours and consequently more sunshine.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The month of
June in
Joliet holds the promise of summer weather blooming vibrantly. With temperatures substantially elevated compared to
May, June’s average high reaches 79.2°F (26.2°C) maintaining a warm setting. This period is associated with elongated days, soaking in the maximum amount of sunlight annually.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is characterized as the climax of the summer season in
Joliet. Balmy temperatures are the benchmark for July, and a high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) is typically recorded, the year's hottest. Despite the heat, relative humidity remains high throughout the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August mirrors
July in many ways, but with a subtle hint of upcoming autumn. The overall temperature marginally declines from July’s high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) to August’s 80.1°F (26.7°C). Extended sunlight hours and less wind activity continue to mark the weather pattern in August.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is an epitome of a transitional month in
Joliet, with summer slowly yielding to the upcoming fall. The temperature drops moderately from
August’s 80.1°F (26.7°C) to a comfortable 74.7°F (23.7°C). As autumn nears, daylight hours decrease while mild winds begin to sway, signalling a change in season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about substantial transformations in
Joliet's weather, signaling the onset of fall. A further dip is seen in October’s temperature, down to an average high of 61.3°F (16.3°C). This month is subject to lesser rainfall than
September, but the declining temperatures result in diminished daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Joliet embraces the full essence of fall with colder temperatures, shorter days, and the possibility of early snowflakes. A palpable drop in temperature to an average high of 47.1°F (8.4°C) is seen, inviting a winter chill.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December witnesses the advent of winter once more, closing the year with the second-highest snowfall estimated at 2.4" (61mm). The month’s average high caps at 35.1°F (1.7°C), reinforcing the frosty atmosphere of
Joliet winters.
Weather in December »