Climate and monthly weather forecast
Alpena, MI

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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 »
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Alpena?

In Alpena, January is the month with the lowest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and a low of 18°F (-7.8°C).

What are the most humid months in Alpena?

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 86%, are most humid months in Alpena.

How many days does it rain in Alpena?

Throughout the year, in Alpena, Michigan, there are 119.4 rainfall days, and 13.9" (353mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Alpena?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Alpena.

When does it snow the most in Alpena?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Alpena. Snow falls for 20.3 days and accumulates 3.58" (91mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Alpena?

In Alpena, Michigan, during the entire year, snow falls for 82.7 days and aggregates up to 14.61" (371mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Alpena?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 1.8h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Alpena?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Alpena, Michigan.

What is the driest month in Alpena?

The month with the least rainfall in Alpena, Michigan, is February, when the rain falls for 4.4 days and typically collects 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation.

What months are the ocean coldest in Alpena?

The months with the coldest seawater are February through April, with an average ocean temperature of 35.6°F (2°C).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Alpena?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Alpena, Michigan, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the least humid month in Alpena?

May is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%.

What is the wettest month in Alpena?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 11.6 days and typically aggregates up to 1.61" (41mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Alpena?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Alpena?

The month with the longest days in Alpena, Michigan, is June, with an average of 15h and 36min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Alpena?

The months with the highest UV index in Alpena are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What is the hottest time of year in Alpena?

The warmest time of the year in Alpena is July, with temperatures averaging a high of 74.1°F (23.4°C) and a low of 59.5°F (15.3°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Alpena?

With an average of 10.3h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the warmest ocean in Alpena?

With an average ocean temperature of 64.4°F (18°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater.

What is the month with the shortest days in Alpena?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight.

Average temperature
Alpena, MI

Average temperature - Alpena, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (74.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (25.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (60.3°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and February (18°F).

Average pressure
Alpena, MI

Average pressure - Alpena, MI

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed
Alpena, MI

Average wind speed - Alpena, MI

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and December (11.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.5mph).

Average humidity
Alpena, MI

Average humidity - Alpena, MI

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (86%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (73%).

Average rainfall
Alpena, MI

Average rainfall - Alpena, MI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (1.61").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.71").

Average rainfall days
Alpena, MI

Average rainfall days - Alpena, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (14.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.4 days).

Average snowfall
Alpena, MI

Average snowfall - Alpena, MI

The month with the highest snowfall is January (3.58").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Alpena, MI

Average snowfall days - Alpena, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (20.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Alpena, MI

Average sea temperature - Alpena, MI

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (64°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March and April (36°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Alpena, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Alpena, MI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 1h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Alpena, MI

Average sunshine days - Alpena, MI

The month with the most sunshine days is May (17.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (8.4 days).

Average UV index
Alpena, MI

Average UV index - Alpena, MI

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Alpena, MI

Average visibility - Alpena, MI

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

Alpena, Michigan, USA

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