The climate of Lafayette
Lafayette,
Indiana, USA rests within the region classified by Köppen Climate Classification as Dfa, which signifies a Humid Continental climate. Positioned in the humid belt, this location experiences no dry season with hot summers. This particular weather pattern provides a notable variation within annual weather conditions.
Significant fluctuations appear to be the rule, rather than the exception in Lafayette. Sweeping from a chilly 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January to a warm 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
July, temperatures in this region shift dramatically. This wide berth in temperatures translates into a variety of weather experiences over the year, punctuated by unique and distinctive weather patterns.
As a trend, rainfall appears more frequent during the warmer months, with
May seeing the highest precipitation of 2.8" (71mm). However, this does not signify a dry period during colder seasons. Rainfall ranges from 1.1" (28mm) in the drier month of
September to the aforementioned 2.8" (71mm) in May. Amid variability, snowfall emerges as a definitive seasonal pattern. Lafayette witnesses a stark drop in snowfall post-
April, with the chart flatlining from May to
November.
Another key weather component to examine is wind speeds. Here, the highest gusts are encountered during early months of the year, reaching 16.3mph (26.2km/h) in January. Meanwhile, the calmest period aligns with summer months, where wind gusts drop to 10.3mph (16.6km/h).
The best time to visit Lafayette
While personal preferences play a large role in determining the ideal time to visit, from a strictly climatic perspective, exploring
Lafayette between
May and
September offers optimal conditions. During this period, the warmth is at its peak, averaging 71.6°F (22°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C) with ample daylight, ranging from 14.4 hours to 15 hours. Additionally, it is when the wind speeds are at their calmest, contributing to pleasant outdoor experiences.
The worst time to visit Lafayette
Taking into account climatic factors alone, it becomes apparent that the initial months of the year might not be the best choice for a tour in
Lafayette. From
January to
March, the city faces the lowest temperatures from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C), combined with snowfall ranging from 2.44" (62mm) to 1.02" (26mm). Plus, January and
February witness the highest gust speeds of 16.3mph (26.2km/h) and 16mph (25.7km/h) respectively, potentially exacerbating the chilly conditions and setting the stage for blustery winter days.
Spring weather in Lafayette
Spring in
Lafayette is characterized by a gradual rise in temperature from a moderate 48.7°F (9.3°C) in
March to a pleasant 60.3°F (15.7°C) in
April. The warm-up period is accompanied by lengths of daylight extending from 12 hours to 13.3 hours. Rainfall during these months sees an increase, with April expecting the highest precipitation of 2.8" (71mm).
Summer weather in Lafayette
Summertime in
Lafayette extends from cozy to hot, with temperatures escalating steadily from 71.6°F (22°C) in
May to about 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
July. This is also when days stretch the longest, with sunlight hours peaking at 15 hours. Moderately low wind speeds enhance an overall sense of comforting tranquility during summers in Lafayette.
Autumn weather in Lafayette
Autumn draws in a cooling trend in
Lafayette, as temperatures decline from 75.6°F (24.2°C) in
September to a milder 62.8°F (17.1°C) in
October. It also sees a gradual reduction in daylight, from 12.4 hours in September to 11.1 hours in October. With a slight dip in rainfall, autumn provides an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Lafayette
Winters in
Lafayette are enveloped by chill, entrenched in temperatures as low as 37.6°F (3.1°C) in
December and reaching a harsh minimum of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January. Snow is expectantly seen, with
November to January having snowfall measurements between 0.47" (12mm) to 2.44" (62mm). Daylight becomes scarce during these months, sinking as low as 9.3 hours in December. The colder months thus pose as a genuinely classic winter experience in Lafayette.
Weather in January
January weather in
Lafayette,
Indiana, starts the year with a chill, characterized by snowfall and cold temperatures. It is indeed winter's peak, with the lower temperatures diving to around 19.8°F (-6.8°C). The frosty air is felt alongside an increased cloud cover of 60% and lessened daylight of about 9.7 hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February still carries winter's icy touch, albeit a bit milder compared to
January. The mercury begins a subtle increase, with the higher temperatures reaching to approximately 36.3°F (2.4°C). Despite this, snowfall continues to be present, marking off the winter season.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings a shift in
Lafayette's climate as the city gradually transitions from winter to spring. The onset of warmer temperatures is noticeable, with the highs reaching approximately 48.7°F (9.3°C). The longer days marked by about 12 hours of daylight pave the way for spring regeneration and flourishing green landscapes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April traditionally brings mild and pleasant weather to
Lafayette, indicating a full swing into spring. Temperatures continue their upward trend, reaching highs of around 60.3°F (15.7°C). This month marks a clear departure from winter with an absence of snowfall, replaced by increased rainfall which contributes to the full bloom of flowers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May exemplifies consistent spring weather, featuring moderate temperatures and scattered showers. The temperatures keep rising, with the higher values hitting about 71.6°F (22°C). May's warmth encourages outdoor adventures and coincides with an impressive progression of daylight hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Lafayette signals the beginning of summer, characterized by high temperatures, long light-filled days, and infrequent rain showers. Lafayette experiences the hottest temperatures of about 79.3°F (26.3°C), as we observe the start of the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically the warmest month in
Lafayette, with a rise in both temperature and humidity. The thermometer peaks with high values of around 81.1°F (27.3°C), making it the most blazing month. Despite these higher temperatures, the month allows: slight alleviation with a relative decrease in the average daily sunshine duration.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Lafayette continues the summer trend with warm temperatures although a slow cooling trend begins towards the month's end. The city continues to experience summer heat, with high temperatures reaching around 80.2°F (26.8°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of fall and brings a significant change to
Lafayette's weather pattern. Temperatures start to decrease, with the highs dropping to about 75.6°F (24.2°C). The shift in weather is apparent with noticeably shorter days and a drop in humidity levels.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents a full immersion into fall with a noticeable drop in temperature and shorter daylight hours in
Lafayette. Compared to
September, the mercury sees a significant drop, sensing the highs at around 62.8°F (17.1°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a notable change in
Lafayette, transitioning from the crisp atmosphere of fall to the initial chill of winter. Temperatures continue their decline reaching highs of approximately 48.2°F (9°C). November often means packing away fall attire and bringing out warm winter wear.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December culminates the year with the arrival of winter, low temperatures, and brief daylight hours in
Lafayette. Notable is the considerable dip in the thermometer, with high temperatures merely reaching 37.6°F (3.1°C). As a sign of the holiday season, snowfall reintroduces itself, casting a stunning white blanket over the city.
Weather in December »