The climate of Sioux City
Sioux City, situated in
Iowa, USA, is categorized under the Köppen climate classification as 'Dfa', indicating a Humid continental climate characterized by no dry season and hot summer. The geographical location of the city considerably influences its climate, providing a blend of diverse weather conditions throughout the year.
A sweeping glance at the climatic data for Sioux City reveals significant variations in weather conditions from season to season, with diverse temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and levels of humidity.
December and
January record the lowest average high temperatures of 27°F (-2.8°C) and 31.1°F (-0.5°C) respectively, transitioning gradually to warmer months where
July marks the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). Simultaneously, the lowest recorded temperatures occur in the winter months, plummeting to 13.5°F (-10.3°C) in January and gradually rising to 64.9°F (18.3°C) in July.
Relative humidity ranges from 80% to 83% in the winter months, slightly decreasing to 67% in
April, and then oscillating between 75% to 70% during the period from
June to
September. Precipitation presents an intriguing pattern, with January and
February receiving the least rainfall of 0.39" (10mm), gradually increasing to peak in June with 1.85" (47mm), followed by a steady decline.
Remarkably, Sioux City experiences its maximum snowfall in January with 1.77" (45mm) and December with 1.42" (36mm). The city revels under its longest daylight hours in June, boasting 15.3 hours. Furthermore, the UV index stretches its maximum reach to 6 during June and July, necessitating shields of protection for outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Sioux City
Navigating through the layers of climatic data, it becomes evident that the best time to visit
Sioux City lies between
May and
October. The city basks under average high temperatures ranging from 70°F (21.1°C) to 83.8°F (28.8°C) during these months. From May to
September, the daylight hours are more generous, with an average duration varying between 14.6 hours to 15.3 hours, providing ample time for tourists to explore the city’s attractions.
The worst time to visit Sioux City
Making prudent travel plans involves circumventing the less hospitable climate phases. In the context of
Sioux City, that period would span
December to
February. The city shivers under biting cold during these months, with average low temperatures lingering between 13.5°F (-10.3°C) to 17.1°F (-8.3°C)., and the landscape getting a cover of snow with daily temperatures often veering towards single-digit frigidness.
Spring weather in Sioux City
As
Sioux City steps into spring, the city thaws from its winter chill. The months between
March to
May witness a warming trend as average high temperatures flutter between 46.8°F (8.2°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). The snowfall recedes significantly, with only 0.59" (15mm) recorded in March and no snowfall observed in
April and May. The daylight period extends from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours by May, inviting citizens and tourists to step outdoors and soak in the vibrant change of season.
Summer weather in Sioux City
Summer in
Sioux City, unfolding between
June and
August, is characterized by warm temperatures, enhanced daylight and modest rainfall. The average high temperatures oscillate between 80.1°F (26.7°C) in June to a peak of 83.8°F (28.8°C) in
July, tapering slightly to 81.9°F (27.7°C) in August. Despite the heat, Sioux City receives a decent share of rainfall throughout the summer season, with June recording the maximum rainfall of 1.85" (47mm).
Autumn weather in Sioux City
As autumn breezes into
Sioux City from
September to
November, there is a cooling undercurrent. The temperatures gracefully drop from the summer highs, commencing at 75.6°F (24.2°C) in September and leveling down to 46.8°F (8.2°C) by November. The rainfall pattern also follows a downturn, starting with 1.26" (32mm) in September and dwindling to mere 0.47" (12mm) by November.
Winter weather in Sioux City
Winter in
Sioux City, extending from
December to
February, is adorned with a blanket of snow, short daylight periods, and often freezing temperatures. These months experience the lowest temperatures, with
January recording the lowest peak temperature of 27°F (-2.8°C). Snowfall is an integral part of Sioux City's winter tapestry, with January witnessing the most significant snowfall of 1.77" (45mm). The daylight hours shrink dramatically to approximately 9.5 hours in December to 10.6 hours by February. Despite the chill, the city shines in its winter glory, presenting an entirely different, serene panorama.
Weather in January
After the relative calm of
December,
January ushers in the new year with a noticeable drop in temperature reaching a high of 27°F (-2.8°C) and a low of 13.5°F (-10.3°C). High relative humidity, reaching 83%, indicates that the cold bites more than the thermometer might suggest.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter progresses into
February in
Sioux City, the slightly higher temperatures signal the beginning of the end for the harsh winter conditions. Although the cold persists, significant climatic variations become apparent as the city begins to transition into spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, a transitional period, often sees some of the most variable weather in
Sioux City. While higher temperature averages signify the welcome arrival of spring, occasional cold snaps remain a possibility. In terms of precipitation, both rainy and snowy days become less frequent, further reiterating the general shift in climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings warmer temperatures and longer days to
Sioux City, with an average high of 58.6°F (14.8°C) and 13.4 hours of daily daylight. April also carries the highest average wind speed of the year, 11mph (17.7km/h), increasing the chance of local windstorms.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May stands as the doorway to summer in
Sioux City. The appreciable warming and the increase in daily sunlight are surefire signs that the city is changing seasons. Being the second rainiest month of the year, as compared to
April, seeing 1.85" (47mm) of rainfall means storms are likely.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June presents
Sioux City with the official start of summer, evident in the longer days and the increase in average high temperatures. Riverside dips become a regular activity, as the UV index hits a year-long high of 6. Despite seeing the highest level of rainfall for the year at 1.85" (47mm), this month mostly brings with it the promise of brighter and sunnier days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's distinctive weather pattern sets it up as
Sioux City's warmest month, with high temperatures averaging at 83.8°F (28.8°C) and low temperatures at 64.9°F (18.3°C). July is when summer hits its peak in Sioux City, supported by the increase in daily sunshine and longer days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather varies only slightly from
July's, with slightly lower temperatures.
Sioux City continues its summer theme with mostly hot, long days making it a great time for water-based activities and events. Though residents anticipate these lower temperatures, August's climatic conditions remain well within a summer frame.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September welcomes autumn in
Sioux City, with a considerable drop in temperature. The average high temperature drops to 75.6°F (24.2°C), and there is a notable decrease in daylight hours. Although it marks the beginning of autumn, September experiences a balance of warm-crisp days and cool nights.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a significant shift in
Sioux City's weather as the festival of fall colors is in full swing. Sioux City's landscapes don hues of gold, red, and orange that are indicative of the cooler October days. The air turns crisper, and there's a noticeable nip in the evenings and mornings.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With the change in season,
November's weather introduces
Sioux City residents to the early stages of winter. A steady decrease in temperature, daylight hours, and an increase in relative humidity are signs of the forthcoming winter season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Sioux City witnesses a full transition into the winter season in
December. The cold intensifies, and there’s an increase in relative humidity at 81%. Despite the winter, Sioux City maintains a festive atmosphere with holiday decorations adorning the city.
Weather in December »