Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cresco, IA

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The climate of Cresco

Located in the Midwest region of the United States, Cresco, Iowa, falls within the Dfa category of the Köppen climate classification system. This classification signifies a humid continental climate, characterized by no dry season and hot summers. Throughout the year, Cresco experiences wide-ranging temperature fluctuations, significant rainfall, and notable snowfall.

In terms of thermal conditions, inhabitants witness average high temperatures from 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in January, steadily climbing to a scorching 78.3°F (25.7°C) by July, with a gentle retreat back to cooler temperatures towards the end of the year. In contrast, average low temperatures follow a similar pattern, commencing at 9°F (-12.8°C) in January and peaking at 62.1°F (16.7°C) in July.

The region's relative humidity hovers mainly in the 80th percentile, with slightly higher spikes in winter and slightly lower in the warmer months. Precipitation, both in the form of rainfall and snowfall, is a consistent occurrence. Monthly averaged rainfall ranges from 1.06" (27mm) in January to 4.8" (122mm) in June, with the latter part of spring and early summer experiencing the most rainfall. Concurrently, snowfall records show a peak in January with 5.51" (140mm), tapering off to negligible amounts from May to September.

Daylight hours, a key factor for both tourism and agriculture, fluctuate from a short 9 hours in the winter months, extending to a maximum of 15.4 hours during the height of summer. Likewise, sunshine duration follows a similar trend, varying between 7.1 hours per day in June up to 16 hours per day in November and December. The annual cloud coverage tends to be quite high, which impacts the visibility, ranging from 5 to 6 miles.

The best time to visit Cresco

Considering the varying climate parameters, the optimal time to visit Cresco would be from May to September. During this period, residents and visitors can enjoy moderate to high temperatures, between 53.4°F (11.9°C) to 78.3°F (25.7°C), and the highest amount of daylight, from 14.7 hours to 15.4 hours. Weather conditions during these months typically display low chances of snowfall combined with a significant increase in the duration of sunshine, averaging between 8.2 hours to 9.6 hours a day.

The worst time to visit Cresco

The least favorable period for visiting Cresco would be from November to February. With plummeting temperatures, from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) to 21.6°F (-5.8°C), combined with high relative humidity and frequent snowfalls, indoor activities are the preferable choice. Moreover, the shorter days, delivering only about 9 hours of daylight, further limit outdoor activities. Also, the cloud coverage increases, reducing visibility to just 5 miles.

Spring weather in Cresco

Spring in Cresco, occurring from March to May, sees temperatures climbing from an average low of 26.6°F (-3°C) to a much more pleasant 48.7°F (9.3°C), while average highs similarly ascend from 40.5°F (4.7°C) to 65.3°F (18.5°C). Rainfall increases during this period, from 1.69" (43mm) in March to 3.94" (100mm) in May. Combined with the diminishing snowfall records and steadily rising daylight hours, spring often brings a noticeable change in the city's atmospheric conditions.

Summer weather in Cresco

Summers in Cresco, spanning from June to August are typically hot, with average high temperatures peaking at 78.3°F (25.7°C) in July. The weather remains humid with an average relative humidity around 84%. Downpours are also common, with the highest rainfall recorded at 4.8" (122mm) in June. Despite these conditions, sunshine duration is at its peak, providing long, sunny days.

Autumn weather in Cresco

Autumn, encompassing September to November, exhibits a noticeable cooling progression. Average high temperatures clamp down from 70.7°F (21.5°C) in September to a crisp 41.4°F (5.2°C) in November. Rainfall decreases slowly, from 2.32" (59mm) to a mild 1.42" (36mm) by November's end. The daylight hours and sunshine also decline, making the days shorter and often less vibrant.

Winter weather in Cresco

Winters in Cresco, extending from December to February, are often harsh. Average high temperatures hover around the freezing point, from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in December and stooping to 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in January, while low temperatures remain chillier still. This period sees the maximum snowfall, with 5.51" (140mm) in January. A cloud-laden sky coupled with minimal sunshine and daylight hours, further contributes to the severity of Cresco's winter. Hence, preparation against cold, icy conditions remains vital during these months.

Weather in January

January embodies a typical Midwest winter in Cresco, Iowa. Frosts are frequent with overnight temperatures commonly falling below freezing. A significant weather trait is noticeable with a high level of humidity, despite the month's freezing environment, characterized by a relative humidity of 90. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In Cresco, the transition from January to February is subtle in terms of weather changes. Temperatures slightly rise, yet snow remains a likely feature of the weather. As the winter continues, the ground stays adequately blanketed—snowfall records up to 5.87" (149mm) in February. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The anticipation for a change in weather condition picks up with the arrival of March in Cresco. Increases in daylight and sunshine hours usher in a sense of spring fever. However, it is worth noticing that March boasts one of the highest rainfall numbers, with precipitation reaching up to 1.69" (43mm). Weather in March »

Weather in April

By the time April comes around, things become more spring-like in Cresco, as the snow melts away, replaced by rainfall. With this transition comes a weather pattern that sees an increase in relative humidity, sunshine hours, rainfall, and daylight hours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Cresco welcomes the full brunt of Spring. The climatic condition leans towards warmer temperatures, with rainfall still playing a significant role. This period exhibits a month with high precipitation, with rainfall amounts of up to 3.94" (100mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the onset of summer for Cresco. It's a welcome change from the moister months, and one that ranks as the warmest of the year. Despite its reputation, it records the highest rainfall, culminating in a monthly volume of 4.8" (122mm). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July takes over from June, keeping up the warm temperature pattern in Cresco. It does, however, witness a dip in the amount of rainfall. A distinguishing factor about July is that it hits the maximum UV index value of 6. The ensuing beautiful weather condition is taken advantage of by residents who tend to spend more time outdoors. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As Cresco moves into August, there is slight relief from July's heat with marginally lower temperatures. Though there is still ample sunshine, August sees a decrease in the UV index. Regardless, this month is characterized by detailed climatic conditions, with rainfall averaging around 2.76" (70mm). Weather in August »

Weather in September

With September comes a distinct shift in Cresco’s mood, ushering in the Autumn season. The high summer heat begins to simmer down with milder but still warm days on the roll. Rainfall continues to drop from its peak summer levels, recorded at around 2.32" (59mm). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Cresco brings about a noticeable change with lower temperatures and shorter days. Falling leaves are a common sight, and autumn is in full swing. Importantly, the climate sees a resurgence in relative humidity during October. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Cresco’s November is marked by a significant drop in temperature, short days, and an ambiance that anticipates the winter season. Moreover, the average wind speed rises, making outdoor activities a little less comfortable than in the previous months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Cresco IS the embodiment of a classic Midwestern winter, characterized by short daylight hours and very low temperatures. From a meteorological perspective, December registers a considerable increase in terms of snowfall at 4.49" (114mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 27, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January, known for its average high temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and an average low temperature of 9°F (-12.8°C), is the coldest month.

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 90%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 4.3 days and typically collects 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, in Cresco, Iowa, there are 148.5 rainfall days, and 29.69" (754mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

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

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 61.5 snowfall days, and 25.43" (646mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Cresco?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.4h of sunshine.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 12.3 days and typically aggregates up to 5.87" (149mm) of snow.

When is the lowest UV index?

February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cresco?

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?

The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 20.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.8" (122mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 24min of daylight.

What is the warmest month?

July is the warmest month, exhibiting average temperatures of 78.3°F (25.7°C) at the peak and 62.1°F (16.7°C) at the base.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index in Cresco is July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What month has the most sunshine in Cresco?

August has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 9.7h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 75%, October is the least humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.

Average temperature
Cresco, IA

Average temperature - Cresco, IA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (78.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (21.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (62.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (9°F).

Average pressure
Cresco, IA

Average pressure - Cresco, IA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.89"Hg).

Average wind speed
Cresco, IA

Average wind speed - Cresco, IA

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and April (10.6mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.3mph).

Average humidity
Cresco, IA

Average humidity - Cresco, IA

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (75%).

Average rainfall
Cresco, IA

Average rainfall - Cresco, IA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.8").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.06").

Average rainfall days
Cresco, IA

Average rainfall days - Cresco, IA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (20.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.8 days).

Average snowfall
Cresco, IA

Average snowfall - Cresco, IA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (5.87").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Cresco, IA

Average snowfall days - Cresco, IA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cresco, IA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Cresco, IA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 9h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Cresco, IA

Average sunshine days - Cresco, IA

The month with the most sunshine days is November (16 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (7.1 days).

Average visibility
Cresco, IA

Average visibility - Cresco, IA

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, July and December (5mi).

Cresco, Iowa, USA

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