The climate of Caribou
Caribou, situated in
Maine, USA, falls within the humid continental climate zone, characterized by no dry season and warm summers, commonly referred to as the Dfb climate in the Köppen climate classification. This climatic condition shapes a variety of weather patterns throughout the year.
Throughout the year, there is a moderate disparity between the high and low temperatures. While the average high temperatures peak at around 75°F (23.9°C) during
July, they can drop down to about 19.4°F (-7°C) during
January. The lowest monthly average temperature fluctuates from 55.7°F (13.2°C) in July to 5.4°F (-14.8°C) in
February. Interestingly, these widely ranging temperatures contribute to the appeal of Caribou, providing a distinct ambiance each season.
Caribou features a relatively high level of humidity throughout the year, with
March, January, and February being the most humid (93%). An intriguing contrast of this climate is the variation in daylight hours, potential sunshine, and cloud coverage. Daylight hours increase from 9 hours in January to 15.8 hours in
June, while the average sunshine hours are highest in July at 9.2 hours and lowest in
December with 3 hours. The year-round cloud coverage is high with January (75%) and December (72%) having the most cloud cover.
The town’s weather is not devoid of precipitations either. Caribou experiences snowfall from January to
April and during
November and December. The highest recorded average snowfall occurs in January with 15.91 in inches and lowest in
May with just 0.55" (14mm). Rainfall spreads throughout the year but peaks in April with 3.46" (88mm) of average rainfall.
The best time to visit Caribou
Planning a visit to
Caribou?
June to
August would be the most ideal months. These months host the warmest temperatures, ranging from 60.1°F (15.6°C) to 75°F (23.9°C), providing the perfect climate for outdoor exploration. In addition, during
July and August, daylight hours extend up to 15.4 and 14.2 hours respectively, perfect for soaking up enough sunshine for those vacation selfies. The visibility during these months stands at 5 miles, enhancing the clarity of picturesque
Maine landscapes.
The worst time to visit Caribou
While gauging the least appealing time to visit
Caribou,
January and
February appear to be less favorable. During these months, temperatures can drop to 4.3°F (-15.4°C) and 5.4°F (-14.8°C) respectively. Additionally, snowfall is at its peak, with a whopping average of 20.4 snowfall days in January. The reduced visibility and excessively cold temperatures during these months present less than optimal conditions for outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Caribou
Spring in
Caribou manifests in slightly warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Between
March and
May, temperature variations range from 29.1°F (-1.6°C) to 60.1°F (15.6°C), pleasantly signaling the end of winter. Rainfall averages trend upward during spring, peaking at 3.46" (88mm) in
April. The increase in rainfall coincides with the blossoming of flowers, painting a scenic canvas across Caribou.
Summer weather in Caribou
Summers in
Caribou, from
June to
August, feature the highest temperatures of the year. During this period, temperatures rise between 60.1°F (15.6°C) and 75°F (23.9°C). In harmony with the warmer temperatures, rainfall seems to slightly subside, fluctuating from 2.68" (68mm) to 2.83" (72mm). With an average of approximately 15 hours of daylight, the summer months are perfect for outdoor activities including visiting the lush green parks and trails in and around Caribou.
Autumn weather in Caribou
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, ushers in cooler weather. Average high temperatures tumble from 64.9°F (18.3°C) in September to 37.4°F (3°C) in November. Rainfall during Autumn falls between 2.32" (59mm) and 2.8" (71mm) while cloudiness increases, coinciding with the foliage change from lush greens to vibrant oranges and reds.
Winter weather in Caribou
Winter months in
Caribou, namely
December to
February, promise a white Christmas as snowfall is part and parcel of these months. An average of 15.91" (404mm) of snow in December offers a picturesque winter wonderland. However, as temperatures drop steadily from 25°F (-3.9°C) in December to a low of 4.3°F (-15.4°C) in
January, bundling up is advised when venturing outdoors. Despite the chilly temperatures, the white blanket of snow laying over Caribou during winter provides a breathtaking view.
Weather in January
Caribou,
Maine opens the year with what is typically the coldest month. Sub-zero nightly lows are expected and a fair amount of snow. On average,
January sees the ground covered by nearly 16" (406mm) of snow. The short daylight hours offer a chilly, frosty ambiance.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Caribou experiences a very slight temperature increase compared to
January. Snow remains a staple of this month's typical weather, with the city blanketed in just over a foot of snow. The winter chill in the air is often complemented by the widespread festivities of the Winter Carnival.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees an encouraging shift in weather patterns. Temperatures start to climb, but nightly freezing temperatures persist. There typically is around a foot of snowfall, but the days are becoming longer as the spring equinox approaches.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a transitional month for
Caribou, with significant changes in temperature. There is still snowfall, but only around 8.62" (219mm) compared to the previous months' heavy snow accumulation. Days are clearly longer and the presence of the sun becomes increasingly noticeable.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Caribou's weather warms significantly with temperatures potentially reaching a comfortable 60.1°F (15.6°C) during the day. The city transitions from a snow-covered landscape to lush greenery. The rainfall is not particularly high, but combined with the melting snow, the environment becomes lush and verdant.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June extends the warming trend into the first month of summer. Snow is no longer expected as the warming trend continues. The temperature might go up to a summery 67.8°F (19.9°C), making outdoor activities incredibly enticing. The longer hours of daylight cater to various outdoor activities and events, including several annual festivals celebrated around this time. The coming of June brings a minor shift in
Caribou's weather, with average high-temperatures adjusting from
May's moderate 60.1°F (15.6°C) to a comfortable 67.8°F (19.9°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Caribou,
Maine, with a high temperature averaging around 75°F (23.9°C). It provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, soaking in the sun's rays, and taking advantage of the long daylight hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a slight decline in temperature from
July's peak, yet remains comfortably warm. It is the last full month of summer, before the autumn transition begins. The warm weather combined with extended daylight hours keeps outdoor enthusiasts active and the vegetation in full bloom.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather conditions in
September start to tilt towards autumn. There is a marked decrease in temperature from the summer highs. As leaves begin to change color,
Caribou's landscape starts to prepare for the fall season. While there is a decrease in daylight hours, the abundant sunshine still leaves plenty of time for outdoor exploration and enjoying the picturesque fall scenery. In Caribou, the average high-temperature in September gently drops from a warm 73.6°F (23.1°C) in
August to an enjoyable 64.9°F (18.3°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, fall truly takes hold in
Caribou, with cool temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage. The temperature drop is notable from the previous month, with daily highs averaging a little above 51°F (10.6°C). As nature decks up in its autumn best, annual fall festivities and outdoor activities capture the essence of the season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the start of the transition into winter in
Caribou. The average daily temperatures further decrease, and the first snowfalls of the season are likely. With more than 7" (178mm) of snow, November definitively ushers in the winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, being the height of the winter season, sees average daily highs around 25°F (-3.9°C) and snowfall averaging 13.7" (348mm). The city is transformed into a winter wonderland. The short daylight hours and low temperatures make it conducive for a wide range of winter recreational activities.
Weather in December »