The climate of Lake Charles
Lake Charles, a city situated in Calcasieu Parish in the state of
Louisiana, USA, experiences a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa). The geographical location of Lake Charles puts it firmly within the Gulf Coastal Plain, contributing to the year-round warmth and humidity this area endures. The city is prone to heavy downpours and high humidity levels, lacking a dry season.
Temperature changes throughout the year manifest a pattern of summer heat alongside winter coolness. Annual temperatures peak from
July to
August, with the mercury crossing 91°F (32.8°C). Similarly, the coldest temperatures are observed from
December to
January, when the thermometer drops to around 44.4°F (6.9°C).
Rainfall differs notably over the year, with the maximum monthly average recorded at 5.75" (146mm) in August. Minimum rainfall occurs in
February with a monthly average of 2.32" (59mm). Rainfall activity is more than just occasional drizzle; the city has about 22.2 rainfall days in August, with the least number of rainy days recorded in
November - a total of 10.1 days.
Lake Charles' weather is particularly unique due to its high level of humidity, which averages between 72% and 81% throughout the year. The highest humidity level can be expected in February, while the lowest typically occurs in
October.
The best time to visit Lake Charles
The ideal period for visiting
Lake Charles lies primarily between
March and
June. This duration offers the city's most pleasant temperatures, with averages ranging from 70.9°F (21.6°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C). Concurrently, the amount of sunshine is at its highest, averaging between 7.2 and 10.3 hours daily. Moreover, rainfall during this period remains moderate when compared to later months. Visitors can benefit from the longer daylight hours, which range from 12 hours in March to a maximum of 14.1 hours in June.
The worst time to visit Lake Charles
The period from
July to
August represents the least favorable time to visit
Lake Charles, addressing the city's severe weather conditions. Temperatures peak during these summer months, with averages soaring up to 91.4°F (33°C). Additionally, these months also bring the highest amount of rainfall, averaging around 4.21" (107mm) to 5.75" (146mm). The number of rainfall days also sees a spike, with up to 21.4 days in July and 22.2 days in August. The high temperatures combined with heavy rains highly diminish the comfort levels for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Lake Charles
The climate of
Lake Charles during Spring (
March to
May) is characterized by a steady increase in temperature coupled with mild rainfall. Average temperatures can be expected to fluctuate between 55°F (12.8°C) in March and 68.4°F (20.2°C) in May. Correspondingly, rainfall during spring averages between 2.44" (62mm) in March to a slightly higher 3.19" (81mm) in May. Days are longer, allowing for more sunlight and outdoor activities - daylight hours range from 12 hours in March to 13.7 hours by May.
Summer weather in Lake Charles
Lake Charles' Summer season (
June to
August) invites high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The average temperature remains high across all three months, with a peak at 91.4°F (33°C) during August. Correspondingly, rainfall totals to abundant downpours, with an average of 3.31" (84mm) in June progressing to a heavy 5.75" (146mm) by August. Despite the uncomfortable climate, daylight hours during this period are long, ranging from 14.1 hours in June to 13.2 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Lake Charles
The Autumn season in
Lake Charles (
September to
November) announces a gradual decrease in temperature and reduced rainfall when compared to the previous months. The average temperature drops to 68.9°F (20.5°C) by November, a significant cool-down from the 87.4°F (30.8°C) temperatures recorded in September. Additionally, the monthly average rainfall decreases significantly to 2.4" (61mm) by November, which is nearly a third of the average rainfall recorded in
August. The daylight hours range from 12.3 hours in September, gradually decreasing to 10.6 hours by November.
Winter weather in Lake Charles
Winter season in
Lake Charles (
December to
February) is characterized by comfortably cool temperatures and increased humidity. A steady decrease in temperature is observed during this period, with the lowest average temperature of 44.4°F (6.9°C) in December and a slight increase to 49.5°F (9.7°C) by February. The rain showers drop to an average of 2.91" (74mm) in December and decrease further to 2.32" (59mm) by February. The daylight hours dwindle to their shortest duration of 10.2 hours in December, then incrementally increasing to 11.1 hours by February.
Weather in January
The onset of the New Year brings cool temperatures to
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. People experienced promises of warmer days to come as the climate gradually grew milder. Under this fluctuating weather, the warmest number went up to 59.4°F (15.2°C), making
January's weather ideal for cozy indoor activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Clouds start garnering space in the sky, marking a jump from 40% to 48% cloud cover. The temperatures in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana rise just slightly, hinting at the approach of Spring.
February sees more daylight with longer afternoons heralding the end of winter.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The harmonious ballet of spring fully engulfs
Lake Charles,
Louisiana in
March. With the blooming of flora and improved visibility, one can appreciate the natural appeal of the city under clear skies. Experiencing a high of 70.9°F (21.6°C), the days become significantly warmer.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the reign of the annual spring, enhancing the aesthetic imagery with flowers in full bloom. Sunlight grows more abundant signaling nearing summer. Note that April registers a higher UV index of 6 determining the intensity of protective measures required against sun damage.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May opens the door wide for warmer temperatures in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. With a significant leap in temperatures, residents anticipate the arrival of summer. The observed rise in temperature gets confirmed with May's maximum temperature reaching the 80s°F mark, standing at 84.7°F (29.3°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Lake Charles,
Louisiana, is set ablaze with summer heat in
June. The endearing qualities of summer come alive with fun, outdoor activities. The highest temperature noted this month is 89.4°F (31.9°C), as June stands tall as the first month of the peak summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings in the pinnacle of summer with temperatures rising noticeably in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. Although July sees a slight increase in clouds, they do little to alleviate the heat. The city records the highest temperature of the year at 91°F (32.8°C) in July, marking the peak of summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As the final month of summer,
August sheds a bit of the intense heat experienced in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. August recaptures
July's heat, boasting the second-highest recorded temperature of 91.4°F (33°C) for the year. The increase in cloud cover provides a much-welcomed cooling effect against the high temperatures.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September rings the bell for the onset of Fall in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. The city witnesses a notable drop in temperature, inaugurating the beginning of cooler days. Registering a maximum temperature of 87.4°F (30.8°C), September initiates the decline of the summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana, brings in the cool autumn breeze. The drop in temperature is easily noticeable as the city prepares for the annual 'fall' festival. The decline in summer heat gets confirmed with October's highest temperature standing at 79.9°F (26.6°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
Lake Charles,
Louisiana, prepares to welcome winter as
November reduces temperatures further. The fall foliage starts to drop, leaving behind the vibrant colors of autumn. A significant temperature drop is felt, with the highest temperature coming down to 68.9°F (20.5°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter chill in
Lake Charles,
Louisiana. With Christmas around the corner, the mood in the city becomes festive, the chilly weather enhancing the holiday spirit. The mercury slips down to offer a maximum temperature of 61.5°F (16.4°C), firmly establishing the start of winter.
Weather in December »