Climate and monthly weather forecast
Council Bluffs, IA

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The climate of Council Bluffs

Belonging to the Dfa category on the Köppen climate classification, the weather in Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA exhibits a humid continental climate, with no dry season and a hot pronounced summer. This Midwestern city, situated on the plains just east of the Missouri River, experiences a full range of weather phenomena throughout the year.

Across the course of a year, the city's overall weather shifts between clear, warm summers and cold, snowy winters. A certain amount of precipitation is received each month, with amounts rising from a winter low of 0.59" (15mm) in January to an August high of 3.86" (98mm). The number of rainfall days varies similarly, peaking in May and June with a combined average of over 32 days of precipitation, and reducing to a mere 8.5 days in December and January.

The city's temperature also reflects considerable variance. It climbs from a January average low of 16.3°F (-8.7°C) to reach an apex of 84.4°F (29.1°C) in July. The relative humidity data suggests a damp environment throughout the year, typically oscillating between 66% in October and 80% in January. Notably, Council Bluffs experiences more sunlight during the June and July months with an average of 15.1 and 14.8 daylight hours respectively and high UV indexes of 6.

The best time to visit Council Bluffs

Considering factors such as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours, summertime, from June through August, stands out as the optimal period to visit Council Bluffs. During these months, the high temperature averages between 81.3°F (27.4°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C), making it great for outdoor activities. Visitors can also benefit from longer daylight hours - up to 15.1 hours in June. Furthermore, the UV index of 6 indicates a higher likelihood of clear, sunny days despite some rainfall expected.

The worst time to visit Council Bluffs

The months of January and February could be less appealing for travelers seeking to make the most out of their visit to Council Bluffs. During this time, an average high temperature of just 34°F (1.1°C) in February coupled with 0.59" (15mm) and 0.71" (18mm) of rainfall in January and February respectively, and significant snowfall (with January averaging 2.17" (55mm) of snow) means outdoor activity is often limited. Coupled with lower sunlight hours and a UV index of 2, these conditions could hamper the full enjoyment of what the city has to offer.

Spring weather in Council Bluffs

Spring in Council Bluffs heralds a marked shift in weather from the preceding winter months. It witnesses a significant upturn in temperature, which rises from an average low of 33.4°F (0.8°C) in March to 53.6°F (12°C) by May. Correspondingly, the high temperature rises from 49.6°F (9.8°C) to 71.1°F (21.7°C) during this season. Spring also brings rain, with April seeing the most rainfall of 1.97" (50mm), and May following closely with 1.85" (47mm). Overall, Spring in Council Bluffs is a season of considerable change.

Summer weather in Council Bluffs

Summer in Council Bluffs usually spells clear skies and balmy temperatures. With an average high ranging between 81.3°F (27.4°C) to 84.4°F (29.1°C) and lows from 64.2°F (17.9°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C), it is a season geared towards outdoor exploration. Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, and ranges from 10.3 to 10.6 hours per day. While there is rainfall, up to 3.86" (98mm) in June, often it doesn't last the whole day.

Autumn weather in Council Bluffs

Autumn in Council Bluffs features gradually cooling temperatures, and ranges from a high of 76.6°F (24.8°C) in September to a moderate 48.9°F (9.4°C) in November. Correspondingly, the average low temperature also drops from 57°F (13.9°C) to 33.8°F (1°C). Rainfall during this period decreases, with a relatively dry November seeing just 0.79" (20mm) of rain. With an average of 9 daylight hours in November, it's still possible to enjoy a fair share of outdoor activities.

Winter weather in Council Bluffs

Winter in Council Bluffs is characterized by cold temperatures, increased cloud cover, and notable snowfall. Average highs range from 34.3°F (1.3°C) in December to 30°F (-1.1°C) in January, and lows from 21.9°F (-5.6°C) to 16.3°F (-8.7°C). An average of up to 2.17" (55mm) of snow in January sets the stage for a classic winter wonderland, although outdoor activities may be limited due to cold weather and limited daylight.

Weather in January

Starting the year in Council Bluffs, Iowa, January endures the wrath of winter. The city shivers under an average low temperature of 16.3°F (-8.7°C), making it the coldest time of year with less daylight of about 9.6 hours. Snowfall is relatively common, averaging 2.17" (55mm), complementing the often frosty and freezing landscapes. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As winter persists into February, Council Bluffs, Iowa observes gradual improvements in weather with an average high temperature reaching 34°F (1.1°C). The noticeable increase in temperature from January is a welcome relief, however bare landscapes remain. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the beginning of spring with evident signs of winter thawing. In Council Bluffs, this change is most visible with the average high temperatures reaching nearly 50°F (10°C), a substantial improvement from the previous month. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Council Bluffs enjoys a dry and lively spring. With an average high temperature of 61°F (16.1°C), it is noticeably warmer than March. However, April also sees increased rainfall averaging at 1.97" (50mm), a crucial contribution to the fully sprouting greeneries around the city. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The pleasant weather in May encourages outdoor activities in Council Bluffs with the city basking under an average high temperature of 71.1°F (21.7°C). The rise in temperature would not be complete without the much-anticipated onset of summer. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes the arrival of summer. In Council Bluffs, this means longer daylight hours of 15.1 hours and skyrocketing average high temperatures of 81.3°F (27.4°C) - the warmest month of the year. The sun's frequent visits ensure a vibrant, warm atmosphere perfect for lake activities and picnics. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Council Bluffs is in the thick of summer in July. The temperature soars as high as 84.4°F (29.1°C) in the afternoon but drops to a cool 65.8°F (18.8°C) at night resulting in pleasant evenings perfect for stargazing. Despite being the peak summer, July sees a marked decrease in rainfall to 2.05" (52mm), further enhancing the summer experience with minimal interruptions. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer trend in Council Bluffs, with high temperatures averaging 82.6°F (28.1°C) - just a slight decrease from July. It's a time for the residents and visitors to enjoy the last full month of summer before fall. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings the onset of fall, with noticeable changes including shorter daylight of 12.5 hours. The weather transitions to cooler temperatures, with highs averaging 76.6°F (24.8°C). Rainfall decreases again to around 2.09" (53mm), indicating the city’s progress into drier autumn days. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Council Bluffs, Iowa exemplifies a classic Midwestern autumn. With temperatures seeing a sizeable drop from September to a comfortable 61.7°F (16.5°C), Fall arrives in full bloom. The beauty of the foliage, the crisping air, all marks this as an iconic time for local festivals and community activities. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in a noticeable shift in Council Bluffs’ weather with the feeling of winter creeping in. With high temperatures dipping to 48.9°F (9.4°C), residents and visitors start to bundle up. The decrease in daylight to 9.9 hours signifies the approaching winter and colder days ahead. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Council Bluffs brings the beauty and chill of winter full circle. The low temperatures average 21.9°F (-5.6°C), close to January's low, signaling the full return of winter. The snowfall adds anew to the beauty of the city, averaging 2.05" (52mm) providing a white canvas for holiday lights and decorations. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January, with an average high of 30°F (-1.1°C) and a low of 16.3°F (-8.7°C), signifies the coldest month of the year.

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4.6 days and accumulates 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

In Council Bluffs, during the entire year, the rain falls for 122.5 days and collects up to 22.52" (572mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How much does it snow?

In Council Bluffs, during the entire year, snow falls for 31.6 days and aggregates up to 9.65" (245mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 4.7h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 7.7 days and accumulates 2.56" (65mm) of snow.

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 wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall in Council Bluffs is June, when the rain falls for 15.9 days and typically aggregates up to 3.86" (98mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Council Bluffs, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 6min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What are the warmest months?

July, on average, is the warmest month, registering a high temperature of 84.4°F (29.1°C) and a low of 65.8°F (18.8°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 66%, October is the least humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 18min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Council Bluffs, IA

Average temperature - Council Bluffs, IA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (84.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (30°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (16.3°F).

Average pressure
Council Bluffs, IA

Average pressure - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

Average wind speed
Council Bluffs, IA

Average wind speed - Council Bluffs, IA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7mph).

Average humidity
Council Bluffs, IA

Average humidity - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (66%).

Average rainfall
Council Bluffs, IA

Average rainfall - Council Bluffs, IA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.86").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.59").

Average rainfall days
Council Bluffs, IA

Average rainfall days - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3 days).

Average snowfall
Council Bluffs, IA

Average snowfall - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.56").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Council Bluffs, IA

Average snowfall days - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Council Bluffs, IA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 18min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 42min).

Average sunshine days
Council Bluffs, IA

Average sunshine days - Council Bluffs, IA

The month with the most sunshine days is November (21.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.9 days).

Average UV index
Council Bluffs, IA

Average UV index - Council Bluffs, IA

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, October, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Council Bluffs, IA

Average visibility - Council Bluffs, IA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA

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