The climate of Waukegan
Situated in the state of
Illinois in the USA,
Waukegan experiences a humid continental climate. This climate type, classified as Dfa by the Köppen Climate Classification, is characterized by no dry season and particularly warm summers.
Throughout the year, Waukegan witnesses a broad range of temperatures, with lows falling to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and highs soaring up to 77.5°F (25.3°C). The coldest month of the year tends to be
January, with an average low of 18.3°F (-7.6°C), while
July is the hottest, reaching an average high of 77.5°F (25.3°C).
The city also experiences a notable amount of precipitation, with rainfall recorded in every month. The amount of rainfall varies notably, with the smallest volume recorded in
December at 0.91" (23mm) and the most significant in both
May and
August at 2.68" (68mm).
Relatively high humidity of between 75 and 83% is an inherent trait of Waukegan's climate, with the highest levels generally occurring in January and
June. While the sun shines in Waukegan throughout the year, the city experiences a higher amount of sunshine in June and July, both sporting a rate of 10.5 hours per day.
The best time to visit Waukegan
Considering the temperature, sunshine, and rainfall, the best time to visit
Waukegan is between
May and
October. During these months, temperatures range from an average low of 48.6°F (9.2°C) to a maximum high of 77.5°F (25.3°C). Additionally, these months witness the most extended daylight hours, ranging from 14.6 hours in May up to 15.2 hours in
June, ensuring visitors can make the most of their trip.
The summer months from June to
August also bring the highest volume of sunshine to Waukegan, providing an average of 10.5 hours of sunlight per day. Between May and August, rainfall averages around 2.58" (66mm), making it a suitable period for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Waukegan
While
Waukegan's climate makes it a year-round destination, the colder months from
December through
February might not be the most comfortable for visitors. During these months, temperatures fluctuate between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and 30.6°F (-0.8°C), while daylight hours start at 9.1 hours in December and increase to 10.6 hours by February.
Spring weather in Waukegan
Spring in
Waukegan, spanning from
March to
May, is a period of fast transition. Temperatures rise rapidly from an average of 41.2°F (5.1°C) in March to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in May. Daylight hours also witness a noticeable increase from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May. Meanwhile, humidity levels remain relatively consistent, around 78 to 80%.
Summer weather in Waukegan
Summer months from
June to
August in
Waukegan are marked by warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. The average temperature during this period swings relatively consistently, from 70.5°F (21.4°C) in June to 77.5°F (25.3°C) in
July, before moderating to 77°F (25°C) in August. The summer season is also characterized by the highest amount of sunlight, averaging 10.5 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Waukegan
The fall season from
September to
November in
Waukegan is marked by a steady decline in temperatures from 70.9°F (21.6°C) in September to 45.1°F (7.3°C) in November. Daylight hours also decline significantly from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November. Humidity levels remain moderately high, between 75 and 77% throughout.
Winter weather in Waukegan
Winter in
Waukegan, running from
December to
February, brings the coldest temperatures of the year. During this period, the readings fluctuate between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and 30.6°F (-0.8°C) on average. Along with this, the duration of daylight reduces to its shortest, with an average of 9.5 hours in December and 10.6 hours by February.
Weather in January
January in
Waukegan,
Illinois exhibits the ramifications of a harsh winter. Snow falls on an average of 12.4 days with 2.24" (57mm) of accumulation. Freezing temperatures, high humidity, and significant cloud cover dominate the weather pattern.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February ushers in marginally milder conditions compared to its predecessor. Also characterized by winter weather, it's marked by reduced snowfall, slightly higher temperatures, and marginally lesser rainfall. Visibility remains largely the same, despite the slight increase in daylight hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings about the much-anticipated shift from winter to spring in
Waukegan,
Illinois. Although the snowfall reduces drastically to 0.79" (20mm), temperatures begin to rise noticeably. It is characterized by increased rainfall, signifying the onset of the
April showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the beginning of pleasant weather in
Waukegan,
Illinois. The temperature varies from 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 50.7°F (10.4°C), and rainfall amounts reach their peak with a measurement at 2.44" (62mm). Spring flowers begin to bloom, and the daylight hours increase, further enhancing April's appeal.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May experiences a transition towards consistent summer-like weather in
Waukegan,
Illinois. The increasing daylight hours make for characteristic long, sunny days. The increasingly warm weather reinvigorates the lush greenery for which the city is known.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the prelude to peak summer time in
Waukegan,
Illinois. With the highest daylight figures peaking at 15.2 hours, it offers long sunny days. Outdoor activities thrive under the expansive blue skies typical of the month. As the summer progresses, the oncoming months bring the highest temperatures of the year, beginning with
July. As
May transitions into June, Waukegan sees a rise in the average high-temperature, moving from a comfortable 61.3°F (16.3°C) to a pleasant 70.5°F (21.4°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is representative of summer's peak in
Waukegan,
Illinois. With temperature measurements escalating to an average high of 77.5°F (25.3°C) and a UV index of 6, it's the hottest month of the year. Folks cool off by the lake enjoying the beautiful weather, a tradition enjoyed year after year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Waukegan,
Illinois, retains
July's high temperatures. While retaining the idyllic summer imagery, a slightly higher average rainfall signifies the onset of autumn in the upcoming months. The illustrious shades of green permeate the city as the lush vegetation thrives.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is characteristic of the highly awaited fall season in
Waukegan,
Illinois. The slight decline in temperatures and the reduction in daylight hours mark the change. As the shades of leaves transition from green to golden, it's a wonderfully picturesque month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a stark contrast to the warmer months with temperatures in
Waukegan,
Illinois falling more rapidly. Though the fall foliage is a beautiful sight, colder temperatures signal the approach of winter. Cloud cover increases, days shorten, and the need for warmer clothing escalates.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November heralds the onset of winter in
Waukegan,
Illinois. Rainfall decreases drastically to 1.02" (26mm) while temperatures drop significantly. With a higher probability for snowfall, it's clear that winter is looming. The sharp transition into the frosty
December makes for an intriguing climax to the year. As Waukegan, Illinois, enters November, the average high-temperature decreases from the a moderate 58.3°F (14.6°C) of
October to a chilly 45.1°F (7.3°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December provides a fitting wintry end to the year in
Waukegan,
Illinois. Increasing cloud cover, reduced daylight hours, and the arrival of snow make for a fitting winter scenery. With an average low temperature at 25.3°F (-3.7°C), it's certainly the time to bundle up.
Weather in December »