The climate of Springfield
Springfield,
Illinois -- located in the heartland of the United States -- resides in the prevalent climatic zone classified as Dfa by the Köppen climate classification. This zone is known as humid continental characterized by a distinct seasonal temperature variation and no dry season with a hot summer.
Throughout the year, Springfield experiences a broad range of temperatures. High temperatures span from a winter chill of 33.4°F (0.8°C) in
January up to 82.8°F (28.2°C) at the peak of summer in
July. Low temperatures vary similarly, reaching a cold 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in January, and raising to a mellow 66°F (18.9°C) in July. Springfield witnesses a meandering humidity relative; it's highest at 84% in July and lowest at 70% in
October.
Interestingly, Springfield goes through some distinct weather patterns. Maximum rainfall of 2.72" (69mm) is registered in
June, while
December remains the driest with only 1.18" (30mm). Snowfall is specific to the colder months with 2.24" (57mm) in January to no snow in
May through
September.
The best time to visit Springfield
Visitors planning a trip to
Springfield should consider arriving in
May. With an average high temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C) and a low of 56.3°F (13.5°C), this month provides an ideal climatic balance for participating in outdoor activities without being too hot or too cold. The average sunshine hours are at a respectable 9.3 hours per day in May. However, tourists should be aware that May also experiences 17.1 days of rainfall.
The worst time to visit Springfield
January can be considered the least favorable time to visit
Springfield due to the extreme low temperatures. With the temperature high at a freezing 33.4°F (0.8°C) and dipping as low as 20.8°F (-6.2°C), it might not be comfortable for most visitors. Moreover, January also records 2.24" (57mm) of snowfall over 9.5 days.
Spring weather in Springfield
Spring is relatively mild in
Springfield. The temperature ranges from 50.9°F (10.5°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C) between
March and
May with precipitation levels going up from 1.65" (42mm) to 2.68" (68mm). Humidity also rises during this period from 75% to 77%. Daily sunshine increases from 6.5 hours in March to 9.3 hours in May.
Summer weather in Springfield
Summers in
Springfield are hot and humid. The temperature swings from an average high of 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
June to 82.8°F (28.2°C) in
July. The number of sunshine hours peaks at 10.4 hours per day in June. However, on average, there are more rainy days in summer, with the maximum of 15.8 days in July and an impressive 2.72" (69mm) of rainfall in June.
Autumn weather in Springfield
Autumn brings a gradual decrease in temperatures with highs lowering from 77.4°F (25.2°C) in
September to 50°F (10°C) in
November. The relative humidity oscillates between 75% and 73%, while rainfall starts dwindling from 2.28" (58mm) in September to 1.26" (32mm) in November.
Winter weather in Springfield
Winter months in
Springfield are cold, often accompanied by snow.
December to
February sees a high temperature ranging from 38.7°F (3.7°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C), while the lows hover between 20.8°F (-6.2°C) and 28°F (-2.2°C). December experiences the most snowfall with 0.98" (25mm) over 5.4 days.
Weather in January
Springfield's year commences with typically colder temperatures in
January. The freeze is most apparent in the temperatures that reach as low as 20.8°F (-6.2°C) at night, while the highs do not go beyond 33.4°F (0.8°C). These chillier conditions make this period less favorable for outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February still holds the winter chill and is very similar to
January conditions. The main difference is the slight increase in daylight hours and a decrease in snowfall occurrences. Temperatures see a minor rise, but it is barely noticeable.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March heralds the arrival of spring in
Springfield. The blanket of cold starts lifting, and the average maximum temperature rises noticeably to 50.9°F (10.5°C). This month sees an increase in daylight time, signaling longer, sunnier days ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April kicks off the comfortable months in
Springfield. The weather exhibits a marked improvement in terms of temperature and sunlight with temperatures swinging from 46.2°F (7.9°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C). The phrase "spring has sprung" is seen in action as beautiful flowers bloom across the town.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Springfield moves further into spring,
May brings warmer days. The spell of comfortable warmth precedes the onset of summer. Thermometer readings advance into the 70s°F, making for quite a pleasant month overall. The city's parks and recreational areas become more active, inviting residents outdoors.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the doorstep to summer in
Springfield. The offering of longer days and ample sunlight turns the city into a sun-soaked haven. With more sunshine hours of around 10.4 hours and highs of up to 81.1°F (27.3°C), it is a splendid time for summer activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer in
Springfield with temperatures reaching a peak of around 82.8°F (28.2°C). The blazing sun, extended daylight, and high humidity define the season's peak. The evenings, however, provide a welcome break from the heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
By
August,
Springfield has crossed the summer peak. The weather is somewhat similar to
July, but there is a minor drop in temperature. The sultry conditions continue, but the countdown to cooler months has begun. As the daylight starts decreasing, the city witnesses more cloud cover.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Springfield begins closing the curtains on summer. A pleasant retreat from
August's warmth is witnessed with temperatures dropping to an average low of 58.5°F (14.7°C). The onset of fall brings about a moderation in weather, setting in a comfortable warmth.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings further weather transformations. The pleasant warmth of
September gives way to the cooler temperatures of autumn. The preparatory phase for the impending winter sets in, with colder nights becoming the norm. The fall foliage reaches its peak, making the natural environment a vivid palette of colors.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Springfield marks a distinct shift towards colder weather. As the deciduous trees shed their leaves, the city braces itself for winter. The movement towards lower temperature is steady, and the daylight time starts to shrink significantly.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December hosts the arrival of winter in
Springfield. The colder temperatures solidify, ranging between 28°F (-2.2°C) and 38.7°F (3.7°C), indicating the start of the snow season. The daylight hours are at their shortest and the skies often cloudy, resulting in a subdued daylight.
Weather in December »