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 »