The climate of Clinton
Clinton, a city found in the state of
Iowa, USA, experiences a Humid continental climate characterized by significant variations in temperature and a fair share of rainfall throughout the year. This blend of weather patterns places Clinton in the Dfa category according to the Köppen climate classification. A prominent feature in this climate zone is the lack of a dry season coupled with hot summers.
Temperature fluctuates between a maximum average of 80.2°F (26.8°C) observed in
July to a minimum average of 14.5°F (-9.7°C) in
January. Another characteristic climate feature is the relative atmospheric humidity, remaining high throughout the year. It ranges from 73% in
October to a peak of 85% in January. The wind, too, is a constant companion in Clinton, blowing at an average speed of 6.5mph (10.5km/h) to 10.4mph (16.7km/h) from
August to
April.
Rain is a regular visitor in Clinton, with rainfall recorded in every month.
May witnesses the highest rainfall of 3.19" (81mm), and the driest month,
December, still gets a decent 0.87 of an inch. Snowfall decorates the city in the colder months, from
November to April, with the highest accumulation of 2.8" (71mm) occurring in January.
The Best Time to Visit Clinton
Based on the climatological data, the summer months, from
June to
August, can be considered an ideal time for a visit to
Clinton. During this period, the city basks under an average of 15 hours of daylight coupled with an average of nearly 10 hours of sunshine every day. In addition, maximum temperatures hover around a warm yet comfortable 80°F (26.7°C), offering a delightful contrast to the chill of winter.
Rainfall decreases to about 2" (51mm) during these months, less than
May's peak rainfall. The relative humidity is at a moderate level, and the average wind speed falls, making it more conducive for outdoor activities.
The Worst Time to Visit Clinton
If there were a less favorable time to visit
Clinton, it would be the winter months, from
November to
February. During this period, temperatures drop sharply, with
January boasting an average low of 14.5°F (-9.7°C).
The daylight hours are significantly reduced, averaging between 9 to 10 hours, while sunshine hours are at their minimum for the year at 4 hours a day. The strong winds blowing at an average speed of 10mph (16.1km/h), coupled with snowfall in these months, might make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Spring Weather in Clinton
In
Clinton, the spring season from
March to
May witnesses temperatures gradually climb from an average low of 30.9°F (-0.6°C) to an average high of 69.4°F (20.8°C). The city progressively sheds its winter chill to welcome warmer days.
Rainfall takes a leap from an average of 1.22" (31mm) in March to a high of 3.19" (81mm) in May. With the increase in temperatures, the city experiences longer daylight hours, going from 12 in March to around 14.6 in May, making it a bright start to the warmer half of the year.
Summer Weather in Clinton
In the summer months from
June to
August, temperatures in
Clinton reach their zenith with averages of 78.4°F (25.8°C), 80.2°F (26.8°C), and 79.9°F (26.6°C) respectively. The peak temperature of 80.2°F (26.8°C) is noted in
July.
Rainfall begins to recede from 2.44" (62mm) in June to 1.26" (32mm) in August, highlighting a drier trend. Daylight is at its all-year high, touching 15.2 hours in June, and abundant sunshine dominates, ensuring bright and sunny summers.
Autumn Weather in Clinton
Autumn, stretching from
September to
November, introduces a gradual decline in temperatures, from an average high of 74.3°F (23.5°C) in September to an average high of 45.9°F (7.7°C) in November.
Rainfall ranges from 1.54" (39mm) in September to 1.3" (33mm) in November, while daylight hours reduce from 12.5 in September to 9.8 in November. This shift in conditions marks the transition from summer to the colder winter months in
Clinton.
Winter Weather in Clinton
Winter ushers in the coldest temperatures of the year in
Clinton from
December to
February. Plunging to an average low of 14.5°F (-9.7°C) in
January, the city experiences a chilly and snowy season.
Snowfall is most frequent during this season, reaching as much as 2.8" (71mm) in January. Daylight hovers between 9 to 10 hours, while the average sunshine hours decrease to around 4 to 5. Despite the chill and shorter days, the winter season in Clinton paints a serene and frosty landscape.
Weather in January
January weather in
Clinton,
Iowa, typically presents a true Midwestern winter experience. The chill of the season kicks in full gear with the coldest temperatures reaching as low as 14.5°F (-9.7°C). This stands in contrast to the relatively milder climate of the ensuing months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February carries forward the frosty essence of its predecessor, but with a notable rise in temperatures. The lowest temperature in February jumps to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) from
January's chillier 14.5°F (-9.7°C). This slight increase signals the impending arrival of spring while the frequent snow showers remind residents of the lingering winter.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The transition from winter to spring becomes pronounced in
March. There is a significant rise in the mercury with temperatures now reaching as high as 45.9°F (7.7°C). Residents bid farewell to constant snow showers as they become infrequent during this month, heralding the onset of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's climate in
Clinton,
Iowa, is characterized by the full bloom of spring. The weather registers a noticeable leap in temperatures with highs rising to 58.1°F (14.5°C). Consequently, the number of daylight hours also sees a considerable increase.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the advent of early summer in
Clinton,
Iowa, with an escalation in temperatures apparent. The weather turns significantly warmer with highs climbing to 69.4°F (20.8°C). This month records the highest average rainfall, turning the cityscape verdant and lush.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the official onset of the summer season in
Clinton. The city basks in the day's heat, experiencing an average high temperature of 78.4°F (25.8°C). Longer daylight hours become the norm, leading to an influx of outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the pinnacle of the summer season in
Clinton,
Iowa. Temperatures peak, with the month's highest temperature recorded at an average of 80.2°F (26.8°C). With the mercury soaring high, residents often seek respite in Clinton's water bodies.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer trend, with near-identical weather conditions as
July. Highs remain steadfast at around 79.9°F (26.6°C), making it one of the warmest months in
Clinton,
Iowa. August proves a favorite month for water sports enthusiasts as the water temperature remains pleasingly warm.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September encounters the beginning of the autumnal shift in
Clinton. The high temperatures of summer gradually decline, with average highs reducing to 74.3°F (23.5°C). With the leaves commencing to change their hues, September ushers in the spellbinding pallet of fall colors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about a majestic autumnal spectacle in
Clinton,
Iowa. As temperatures hover around 60.6°F (15.9°C), the cooler temperatures signify a retreat from the blazing summer heat. The city transforms into an artist's palette, boasting a cornucopia of vibrant fall colors.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the poignant end of fall and the beginnings of winter in
Clinton. The high temperature drops down to an average of 45.9°F (7.7°C). Outdoor activities take a back seat as residents start bundling up in anticipation of the approaching winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December embraces the full swing of winter in
Clinton. Temperatures dip down significantly, with the mercury dropping to as low as 22.8°F (-5.1°C). The probability of snowfall increases, bestowing a quintessential winter charm over the city.
Weather in December »