The climate of Alpena
The geographical properties of
Alpena,
Michigan, USA influence its Dfb Köppen climate classification. This classification indicates a humid continental climate boasting no dry season and warm summers. This mix of weather patterns incorporates humid conditions, distinct seasonality, and substantial weather variations within each year.
The weather across the year encompasses high temperatures ranging from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
January to 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
July. The lower temperature spectrum dips between 18°F (-7.8°C) in January to 60.3°F (15.7°C) in
August. Humidity levels reside relatively high, with the lowest at 73% in
May and peaking at 86% in January and
February. Such year-round humidity reinforces the region's classification as a humid continental zone.
Rainfall throughout the year navigates within the threshold of 0.71" (18mm) in February to 1.61" (41mm) in May. Accumulation of snowfalls can also be observed in winter months, achieving a high of 3.58" (91mm) in January and dwindling to no snowfall from
June to
September. Meanwhile, daylight hours extend from a yearly low of 8.8 hours in
December to a refreshing high of 15.6 hours in June.
A unique attribute in Alpena's climate is its maximum rainfall in May instead of the traditional summer months, indicating a distinctive wet spring season. Summer, typically known as the 'rainy season' in many areas, is a comparably drier period here.
The best time to visit Alpena
Visiting
Alpena can be a pleasurable experience between
June and
September due to promising weather parameters. These months offer higher temperatures, reaching a balmy 65.5°F (18.6°C) to 74.1°F (23.4°C), with lower humidity levels ranging from 76% to 77%. Alongside this conducive environment, a higher proportion of daylight hours, lasting 14 to 15.2 hours, enhances overall touristic activities.
This quarter is also comparatively less rainy, with an average rainfall measurement from 1.22" (31mm) to 1.38" (35mm). Limited precipitation and increased sun exposure make it the best period for outdoor adventures and sightseeing endeavors in Alpena.
The worst time to visit Alpena
The months of
January,
February, and
March are considered the less favorable periods due to cold weather. This period witnesses temperature highs that fluctuate from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) to 34.9°F (1.6°C) and lows from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C). These months also experience significant snowfall, up to 3.58" (91mm) in January. With shortened daylight hours hovering around 9.2 to 12 hours, along with higher humidity levels from 81% to 86%, outdoor activities become less desirable.
Spring weather in Alpena
Spring in
Alpena manifests in increased temperatures, rising from 34.9°F (1.6°C) in
March to 57.4°F (14.1°C) in
May. Minimum temperatures ascend from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C) during the same span. This period denotes a moist phase as rainfall amplifies from 0.94" (24mm) in March to a yearly peak of 1.61" (41mm) in May. Simultaneously, days become longer, increasing from 12 hours of daylight in March to 14.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Alpena
During the summer season,
Alpena's weather becomes more hospitable. The temperature high escalates to around 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
July, while the low temperature experiences a rise from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 60.3°F (15.7°C). Humidity rates remain steady, between 76% and 77%. Rainfall is under control, falling within 1.22" (31mm) to 1.38" (35mm). Daylight reaches a high of 15.6 hours in
June, providing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Alpena
Autumn season registers a gradual decline in temperatures. High values retreat from 67.1°F (19.5°C) in
September to 42.3°F (5.7°C) by
November, while low temperatures drop from 54.3°F (12.4°C) to 33.6°F (0.9°C). Rainfall during this season fluctuates around 1.57" (40mm) in
October and 0.98" (25mm) in November. However, with daylight reducing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours in November, the window for outdoor activities becomes narrower.
Winter weather in Alpena
Winter in
Alpena promises a chilling tableau. High temperatures nosedive from 42.3°F (5.7°C) in
November to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
January, while the lows steep down between 33.6°F (0.9°C) and 18°F (-7.8°C). Significant snowfall commences, peaking at 3.58" (91mm) in January. Coupled with reduced daylight hours of 8.8 to 9.2 and high humidity levels of up to 86%, winter conditions can prove challenging for prospective visitors.
Weather in January
Snowfall dominates the weather in
Alpena,
Michigan during
January. High humidity, combined with low temperatures reaching up to 25.9°F (-3.4°C), results in a monthly precipitation of 3.58" (91mm) in the form of snow. This creates a winter wonderland draped across the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Alpena habitually endures persistent winter conditions in
February. Owing to prolonged cold spells, the snowfall ratio dips marginally from the preceding month, with a mean temperature that virtually matches that of
January. Yet, additional sunshine hours introduce a shift from entirely overcast to typically cloudy skies.
Weather in February » Weather in March
A discernible transition into spring becomes evident in the weather pattern of
Alpena in
March. The temperature ascends notably to reach 34.9°F (1.6°C), which signifies the city's inaugural thaw from winter. Consequently, the snowfall starts to yield.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the mercury rises to 45.1°F (7.3°C) in
April, warming the grounds of
Alpena and enhancing the melting process. This leads to a noticeable rise in rainfall of up to 1.5" (38mm), replacing most of the snowfall. The extended hours of daylight coupled with lower cloud cover brings showers that nurture the blooming flora.
Weather in April »Weather in May
A quintessential spring ambiance reigns across
Alpena in
May. The daylight hours prolong, letting abundant sunlight warm the region, which simplifies outdoor explorations and recreational activities. Temperature disparity from
April becomes visible, further contributing to the melting process of any remaining snow.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June earmarks the arrival of summer in
Alpena with an observable jump to 65.5°F (18.6°C) in temperature. The mounting heat, coupled with dwindling snowfall, underscores June's significance as a gateway to the sweltering months ahead.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The heat escalates to the highest annual mark of 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
Alpena during
July. A surge in sea temperatures to 57°F (13.9°C) renders aquatic pastimes more enjoyable. The longer daylight duration enables residents and tourists alike to savor summertime escapades.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August upholds the warm conditions in
Alpena as the temperatures marginally drop to 73.9°F (23.3°C). The sea temperature peaks at 64°F (17.8°C), inviting both locals and visitors to partake in water-bound activities. The diminishing daylight hours seem to pave the way for the forthcoming fall season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
A subtle climatic shift towards fall materializes in
Alpena during
September. The rising wind speed and declining temperature to 67.1°F (19.5°C) denote the onset of autumn. The dwindling daylight hours usher in increasingly cooler days, while the sea temperature gradually subsides.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a significant retreat in temperature to 54.5°F (12.5°C), establishing fall in full swing in
Alpena. Although the temperature decrease is swift, rainfall reaches its zenith at 1.57" (40mm), making October the wettest month of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The advent winter becomes prominent in
Alpena's
November weather. A significant dip in temperature to 42.3°F (5.7°C), coupled with rising snowfall, signals the transition from fall to winter. Remaining autumn leaves give way, while daylight hours reduce drastically, echoing the incoming season's darker days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Winter solidifies its presence in
Alpena during
December as low temperatures descend to 31.8°F (-0.1°C). The consequential snowfall of 2.52" (64mm) blankets the city in pure white. Despite the limited hours of sunshine and increased cloud cover, the city transforms into a picturesque winter escape. The heightened winds intensify the cold, while the sea temperature continues to plummet.
Weather in December »