The climate of Portage
Portage, the city located in
Indiana, USA, falls within the Dfa or Humid continental zone of the Köppen climate classification. This classification implies a pattern of no dry season, and a hot summer, which can be seen in its climatic data. Observing the climate around the year, a distinct fluctuation in temperature from a low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January to a high of 79.2°F (26.2°C) in
July becomes evident. Similarly, the relative humidity follows a pattern with lowest values of 73% in
October climbing as high as around 83% in
February.
The city’s climate is characterized by high precipitation levels, with rainfall peaking at around 3.19" (81mm) in
June and dropping to about 1.18" (30mm) in February. The number of rainfall days on average also reaches a maximum in June with 16.8 days, while
December records the lowest with 9.6 days. The occurrence of snowfall is limited mainly to the winter months from December to
April with a maximum snowfall of about 3.27" (83mm) in January.
There is a notable fluctuation in daylight hours from a low of approximately 9.6 hours in January to a peak of nearly 15.1 hours in June. A clear shift in the average sunshine hours during the year is also evident, starting from a minimum of about 3.5 hours in January and escalating to roughly 10.2 hours in June. The annual pattern observed in sunshine days is slightly divergent with
November recording the maximum number of sunshine days at 15.7, December displaying the minimum at 13.2.
The best time to visit Portage
To make the most of your visit to
Portage, you should consider the city's weather patterns throughout the year. The months between
May and
September arguably offer the best time to visit Portage. During this period, temperature averages range from a comfortable 54.7°F (12.6°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C) and rainfall is fairly spread out across these months, with
June experiencing the highest at 3.19" (81mm) across 16.8 days on average. The extended daylight hours, which reach a maximum in June with 15.1 hours, accompanied by substantial sunshine hours, peaking at 10.2 hours in June, enhance the overall visitor experience during these months.
The worst time to visit Portage
On the contrary, the least favorable time for visiting
Portage tends to be between
December and
February. During this period, the temperature hits a low from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 33.3°F (0.7°C), and the city experiences snowfall up to 3.27" (83mm) in
January across 13.5 days. The short daylight hours, reaching a minimum in December with about 9.2 hours, and meager sunshine hours, dropping to 3.9 hours in December, prove a hurdle for various outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Portage
Springtime in
Portage unfolds from
March to
May, when the city witnesses a swift upsurge in temperature from 44.2°F (6.8°C) to 66°F (18.9°C). Similarly, the frequency of rainfall also increases significantly from 1.38" (35mm) across 12.3 days in March to nearly 2.99" (76mm) over 16.8 days in May. Nevertheless, the increase in daylight and sunshine hours from approximately 12 and 6 hours in March to about 14.5 and 8.7 hours in May, respectively, offers promising circumstances for a plethora of outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Portage
Summertime in
Portage spans the months from
June to
August. During this period, the city enjoys warm temperatures oscillating from 75.2°F (24°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C), and the rainfall remains relatively constant, slightly decreasing from 3.19" (81mm) in June to around 2.64" (67mm) across 16.8 to 16.2 days. The extended daylight hours, hitting a high of 15.1 hours, coupled with average sunshine hours of around 10, make summer an attractive time for various outdoor pursuits.
Autumn weather in Portage
In autumn—from
September to
November—the temperature in
Portage undergoes a steady decrease from 73°F (22.8°C) to 46.8°F (8.2°C). Comparatively, rainfall levels drop from 2.4" (61mm) spread across 15.8 days in September to about 1.3" (33mm) over 10.7 days in November. Yet, the decrease in daylight and sunshine hours from nearly 14.5 and 8.7 hours in September to about 9.9 and 5 hours in November, respectively, indicates the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Portage
Winter in
Portage—encompassing the months from
December to
February—brings with it typically cold temperatures, dipping from 36.1°F (2.3°C) in December to 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January. Furthermore, a notable increase in average snowfall from 0.91" (23mm) to 3.27" (83mm) across 4.2 to 13.5 days is observed. The decrease in daylight and sunshine hours to a low of 9.2 and 3.5 hours, respectively, in January, characterizes the gloomy, cold weather during these months.
Weather in January
January weather in
Portage,
Indiana presents the coldest conditions of the year, with the mercury often plunging to 19.8°F (-6.8°C) at night. The chilly start to the year also carries the highest humidity and significant cloud cover, resulting in fewer hours of daylight and sunshine.
Weather in January » Weather in February
By
February, it is evident that the grasp of winter is beginning to loosen in
Portage. Despite the increase in temperature, the city still experiences colder periods, and snowfall still prevails, albeit reduced from the previous month down to 2.56" (65mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March comes along, signs of spring are evident in
Portage with temperatures beginning to rise drastically. While the snowfall continues to decrease, rain begins to dot the monthly forecast introducing an element of wetness to the weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Portage,
Indiana brings the true onset of spring, following suit with significant increases in temperature from preceding months. The transition from winter to spring sees a key shift from snowfall to rainfall, accentuating the smell of bloom in the air.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The arrival of
May is marked by a noticeable leap in temperatures as the residents start gearing up for summer. The month is characterized by ample sunshine and UV exposure, nurturing thriving greenery across the city.
Portage experiences substantial rainfall during this month, providing much needed hydration for local ecosystems.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces the peak of summer, offering warmth and long sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities. As the average temperatures rise, the humidity follows suit, creating a typical midwestern summer. Despite being one of the rainiest months, the frequency of sunny days is highest compared to other summer months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July arrives in
Portage,
Indiana with the highest temperatures throughout the year. With the welcome of full-blown summer, the season is celebrated with open blue skies, extended hours of sunlight and high UV indices. The typically high humidity helps to intensify the heat, making it necessary to stay well hydrated.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the warmth of summer in
Portage, with temperatures barely dropping from
July's peak. While not as hot as July, the moderate heat allows for the pursuit of outdoor activities such as picnics and fishing trips. Despite being a relatively dry month, occasional rain showers can be expected.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the transition from summer to fall, with temperatures beginning to drop considerably across
Portage. The month offers a splash of color as the leaves change, making it a picturesque period to visit local parks.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October comes with an even more noticeable dip in
Portage,
Indiana's temperatures, signaling the onset of fall. With less sunshine compared to the summer months, the air carries a refreshing chill. Rainfall is moderate during the month, fostering fungi and fall blooms throughout the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a crisp chill to the air in
Portage, as the autumn leaves continue their vibrant display. As the daylight hours decrease, the chill of winter starts to make a slight appearance. The area experiences storms, which often bring rain, but the first traces of snow are not far behind.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes winter back to
Portage,
Indiana, as temperatures drop distinctly below those of the previous month. The winter chill is accompanied by increased cloud cover and shortened sunlight hours, establishing a winter weather pattern.
Weather in December »