The climate of South Portland
South Portland,
Maine is situated in a climatic region identified by Köppen's climate classification as Dfb. This classification denotes a humid continental climate, characterized by no dry season and a warm summer. Unpacking weather data reveals a strong annual variation in weather conditions, dictated by this climate type.
Temperatures in South Portland illustrate this variation clearly. In the coldest month of
February, the average low descends to 20.7°F (-6.3°C), while the highs might only reach 32.5°F (0.3°C). The situation contrasts sharply with
July, the warmest month, where temperatures can climb from a low of 62.2°F (16.8°C) to a high of 72.5°F (22.5°C). Seasons in South Portland therefore advance, switching from stark, frigid winter cold to a moderate, welcoming summer warmth.
When it comes to precipitation, South Portland follows a consistent pattern throughout the year. Every month will have its share of rainfall, varying from 1.34" (34mm) in
January to a peak of 2.36" (60mm) in
October. Conversely, snowy conditions are confined to the period from
November to
April, with February experiencing the most snowfall at 2.91" (74mm).
The daylight hours follow a predictable pattern of extending from 9.4 hours in January to a lengthy 15.4 hours in
June, before retreating again. Sunshine hours rise and fall in tandem, maxing out at 10.7 hours in
August.
The unique patterns and variations in South Portland’s weather are epitomized in the climate’s humidity. With humidity levels hovering around 80% throughout the year, a consistent backdrop of moist air is present, shaping weather and its manifestation in South Portland.
The best time to visit South Portland
Considering all climatic features, the period between
June and
August appears to be the most conducive for visiting
South Portland. During this time, the city basks under temperatures ranging from 55°F (12.8°C) to 72.5°F (22.5°C), providing hospitable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Moreover, with daylight hours exceeding 15 on average, visitors have extended periods to explore and take in the charm of South Portland. Over 10 hours of this can be in vibrant sunshine in
July and August, adding further allure to this period.
The worst time to visit South Portland
South Portland’s harsh winter culminates in the months of
January and
February. Throughout this period, average high temperatures fail to surpass the freezing point. The piercing chill is intensified by the prevalent snowy weather, with snowfall reaching 2.91" (74mm) in February. The overcast skies prevalent during these months reduce visibility and diminish the region’s overall appeal for visitors seeking outdoor activities. Hence, planning a trip during this time should be avoided, unless winter-related pursuits are the focus.
Spring weather in South Portland
Between
March to
May,
South Portland strides from winter’s end into the welcoming arms of spring. Temperature courses upward, beginning with an average high of 38.3°F (3.5°C) in March and ending spring by touching a pleasant 57.4°F (14.1°C) in May. Simultaneously, the average low climbs from 28.4°F (-2°C) to 46.9°F (8.3°C). The city also starts receiving more sunshine with 8.1 hours per day in
April, leading to longer days with up to 14.7 hours of daylight in May. Rainfall is generally consistent during this time varying between 1.73" (44mm) to 1.85" (47mm) monthly.
Summer weather in South Portland
Summers in
South Portland, from
June to
August, are temperate and delightful. Average temperatures range from 55°F (12.8°C) to 72.5°F (22.5°C), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This period also experiences the longest days of the year, with daylight hours stretching up to an extensive 15.4 hours in June. Despite featuring the maximum rainfall of 2.2" (56mm) in August, the city welcomes this season with sunshine hours peaking at 10.7 in August.
Autumn weather in South Portland
The months of
September through
November mark the transition from summer to winter. In this interval, average temperatures decline from a high of 66.4°F (19.1°C) in September to a lower 46°F (7.8°C) in November, while night temperatures drop from 56.3°F (13.5°C) to a cooler 37.2°F (2.9°C). A steady presence of rainfall persists throughout this season, reaching a peak of 2.36" (60mm) in
October.
Winter weather in South Portland
Winter in
South Portland comes with a pronounced decrease in temperature.
December marks the beginning of this transition, with temperature subsiding from a high of 36.5°F (2.5°C) to a low of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) by
February. Snowfall becomes a regular occurrence, especially between
January and February, causing a beautiful snow-laden landscape. However, daylight dwindles, with December experiencing only 9 hours and limited sunshine hours of around 5. On the other hand, humidity least affects the city during this season, standing at 74% and 77% in
November and December respectively.
Weather in January
South Portland weather emits winter chills in
January. The city's low of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) brings frosty mornings, and snowy weather remains steadfast with a total snowfall of 2.8" (71mm). Mid-month, skies tend to remain overcast with a cloud cover of approximately 45% on most days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
South Portland shifts to
February with temperatures slightly milder than
January, offering a bit more thaw to the snowy landscape. The freezing grip loosens slightly, and snowfall decreases to 2.91" (74mm). Strong winds continue to sweep across the city, causing wind chills to often feel more profound than the actual temperature.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
South Portland brings hope for the end of the cold season, as warmer temperatures start to settle in. The city's climate starts to transform, with a considerable leap from
February's low of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) to a much appreciated 28.4°F (-2°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's arrival greets
South Portland with noticeable signs of spring. A sudden rise in temperature enhances the blooming of nature as the city's weather evolves from 38.1°F (3.4°C) in
March to a promising 47.8°F (8.8°C). The sight of snow becomes uncommon, replaced more often by rainfall with nature responding in kind.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings delightful weather to
South Portland as spring flourishes across the city. Temperatures rise to 57.4°F (14.1°C) ushering in warmer days, though rainfall remains quite consistent with 1.85" (47mm). As the scenery turns lush with bright green foliage, the city starts to resonate with spring's charm.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the start of summer in
South Portland with its quintessential character. With the city heating up to reach a consistent high of 64.9°F (18.3°C), people start seeking solace near the cool sea waters. The city sees a slight increase in humidity, making the air feel thick at times.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
South Portland,
July witnesses the warmest weather. As temperatures peak to a summertime high of 72.5°F (22.5°C), the city truly embraces the season. Riding on the summer heat, the sea's temperature jumps to 61.3°F (16.3°C), attracting beach-goers and water enthusiasts.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues
July's warmth in
South Portland, with temperatures holding well onto the 70s°F mark. While nights are a bit cooler than the peak summer month, the change is hardly noticeable. With humidity levels slightly reduced compared to the previous month, outdoor activities remain comfortable.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September introduces autumn to
South Portland with noticeable changes in weather patterns. Taking a cue from
August's end, temperatures begin to cool with the average high coming down to 66.4°F (19.1°C). The city starts its gradual transformation into the fall palette, replacing green leaves with shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the signature chills of fall to
South Portland, making the city's landscape vibrant with colors. As temperatures further decrease settling at an average high of 56.3°F (13.5°C), signs of winter lurking in the corners become evident.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
South Portland witnesses a sharp contrast from the fall hues to a wintery ambiance. The cooler weather engulfs the city as temperatures dip further to an average low of 37.2°F (2.9°C). The picturesque cityscape starts to gradually get adorned with the white cover of the first snowfalls, amounting to about 0.94" (24mm).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year in
South Portland with the full swing of the winter season. Amid cold spells, temperatures averaging at 36.5°F (2.5°C) define the city's snowy landscape. The city wears a tranquil blanket of white, with 2.28" (58mm) of snowfall adorning the scenery.
Weather in December »