The climate of Ottumwa
Ottumwa, nestled in the state of
Iowa in the USA, experiences a Humid continental climate, synonymous with the Köppen climate classification Dfa. This indicates the absence of a dry season, with the presence of a hot summer. Weather fluctuations across the year are significant, encapsulating a range of different meteorological conditions.
Temperatures typically escalate from a chilly average low of 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
January to a summertime peak in
July, with high temperatures averaging 82.6°F (28.1°C) and lows around 65.3°F (18.5°C). Whilst winters display the coldest temperatures, the end of summer brings upon the highest humidity, reaching up to 83% in
June. A proportional trend between temperatures and daylight hours is evident, with more daylight correlating to warmer weather.
Rainfall is more frequent during the warmer months, reaching a peak of 4.02" (102mm) in
May, gradually decreasing thereafter. Correspondingly, the number of raining days also exhibit a peak in May with 17.3 days, and a decline following that. Snowfall arises from
November, peaking to 3.86" (98mm) and 10.2 snowfall days in January, depleting to none from June to
September.
The average visibility remains constant throughout the year at 6 miles. In terms of both sunshine hours per day and the monthly pressure, no significant patterns emerge throughout the course of the year. However, the wind speed exhibits a mild decline from January’s 10.8mph (17.4km/h) to July’s 7mph (11.3km/h), before rising again towards the end of the year.
The best time to visit Ottumwa
Optimal visiting times for
Ottumwa would feature comfortable temperatures and reduced rainfall. Given these conditions,
September is most suitable. Temperatures, on average, range from lows of 56.5°F (13.6°C) to a high of 75.7°F (24.3°C), providing a pleasant climate. Rainfall and the number of raining days decrease to 2.76" (70mm) and 11.7 days, respectively. The daylight extends up to 12.5 hours, with ample sunshine of approximately 9.4 hours, ensuring an advantageous visit.
The worst time to visit Ottumwa
On the contrary,
January would be the least appealing month for a visit, due to harsh winter conditions. Temperatures plummet to average lows of 16.2°F (-8.8°C) with high temperatures merely reaching 29.3°F (-1.5°C). Snowfall reaches its peak, with an average of 3.86" (98mm) spread over 10.2 days. The daylight is limited to 9.6 hours with merely 4.2 hours of sunshine.
Spring weather in Ottumwa
Spring in
Ottumwa is marked by rising temperatures, escalating from an average low of 33.1°F (0.6°C) and high of 48.2°F (9°C) in
March to 53.2°F (11.8°C) and 70°F (21.1°C) in
May. Correspondingly, daylight lengthens from 12 hours in March, peaking to 14.5 hours in May. The UV index also rises from 3 to 5 between these months. Rainfall increases during the spring months, accumulating to an average high of 4.02" (102mm) in May along with an increased frequency of rainy days, reaching up to an average 17.3 days.
Summer weather in Ottumwa
Summers in Ottumwa display warm temperatures, averaging between 63.1°F (17.3°C) and 82.6°F (28.1°C). The longest daylight of the year is observed in
June extending up to 15.1 hours. The average rainfall is relatively high during the initial summer months, with a decrease observed later. Despite summer being the period of most prolonged daylight, it also presents the highest relative humidity, peaking at 83% in June.
Autumn weather in Ottumwa
Autumn represents a transitional period in Ottumwa, with temperatures steadily decreasing from
September’s average high of 75.7°F (24.3°C) to
November’s average high of 47.8°F (8.8°C). Rainfall displays a slight decline from 2.76" (70mm) in September to 1.5" (38mm) by November. Daylight hours decrease from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours in November and wind speed begins to rise, reaching 10.4mph (16.7km/h) in November.
Winter weather in Ottumwa
Winter in Ottumwa introduces the coldest temperatures of the year, with average lows of 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
January. Snowfall is prevalent during winter, extending up to an average of 10.2 days in January. Daylight is at its shortest, with an average of 9.3 hours in
December. Winters also witness significantly high relative humidity, which goes up to 79% in December.
Weather in January
The New Year draws in with colder days in
Ottumwa,
Iowa, with snow being a common sight.
January is characterized by the lowest average temperature in the year, with the highest point reaching a chilly 29.3°F (-1.5°C) and coming down to a freezing 16.2°F (-8.8°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving onto
February,
Ottumwa sees only a slight shift in weather patterns from the preceding month. Subzero temperatures are still a common feature, but the mercury column shows a steady inclination with temperatures reaching up to 33.3°F (0.7°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a significant change as
Ottumwa transitions into spring. Residents breathe a sigh of relief as the snowfall reduces to a meager 1.73" (44mm) and the prevalent cold gradually gives way to milder conditions. The hottest day can go up to 48.2°F (9°C), a notable improvement from the past months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April,
Ottumwa is in the depth of spring and the weather conditions display a clear shift from the past months. April showers become prominent, providing much-needed moisture for the emerging vegetation. A maximum temperature of 60.1°F (15.6°C) indicates the continuing upward trend, bidding goodbye to the waning winter.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As the heart of Spring,
May brings an increase in temperatures, lush green scenes, and chirping birds back to
Ottumwa. The warmest days reach up to 70°F (21.1°C), a far cry from the freezing winter only a few months ago. Rainfall increases, promoting further growth and enhancing the city's natural beauty.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Ottumwa marks the commencement of the much-awaited summer. It comes with long sunny days with a maximum of 15.1 hours of daylight, signifying the summer solstice. The temperature reaches up to a pleasant 79.9°F (26.6°C), alongside an increase in relative humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the peak of summer in
Ottumwa, boasts the highest average temperature of the year, hitting a scorching 82.6°F (28.1°C). The town is lush with greenery, thanks to the sunlight that lasts over 14.8 hours per day. Conversely, rain showers are relatively less frequent, and the winds mild, making it perfect weather for water-based activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the warm spell in
Ottumwa with the warmest days reaching around 81.7°F (27.6°C). Compared to
July, August tends to bring about slightly reduced temperatures and relative humidity. This does not take away from the joy of summer as the city continues to bask in around 13.8 daylight hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
Ottumwa, with temperatures dwindling down to a maximum of 75.7°F (24.3°C). The city starts to see a reduced amount of daylight that signals the impending autumn. The atmosphere starts to become cooler and crisper, stripped of the high summer temperatures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable changes in
Ottumwa, with foliage-rich trees turning into vibrant hues of red and orange. The temperature takes a significant dip, with the warmest day not exceeding 61.7°F (16.5°C). As the days shorten and the air turns crisper, the clear October skies often make for spectacular stargazing nights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is the harbinger of winter in
Ottumwa. After the vibrant spectacle of autumn, the town starts to prepare for the colder months ahead. The temperature dips further, with a gentle high of 47.8°F (8.8°C) setting the tone for the coming winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year wraps up with a full swing into winter in
December. The temperature edges down to an average high of 35.1°F (1.7°C) and the city experiences an increased snowfall of about 1.57" (40mm). The Christmas season sprinkles a festive spirit over the freezing weather conditions.
Weather in December »