The climate of Lake Bluff
Lake Bluff,
Illinois, USA, is situated within a Köppen climate classification of Dfa. This translates to a humid continental climate with a hot summer, and no dry season. These conditions are fairly characteristic of the region. Across the year, a continuous change is observed in the climate parameters, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity.
Fluctuations in temperature present a clear demarcation of seasons. High temperatures move from 28.6°F (-1.9°C) in
January to a peak of 77.7°F (25.4°C) in
July, then falls back to 34.5°F (1.4°C) by
December. Low temperatures follow a similar trajectory but with a gentler slope — from 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in January to 66.7°F (19.3°C) in July, ending at 26.2°F (-3.2°C) in December. Rainfall is slightly less predictable, it starts with 1.54" (39mm) in January, peaks at 3.82" (97mm) in
May and
June, then drops to 1.3" (33mm) in December. Rainfall days provides an additional aspect to this pattern, reaching their maximum in May with 17.7 days.
Percent cloud cover diminishes from 61% in January to 27% from July to
August, before increasing back up to 58% in December. Snowfall is limited to the colder months, stretching from
November to
April with the greatest in January at 4.13" (105mm). The quantity of daylight increases from 9.5 hours in January to 15.2 hours in June, then contracts back to 9.1 hours by December.
The best time to visit Lake Bluff
Determining the best time to visit
Lake Bluff depends on the preferences of the visitor. For those who enjoy warmer weather,
June to
August offers the best conditions, with high temperatures from 71.1°F (21.7°C) to 77.7°F (25.4°C) accompanied by delightful 10.6 to 10.7 hours of sunshine per day. Relative humidity during these months remain stable at about 79%, ensuring a comfortable visit. It's also note-worthy that these months witness the highest sea temperatures, which reach up to 70.2°F (21.2°C) to 73.3°F (22.9°C), perfect for water activities.
The worst time to visit Lake Bluff
On the contrary, the period from
November to
February might be slightly unfavorable for tourists due to the chilling winter conditions. High temperatures drop to between 28.6°F (-1.9°C) and 34.5°F (1.4°C) and can go even lower at night. Along with this drastic drop in temperature, snowfall rates reach their highest, especially in
January when it gets to 4.13" (105mm). Moreover, the daylight period substantially decreases to between 9.1 hours and 9.8 hours, limiting daylight activities.
Spring weather in Lake Bluff
The season of spring,
March through
May in
Lake Bluff, provides a moderate climate suitable for outdoor activities. Average high temperatures surge from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 61.2°F (16.2°C). However, the considerable rainfall during these months — 1.77" (45mm) in March, rising to 3.82" (97mm) in May — along with an average of 16.1 rainfall days in
April, indicate that visitors will need to be prepared for frequent wet weather.
Summer weather in Lake Bluff
Summer in
Lake Bluff from
June to
August witnesses an increase in temperature, with the highest reaching 77.7°F (25.4°C) in
July. These warm conditions, accompanied by the longest daylight hours, 15.2 hours in June, provide ample opportunity to indulge in outdoor recreation. Sea temperatures are most favorable for swimming during this season, rising to 73.3°F (22.9°C) in August.
Autumn weather in Lake Bluff
Autumn from
September to
November sees a steady decline in temperature from 71.2°F (21.8°C) to 45.5°F (7.5°C). While September is still relatively warm with an average high of 71.2°F (21.8°C), by November this steadily decreases to 45.5°F (7.5°C). Autumn also brings in fairly consistent rainy conditions, with rainfall varying from 2.6" (66mm) in September to 1.5" (38mm) in November.
Winter weather in Lake Bluff
Winter in
Lake Bluff, from
December through
February, is characterized by considerably cooler temperatures and substantial snowfall. High temperatures reduce to 34.5°F (1.4°C) in December and to 28.6°F (-1.9°C) by
January. Snowfall escalates during these months, with January showcasing the heaviest snowfall of the year at 4.13" (105mm). These colder months are well-suited to those who enjoy winter sports and activities.
Weather in January
In
Lake Bluff,
January welcomes the New Year with its coldest temperatures, the average high and low temperatures settle at 28.6°F (-1.9°C) and 18.9°F (-7.3°C) respectively. Morning ice crystals lend a magical touch to the landscape.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February unfolds with a slight increment in temperature, marking a subtle transition towards spring. Snowfall tapers off from 4.13" (105mm) in
January to 3.35" (85mm). The winter chill begins to recede, only to pave the way for dew-laden mornings and crisper sunsets.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in early spring in
Lake Bluff, with a noticeable dip in snowfall to 1.02" (26mm). The transition from frigid conditions to balmy days progresses gradually. Expect to witness the last of frosted windows and watch as green tendrils begin to surprise the thawing landscape.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The advent of
April in
Lake Bluff is synonymous with spring in full bloom. Sleet and snow of previous months give way to refreshing downpours with rainfall reaching up to 3.43" (87mm), ushering in the season of rejuvenation. The increase in average low temperatures alongside burgeoning flora transform the cityscape.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May flourishes with balmy temperatures, progressing
Lake Bluff further into the heart of spring. The increase in daylight hours introduce warmer, longer days, outranking its
April predecessor. The occasional drizzle showers the revitalized flora, brushing up the stunning prismatic view of the cityscape.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Shifting into the peak summer months,
June in
Lake Bluff boasts longer days and soaring temperatures. The weather remains consistent, reflected in the city's bustling outdoor scene. Basking under the radiance of longer sunshine hours, the city is charged with sizzling energy.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the zenith of summer in
Lake Bluff, embracing the highest temperatures of the year with the maximum reaching 77.7°F (25.4°C). A dip in the lake is often the day's highlight, as residents flock to beaches to escape the heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer spree in
Lake Bluff with similar temperatures to
July, prologuing the joy of summertime. The city resonates with blooming flora, vibrant festivals, and bustling markets. Although daylight hours shorten slightly compared to July, the clear skies and balmy nights sustain the essence of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of fall in
Lake Bluff with a noticeable drop in temperature from the preceding months. The city takes on an organic and warm palette, boasting an enchanting blend of summer and fall. The decrease in average highs is gradual, but perceptible, introducing a touch of crispness to the air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Lake Bluff dives headfirst into autumn, bringing along a notable drop in temperature. The landscape is sprinkled with hues of amber, indicating the final transition from balmy afternoons to cooler days. As temperatures dip, the city responds with an offbeat rhythm of heartwarming activities.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November paves the way for winter in
Lake Bluff, registering lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The vibrant shades of autumn subtly fade into the stark beauty of winter. The arrival of the first snowfall, measuring 1.26" (32mm), seems like the city is being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Lake Bluff announces the full blown winter season, witness the year's maximum snowfall of 2.05" (52mm). The transition into areas coated in flurries is gradual, echoing the shifting weather patterns over
November. Lakes transform into icy plains, while Christmas decorations breathe life into white landscapes.
Weather in December »