The climate of Belfast
Belfast,
Maine, resides under the Köppen climate classification as 'Dfb,' which stands for a humid continental climate with summers that tend toward warmth rather than heat. Belfast's geographical position on the eastern seaboard of the United States, just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, contributes to its varying yet temperate climatic conditions.
An examination of Belfast's climatological parameters indicates distinguishable seasons throughout the year. Annual average temperatures fluctuate from low temperatures of around 17°F (-8.3°C) in the colder months to high temperatures peaking at around 74°F (23.3°C) during the summer. The monthly average relative humidity varies quite a bit, with the drier months having around 77% humidity and the wetter months reaching up to 83%.
Rainfall in Belfast is fairly consistent, averaging between 1.5 and 2.7" (69mm) per month; but interestingly,
December often sees the highest precipitation, measuring 2.72" (69mm). In comparison, snowfall is present only from
October to
April, with most heavy snowfalls occurring between December and
February, up to 4.57" (116mm). The wind speed throughout the year ranges from 6 to 10mph (16.1km/h), while the visibility mostly stays at 6 miles, indicating a fairly steady wind condition.
The Best Time to Visit Belfast
Summer months (
June through
August) are considered the best time for a visit to
Belfast. During these months, temperatures rise to between 66.7°F (19.3°C) and 74°F (23.3°C), with the warmest month typically being
July. Humidity stands at an average of 82%, ensuring a bearable warmth. Sea temperatures also peak, reaching as high as 60.4°F (15.8°C) in August. Moreover, the amount of sunshine also increases during these months, providing great conditions for outdoor activities.
The Worst Time to Visit Belfast
The colder months of winter (
December to
February) generally are deemed as less appealing for tourists. The temperature can drop to as low as 16.2°F (-8.8°C). Snowfall sees a significant increase over these months with up to 4.57" (116mm) annually. Visiting
Belfast during this time requires adequate preparation for cold weather.
Spring Weather in Belfast
Spring arrives in
Belfast between
March and
May. During this time, temperatures gradually rise from 37°F (2.8°C) to about 60°F (15.6°C). This season also brings an increase in daily sunshine hours, which typically go from 5.1 to 7.6 hours per day. Rainfall remains moderate with between 1.57" (40mm) and 2.05" (52mm), while the relative humidity hovers around 79% to 80%.
Summer Weather in Belfast
The summer months of
June through
August are generally warm and mildly humid in
Belfast. Average high temperatures hover between 66.7°F (19.3°C) and 74°F (23.3°C), with temperatures rarely exceeding 73.9°F (23.3°C). Summer also brings the least amount of cloud cover, with averages of 41-47%. The overall pressure stays between 29.91inHg (1012.9mbar) and 29.93inHg (1013.5mbar), common for warm seasons.
Autumn Weather in Belfast
In Fall,
September to
November, temperatures cool down to a range between 67.1°F (19.5°C) and 44.1°F (6.7°C). The amount of sunshine hours also decreases as the season progresses from 8.1 to 5 hours per day. Rainfall witnesses an increase, with averages around 1.46" (37mm) to 2.32" (59mm). Relative humidity marginally drops to 77-80%.
Winter Weather in Belfast
Winter weather in
Belfast, which covers
December to
February, ushers in the coldest temperatures of the year. High temperatures generally range from 28.4°F (-2°C) to 37°F (2.8°C), with low temperatures at times reaching 16.2°F (-8.8°C). Snowfall sees the most considerable increase during this season, reaching as high as 4.57" (116mm) in December. Average relative humidity reaches approximately 79%, indicating a relatively damp winter.
Weather in January
Belfast,
Maine ushers in the New Year with a winter wonderland ambiance. The weather during this season is typically cold, living up to the reputation of New England's harshest winter month. Weather conditions range from ample snowfall to freezing temperatures.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the state transitions from
January to
February,
Maine's winter season continues to be in full swing. Nonetheless, the weather pattern indicates a slight increase in temperatures compared to the previous month. Residents note a slight drop in snowfall during February, recording 3.58" (91mm), frequently leading to calmer winter days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March arrives with subtle signs of spring despite maintaining the cold grip of winter. Weather conditions shift throughout the month, with a notable decline in snowfall and slight warming of temperatures compared to
February. Snowfall dwindles to a scant 2.76" (70mm), hinting at the potential transition to spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April symbolizes the onset of spring in
Belfast,
Maine. Lighter jackets replace bulky winter clothing as temperatures continue to rise, complementing the longer days with a healthy amount of sunlight. Notably, rainfall inches up to 2.64" (67mm) in April, from 1.57" (40mm) in
March, signaling the shift from snowflakes to raindrops.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is an official declaration of Spring, and it brings along pleasant weather, green landscapes, and abundant daylight. Comparing the conditions of the previous month, May showcases reduced rainfall and a sudden switch from the sporadic
April showers.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Belfast experiences summer in its most refined form. It's a period of endurance for the locals as temperatures continue to rise following
May's pattern. Daylight is predictably plentiful in June, reaching a zenith close to the summer solstice.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the most scorching month in
Belfast,
Maine, when summer is at its peak. Weather conditions can switch from warm, sunny days to occasional summer showers. Despite the prevalent heat, it is the month with the hottest temperatures, peaking at a sweltering 73.9°F (23.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
As summer's end draws near in
Belfast,
August brings slight changes in the weather conditions. Unlike
July, average temperatures tend to take a slight dip, indicating autumn's impending arrival. Interestingly, snowfall remains non-existent, maintaining the norm of a snow-free summer season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Belfast,
Maine, transitions from the warm temperatures of late summer to the cool early onset of fall. The weather undergoes marked changes, rain being a constant pattern across this month. Equally notable is the drop in high temperatures, from 73.9°F (23.3°C) in
August to a more relaxed 67.1°F (19.5°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable changes in
Belfast's weather, with locals preparing for the colder months ahead. Generally, the weather becomes less predictable, with bright, sunny days abruptly changing into cold and overcast conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With the arrival of
November,
Belfast braces itself for the advent of another winter season. The weather in November offers a significant transformation from the milder climates of
October. There's an uptick in snowfall from zero in the past months to an inch in November -- a surefire acknowledgment of winter’s close arrival.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Winter makes its full-fledged entrance in
Belfast during
December. The weather becomes harsher, with cold temperatures and an increased amount of snowfall when compared to
November. The month reaches its highest level of snowfall within the year - a significant 2.28" (58mm).
Weather in December »