Expand
Contents
- The climate of Cedar Rapids
- The best time to visit Cedar Rapids
- The worst time to visit Cedar Rapids
- Spring weather in Cedar Rapids
- Summer weather in Cedar Rapids
- Autumn weather in Cedar Rapids
- Winter weather in Cedar Rapids
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Nice aerial capture of the skyline over Cedar Rapids in Iowa
The climate of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, located in the humid continental climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification, experiences a great breadth of weather conditions each year. This classification, labeled as Dfa, is indicative of no dry season with a hot summer. The Cedar Rapids climate manifests these conditions distinctly by delivering large temperature swings throughout the year accompanied by a fair frequency of rainfall and sporadic snowfall.
Focusing on temperatures, Cedar Rapids experiences a wide spectrum from icy winters to warm summers. During the colder months, temperatures dip to chilling lows of 14.2°F (-9.9°C) in January, gradually increasing to average highs of 80.8°F (27.1°C) by July. The range in temperature is a common climate characteristic of this region, producing distinct transitions between seasons. On a related note, humidity levels tend to stay consistently high, usually fluctuating between 73% and 85% throughout the year.
Precipitation levels demonstrate variation with rainfall reaching 3.07" (78mm) in May, tapering to merely 0.63" (16mm) in February. Coupling these statistics with snowfall data paints a clear image of Cedar Rapids' distinct seasonality. Peaks in snowfall occur in December and January at 1.46" (37mm) and 2.64" (67mm) respectively, while noticeably absent in the summer months. The city experiences an average of 16 days of rain in May and traces down to a mere 3 days in February, further emphasizing a clear distinction between seasons.
Focusing on temperatures, Cedar Rapids experiences a wide spectrum from icy winters to warm summers. During the colder months, temperatures dip to chilling lows of 14.2°F (-9.9°C) in January, gradually increasing to average highs of 80.8°F (27.1°C) by July. The range in temperature is a common climate characteristic of this region, producing distinct transitions between seasons. On a related note, humidity levels tend to stay consistently high, usually fluctuating between 73% and 85% throughout the year.
Precipitation levels demonstrate variation with rainfall reaching 3.07" (78mm) in May, tapering to merely 0.63" (16mm) in February. Coupling these statistics with snowfall data paints a clear image of Cedar Rapids' distinct seasonality. Peaks in snowfall occur in December and January at 1.46" (37mm) and 2.64" (67mm) respectively, while noticeably absent in the summer months. The city experiences an average of 16 days of rain in May and traces down to a mere 3 days in February, further emphasizing a clear distinction between seasons.
The best time to visit Cedar Rapids
Keeping the climate details in mind, the ideal time to visit Cedar Rapids would arguably be from late spring to early summer. During May, daylight hours extend to 14.6 hours with an average of 8.7 hours of sunshine per day. Even though rainfall is at its highest in May with an average of 3.07" (78mm) falling over 16 days, these showers don't significantly impend outdoor activities. The pleasant high temperatures averaging 68.9°F (20.5°C) coupled with the extended daylight make it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
The worst time to visit Cedar Rapids
Despite its significant charm, the months from November to February can be a challenging time to visit Cedar Rapids. During this time, average temperatures can plunge to lows of 14.2°F (-9.9°C) in January, coupled with snowfall reaching a maximum of 2.64" (67mm) in December and January. Days are bearably cold and short, with January seeing an average of only 9.5 hours of daylight and 4.4 hours of sunshine, making it a less comfortable period for tourist activities.
Spring weather in Cedar Rapids
Spring in Cedar Rapids is a period of significant transition with temperatures rising from a chilly 45.7°F (7.6°C) in March to a warm 68.9°F (20.5°C) by May. Rainfall increases over the course of the season, peaking at 3.07" (78mm) in May, spread over an average of 16 days. Despite this, the warming weather and blooming nature make spring a pleasant season in the city, with daylight increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May.
Summer weather in Cedar Rapids
The summer months from June to August in Cedar Rapids are characterized by average high temperatures ranging from 78.1°F (25.6°C) to 80.8°F (27.1°C). Humidity levels are consistently high during this period, ranging between 82% and 84%. While summer experiences an average rainfall of between 2.24" (57mm) and 2.6" (66mm), it also gifts the city with the year’s highest UV index of 6. These warm and long days, averaging a high of 15.2 hours of daylight, offer ample opportunities for outdoor leisure activities.
Autumn weather in Cedar Rapids
Autumn in Cedar Rapids witnesses a steady decrease in temperature from the summer's warmth to winter's chill. September begins with an average high of 74.3°F (23.5°C), decreasing gradually to 45.5°F (7.5°C) by November. The rainfall dips from 1.73" (44mm) in September to 0.83" (21mm) in November. The transition seasons of spring and autumn in Cedar Rapids set themselves apart with vibrant foliage, shorter days and variable weather patterns.
Winter weather in Cedar Rapids
Winters are severe in Cedar Rapids with January's low temperatures plummeting to 14.2°F (-9.9°C). December and January witness the heaviest snowfall of the year, with 1.46" (37mm) and 2.64" (67mm) respectively. Winter days are short with daylight hours decreasing from 9.8 hours in December to 9.2 hours in January. Despite the cold, Cedar Rapids' winter landscape possesses a stark beauty, transforming the city into a snow-laden wonderland.
Weather in January
Snow is a common feature of Cedar Rapids, Iowa's weather in January, with cold temperatures that can dip to 14.2°F (-9.9°C). The brisk air is complemented by just 9.5 hours of daylight, adding to the winter ambience. Cedar Rapids experiences moderate winds, further accentuating the chilly weather. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February sees a slight increase in some parameters compared to January, but Cedar Rapids residents should still brace for wintry conditions. Temperature highs can reach a slightly more tolerable 30.6°F (-0.8°C). Despite the increase in temperature, snow remains a constant. Weather in February »
Weather in March
As spring approaches, Cedar Rapids transitions smoothly from the harsh winter, with the lowest snowfall for the year at 0.79" (20mm). The increased daylight hours indicative of spring's arrival melt some snow away and warm up the days a bit. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April finally brings an end to Cedar Rapids' snowy season, pointing to brighter and sunnier days. With temperatures reaching a pleasant 57.9°F (14.4°C), this month invites residents to enjoy the outdoors. The increased daylight hours provide more opportunities to soak in the warmth of the sun. Weather in April »
Weather in May
As Cedar Rapids transitions into summer, May experiences the highest rainfall for the year at 3.07" (78mm). Still, the days continue to get longer and warmer, offering residents ample time to revel in the blooming cityscape. The rainfall, in tandem with the rising temperatures, culminates in a slightly more humid environment. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June brings the arrival of summer in Cedar Rapids, leading to the highest daylight hours of the year at 15.2. As the days get hotter, the temperature can reach up to 78.1°F (25.6°C). With clear skies, one can enjoy maximum sunshine during this period. Weather in June »
Weather in July
Continuing the summer trend, July is the hottest month in Cedar Rapids with temperatures rising to 80.8°F (27.1°C). Despite having a slightly less number of sunlight hours than June, it achieves the longest sunshine span of the year. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August sees a very slight dip in temperature, a subtle indicator of the impending end of summer in Cedar Rapids. While the humidity remains relatively constant compared to July, the rainfall drops to 1.22" (31mm). With these changes, August still offers great weather for outdoor activities. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, Cedar Rapids navigates its way towards fall with more pleasant temperatures and a decreased humidity index. However, rainfall increases to 1.73" (44mm), marking the cityscape with the variegated colors of fall. Despite the reduced daylight hours, the amount of sunshine remains significant, making the short days vibrant and inviting. Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the autumn strengthens, October announces a transition from the relatively warmer September temperatures to a cooler climate. The first traces of snow appear in Cedar Rapids, although still quite minor at just 0.08" (2mm). The typical fall landscape, characterized by dwindling daylight and milder sunshine, fills the city. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Continuing the transition from fall to winter, Cedar Rapids experiences a substantial drop in temperature during November. The significant increase in snowfall from 0.71" (18mm), compared to October's minuscule amount, clearly indicates the onset of winter. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December marks the peak of winter intensity in Cedar Rapids, with the lowest amount of daily sunlight at just 9.2 hours. The relative lack of sunshine aligns with all the characteristics of Cedar Rapids’ winter, primarily characterized by 1.46" (37mm) of snowfall. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 21, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What month is the coldest?
Temperature readings reach their annual highs in January, averaging 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and a minimum average of 14.2°F (-9.9°C).
What is the most humid month?
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
What is the driest month?
January and February are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 4.2 days and typically aggregates up to 0.63" (16mm) of rain.
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, in Cedar Rapids, there are 120.7 rainfall days, and 18.31" (465mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through April, October through December.
What is the snowiest month?
The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 10.3 days and typically aggregates up to 2.64" (67mm) of snow.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 36.1 snowfall days, and 8.43" (214mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Cedar Rapids?
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4.1h of sunshine.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Cedar Rapids?
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
What is the rainiest month?
May is the month with the most rainfall in Cedar Rapids. Rain falls for 16 days and accumulates 3.07" (78mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
May through September are months without snowfall.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 15h and 12min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
When is the highest UV index?
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Cedar Rapids.
What are the warmest months?
July, marked by an average high-temperature of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and a low-temperature of 64.6°F (18.1°C), is the warmest month.
What month has the most sunshine?
With an average of 10h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
What is the least humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 73%, October is the least humid month.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
Average temperature
Cedar Rapids, IA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (14.2°F).
Average pressure
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.13"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.9"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.11"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.9"Hg).
Average wind speed
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average wind speed in January:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.9mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7mph - Average wind speed in August:
7mph - Average wind speed in September:
8mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.7mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.1mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and April (10.7mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7mph).
Average humidity
Cedar Rapids, IA
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).
Average rainfall
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average rainfall in January:
0.63" - Average rainfall in February:
0.63" - Average rainfall in March:
1.02" - Average rainfall in April:
2.09" - Average rainfall in May:
3.07" - Average rainfall in June:
2.6"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.24" - Average rainfall in August:
1.22" - Average rainfall in September:
1.73" - Average rainfall in October:
1.46" - Average rainfall in November:
0.83" - Average rainfall in December:
0.79"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.07").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.63").
Average rainfall days
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
9.4 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
6.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
5.9 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3 days).
Average snowfall
Cedar Rapids, IA
The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.64").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average snowfall days in January:
10.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
4.5 days - Average snowfall days in April:
1.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.2 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 1min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Cedar Rapids, IA
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
17.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.4 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
11.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
17 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
18.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (19.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.8 days).
Average UV index
Cedar Rapids, IA
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Cedar Rapids, IA
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The months with the least cloud cover are August and September (Cloud cover 30).
Average visibility
Cedar Rapids, IA
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is July (5mi).
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Weather forecast for your location
1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location
2. Allow the app to use your location