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Contents
- The climate of Fort Dodge
- The best time to visit Fort Dodge
- The worst time to visit Fort Dodge
- Spring weather in Fort Dodge
- Summer weather in Fort Dodge
- Autumn weather in Fort Dodge
- Winter weather in Fort Dodge
- 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
The climate of Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge, nestled in the state of Iowa, USA, has a distinctive climate, aptly classified under the Köppen climate system as a humid continental climate (Dfa). This climate type is characterized by a hot summer season with no dry spell in sight alongside a season of chill, striking a balance between extremes.
A close examination of the climatic data unveils the kaleidoscope of weather changes the city undergoes throughout the year. Overall, the temperature swings from a low of 12.2°F (-11°C) in the coldest months to a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) at the peak of summer. The humidity, on the other hand, hovers around the 70% mark for much of the year, increasing to 85% during winter months.
The precipitation pattern in Fort Dodge ensures there is no shortage of rainfall. With totals inches of rain stretching from 0.91" (23mm) to a substantial 3.98" (101mm) monthly, the city experiences a fluctuation throughout the year. Days with snowfall drop from a high of 11.9 days to nil from January to June before re-appearing at the end of the year. Daylight hours and sunshine duration also vary considerably throughout the year, peaking at 15.3 hours and 10.2 hours in June, respectively, and shrinking to a low of 9.1 hours and 3.9 hours in December, respectively.
An undeniable signature trend of the climate in Fort Dodge is the hot summers devoid of a dry spell and accompanied by abundant rainfall, contrary to usual climatic patterns.
A close examination of the climatic data unveils the kaleidoscope of weather changes the city undergoes throughout the year. Overall, the temperature swings from a low of 12.2°F (-11°C) in the coldest months to a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) at the peak of summer. The humidity, on the other hand, hovers around the 70% mark for much of the year, increasing to 85% during winter months.
The precipitation pattern in Fort Dodge ensures there is no shortage of rainfall. With totals inches of rain stretching from 0.91" (23mm) to a substantial 3.98" (101mm) monthly, the city experiences a fluctuation throughout the year. Days with snowfall drop from a high of 11.9 days to nil from January to June before re-appearing at the end of the year. Daylight hours and sunshine duration also vary considerably throughout the year, peaking at 15.3 hours and 10.2 hours in June, respectively, and shrinking to a low of 9.1 hours and 3.9 hours in December, respectively.
An undeniable signature trend of the climate in Fort Dodge is the hot summers devoid of a dry spell and accompanied by abundant rainfall, contrary to usual climatic patterns.
The best time to visit Fort Dodge
Given the city's varied weather, a journey to Fort Dodge aligns ideally with the late spring and summer months, precisely between May and August. With an average temperature of approximately 70°F (21.1°C) to 80°F (26.7°C) and relative humidity at a comfortable range, the conditions are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Add to this the longest daylight hours of the year ranging from 14.6 hours to 15.3 hours, and visitors are granted extra hours to explore and enjoy Fort Dodge in all its glory.
The worst time to visit Fort Dodge
On the flip side, the winter months from December to February are less than ideal for a visit. The freezing temperatures plummet to as low as 12.2°F (-11°C), and coupled with the high relative humidity of around 85%, conditions are far from comfortable. Add to that the reduced daylight hours ranging from 9.1 hours to 10.6 hours and an increase in snowfall, outdoor activities become challenging, and exploring the city can be discomforting.
Spring weather in Fort Dodge
Springtime ushers in a marked transition in Fort Dodge's weather as it oscillates from the cold winter temperatures to a more moderate range. From a chill 44.1°F (6.7°C) in March, spring temperatures rise to a comfortable 57.6°F (14.2°C) in April and a warm 69.4°F (20.8°C) in May. The days start getting longer, with daylight hours increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May, offering ample time each day for outdoor activities. However, spring also brings with it increased rainfall, with May experiencing the highest of approximately 3.5" (89mm).
Summer weather in Fort Dodge
With temperatures ranging from 78.3°F (25.7°C) to 80.8°F (27.1°C), the summer months of June, July, and August offer the hottest temperatures of the year in Fort Dodge. However, despite the heat, these months are also characterized by the highest humidity and rainfall, with July receiving about 3.98" (101mm) of rain. Furthermore, long daylight hours (averaging 15.3 hours in June) and increased sunshine hours (reaching 10.2 hours in July) make this the brightest season in the city.
Autumn weather in Fort Dodge
In autumn, Fort Dodge sees a gradual decrease in both temperature and daylight hours from September to November. With temperatures decreasing from 74.1°F (23.4°C) in September to a mild 44.6°F (7°C) in November and daylight hours decreasing from 12.5 to 9.8 hours, the city transitions from the heat of summer to the cold of winter. Despite the falling temperature, rainfall remains relatively constant, hovering around 2" (51mm) per month throughout the season.
Winter weather in Fort Dodge
The winter months of December through February bring the coldest temperatures of the year to Fort Dodge. The mercury reads from 25°F (-3.9°C) in December to 12.2°F (-11°C) by February. These cold temperatures are accompanied by the most snowfall, peaking at 4.88" (124mm) in February. Furthermore, daylight hours are at their shortest, with December seeing a mere 9.1 hours. With high humidity levels and low visibility, the winter months make outdoor activities in Fort Dodge rather challenging.
Weather in January
January in Fort Dodge, Iowa, presents an icy start to the year with its lowest average temperature falling at 12.2°F (-11°C). The month is typically characterized by frosty conditions, with the ground often blanketed in snow. Weather in January »
Weather in February
In February, Fort Dodge continues to endure the grip of winter, albeit with slightly milder temperatures compared to January. However, with an average low of 15.6°F (-9.1°C) and snowfall stretching up to 4.88" (124mm), persistent cold conditions dominate the weather narrative. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Fort Dodge, with noticeably warmer conditions compared to February. Despite this, snowy landscapes often linger with up to 1.69" (43mm) of snowfall recorded in the month. A significant increase in daylight hours brings a palpable change, offering hope of more spring-like conditions to come. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a significant change in weather conditions to Fort Dodge with the arrival of spring. As the last traces of snow melt away, the city experiences a notable rise in temperatures, promising to ease the chill felt in the previous months. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May sees temperatures continue to rise in Fort Dodge, signaling the approach of summer. The chill of the earlier months feels like a distant memory as the city bursts into bloom, fueled by a monthly rainfall high of 3.5" (89mm). Longer daylight hours allow the residents to soak up more of the sun, providing much-needed vitamin D after the long winter. Weather in May »
Weather in June
By June, summer has firmly established itself in Fort Dodge. The city basks under the sun for longer hours, and residents enjoy extended days of outdoor activities. With the approach of the solstice, the amount of daylight reaches its annual peak. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the heat in Fort Dodge, with the month's highest temperature soaring to a sweltering 80.8°F (27.1°C). This period is defined by hot summer days with abundant sunshine and high UV index values. Light clothing becomes the dress code as residents seek respite from the heat. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, Fort Dodge residents continue to enjoy long, sunny days. Despite a slight dip in temperature from July, the weather largely remains hot and summer-like. Time spent outdoors requires sun protection to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of the high UV index. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September emerges as a transition month in Fort Dodge, with evidence of summer subsiding and indications of fall beginning to surface. The frequency of hot days begins to decline dramatically, replaced by milder temperatures that make outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October arrives with noticeably cooler conditions in Fort Dodge, as the vestiges of summer fade away. With fall in full swing, the temperatures steadily decline, replacing the warmth of summer with the crisp cool of autumn. The landscape turns into a canvas of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change color, signaling the oncoming winter. Weather in October »
Weather in November
In November, winter arrives prematurely in Fort Dodge with average temperatures plunging to 31.5°F (-0.3°C). This month marks an unmistakable shift in the weather, as the city experiences its first significant snowfall of the season, measuring a tactical 1.57" (40mm). Weather in November »
Weather in December
December coincides with the heart of winter in Fort Dodge. Characterized by short daylight hours and a sunshine duration that barely exceeds the 4.5-hour mark, the month is a predominantly gloomy affair. Amidst the holiday cheer, residents have to contend with a bleak and frosty climate. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 29, 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?
With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 25°F (-3.9°C) and a low of 12.2°F (-11°C), January stands out as the coldest month.
What is the most humid month?
The most humid month in Fort Dodge, Iowa, is January, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
What is the driest month?
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4.4 days and accumulates 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain?
In Fort Dodge, during the entire year, the rain falls for 130.9 days and collects up to 24.96" (634mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Fort Dodge?
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
How much does it snow?
In Fort Dodge, during the entire year, snow falls for 43.2 days and aggregates up to 17.01" (432mm) of snow.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Fort Dodge?
With an average of 3.9h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
January and February, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 9.2 days and typically aggregates up to 4.88" (124mm) of snow.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Fort Dodge, 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 are the least humid months in Fort Dodge?
The months with the lowest humidity are April and October, with an average relative humidity of 69%.
What is the rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 18.3 days and typically aggregates up to 3.98" (101mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
In Fort Dodge, snow does not fall in June through September.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.
What are the months with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What is the hottest time of year?
July proves to be the warmest month, recording an average peak temperature of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and a minimum temperature of 63.7°F (17.6°C).
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine in Fort Dodge is July, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine.
What is the month with the shortest days?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
Average temperature
Fort Dodge, 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 (25°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (12.2°F).
Average pressure
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average pressure in January:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.88"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.12"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).
Average wind speed
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average wind speed in January:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in April:
11mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.4mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.3mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.3mph).
Average humidity
Fort Dodge, IA
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and October (69%).
Average rainfall
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average rainfall in January:
0.91" - Average rainfall in February:
1.14" - Average rainfall in March:
1.3" - Average rainfall in April:
2.72" - Average rainfall in May:
3.5" - Average rainfall in June:
3.98"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.09" - Average rainfall in August:
2.56" - Average rainfall in September:
2.48" - Average rainfall in October:
2.01" - Average rainfall in November:
1.02" - Average rainfall in December:
1.26"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.98").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.91").
Average rainfall days
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
18.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.7 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
6.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (18.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.3 days).
Average snowfall
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average snowfall in January:
4.57" - Average snowfall in February:
4.88" - Average snowfall in March:
1.69" - Average snowfall in April:
1.18" - Average snowfall in May:
0.08" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.88").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
5.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.3 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:
0.9 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
9.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (11.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Fort Dodge, 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 0min - 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 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 3min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).
Average sunshine days
Fort Dodge, IA
- Average sunshine days in January:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
9.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
18 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (19 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.9 days).
Average UV index
Fort Dodge, 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 February (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Fort Dodge, IA
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 31).
Average visibility
Fort Dodge, IA
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, July and August (5mi).
Fort Dodge, Iowa, USA
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