The climate of Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, located in
Michigan, USA, experiences a humid continental climate, commonly referred to as a Dfa type of climate under the Köppen climate classification. This signifies that Benton Harbor has no dry season and generally endures hot summers. Situated in the northern hemisphere, the city is influenced by its geographical location, contributing to its diverse weather pattern throughout the year.
A closer look at the climate parameters shows a distinct shift in annual weather patterns from cold winters to hot summers. Temperature fluctuates dramatically between the summer and winter months, displaying a distinct seasonal pattern. The highest temperatures are typically observed in
July with 77°F (25°C), while the lowest temperatures are witnessed in
January, falling to around 22.3°F (-5.4°C).
Humidity levels remain relatively stable across the year, with the maximum levels observed in January at 83% scaling down to the lowest in
October at 74%. Precipitation also varies across the year, with the highest rainfall observed in
May at 4.06" (103mm) and the most rain days in
April with 16.7 days. Conversely, Benton Harbor witnesses the least rainfall in
December and
February, with levels going down to approximately 1.73 to 1.85" (47mm) respectively.
The Best Time to Visit Benton Harbor
A blend of moderate temperatures and a reasonable amount of rainfall makes
May to
September the ideal months to visit
Benton Harbor. During these months, the average temperatures range from 62.1°F (16.7°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C), providing the comfort of a warm climate without the excess of heat. Humidity levels hover around the 80%-82% range, which together with the higher visibility of around 6 miles and increased daylight hours around 14.6h to 15.2h promises an enjoyable visit for tourists.
The Worst Time to Visit Benton Harbor
For those considering a trip to
Benton Harbor, the months from
November to
March might not be the most suitable. These months record the lowest temperatures of the year with average temperatures dipping between 22.3°F (-5.4°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C), and the shortest daylight hours between 9.5h to 12h. With humidity levels ranging from 78% to 83% and highest snowfall in
December at 3.31" (84mm), venturing outdoors might not be very comfortable.
Spring Weather in Benton Harbor
The season of Spring in
Benton Harbor, encompassing the months of
March to
May, brings a gradual relief from the winter cold with rising temperatures. The average temperatures increase progressively from 41.9°F (5.5°C) in March to 62.1°F (16.7°C) in May. The city experiences an increase in rainfall from 2.05" (52mm) in March to 3.98" (101mm) in May. Days turn longer, with daylight hours increasing from 12h in March to 14.6h in May, thus providing more sunshine and warmer temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer Weather in Benton Harbor
Summer in
Benton Harbor, which lasts from
June to
August, boasts the year's warmest weather conditions. The highest temperatures are observed in
July at 77°F (25°C), while the lowest summer temperature in June is still a comfortable 70.5°F (21.4°C). Despite more rain with the highest rainfall of 4.06" (103mm) in June, the relative humidity levels are high but bearable, fluctuating around 80% to 82%. With an average of 9.8h to 10.5h of sunshine per day, these months are tailor-made for enjoying the outdoors.
Autumn Weather in Benton Harbor
Autumn in
Benton Harbor, covering the months of
September to
November, offers a gradual transition from summer heat to winter chills. Temperatures start to decrease gradually from 70.9°F (21.6°C) in September to 46°F (7.8°C) in November. Autumn witnesses lower humidity levels of approximately 77% in September to 75% in November, ensuring a comfortable atmospheric condition.
Winter Weather in Benton Harbor
In Winter, from
December to
February,
Benton Harbor encounters its coldest period of the year. Average temperatures plummet to a freezing 22.3°F (-5.4°C) in
January from 36.3°F (2.4°C) in December, while the maximum temperature does not exceed 32.5°F (0.3°C) in February. An average snowfall of 3.31" (84mm) in December amplifies the wintry conditions. With just 9.5h of daylight, this time is preferred by those who relish the frosty cold weather.
Weather in January
January in
Benton Harbor,
Michigan, is marked by cold weather with high temperatures just touching 30°F (-1.1°C) and lows falling to a chilly 22.3°F (-5.4°C). The start of the year sees a pressing need for heavy insulation to stave off the wintery cold.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February signals a slight increase in the mercury level, although
Benton Harbor borders on the colder side with still high humidity levels. Minimal changes in temperature parameters when compared to
January dynamically affect the snowfall figures, and consequently, snowfall days are lower in number.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Stepping into
March, the temperature rises significantly, reflecting an expectant transition from winter to spring. One notable feature in March is the rainfall, where the average monthly precipitation reaches 2.05" (52mm), a considerable increase compared to its predecessor months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a notable escalation in temperature and signals the emergence of warmer weather in
Benton Harbor. This month stands out with the highest rainfall recorded at 3.46" (88mm), and snowfall becomes a rare occurrence. Days witness a substantial increase in daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in a pleasant change in
Benton Harbor’s weather, with raised temperatures signaling the advent of summer. Compared to
April, the city witnesses a notable rise in temperature. One finds a sharp decline in rainfall days despite marginally increased average rain quantities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Benton Harbor is considerably warm, marking the official start of the summer season. Of note are the extremely long daylight hours, reaching a peak at 15.2 hours, contributing to the overall warmth of the month. Sunny days become more frequent, leading to more enjoyable outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Benton Harbor in
July witnesses the peak of the summer season with maximum temperatures averaging around 77°F (25°C). With minimal variation in temperature and wind speed from
June, this month's distinguishing factor is the highest duration of sunshine, reaching 10.5 hours daily on average.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August displays similar weather patterns to
July, except for a slight dip in sunlight hours. Though the highest temperatures are marginally lesser than in July, this month stands out with the highest low-temperature average at 64.8°F (18.2°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Benton Harbor starts experiencing a decrease in temperature, signifying the onset of fall. Subtle increases in wind speed and rainfall become prominent, marking a departure from summer. The lowering of mercury does not affect the duration of sunshine significantly, offering plentiful sunlight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Benton Harbor stands out as a moderately cool month with a further drop in average temperatures. Notably, this month experiences a remarkable increase in rainfall which now reaches 3.46" (88mm), matching the high recorded in
April.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November unfolds,
Benton Harbor approaches winter with a marked decrease in temperatures compared to
October. A notable aspect is the recurrence of snowfall, signifying the commencement of the frosty season. The daylight duration continues to contract.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, in
Benton Harbor, indicates the arrival of harsh winter with temperatures plummeting to their annual lows. Compared to
November, this month sees an escalation in snowfall, reaching up to 2.2" (56mm), highest in the year.
Weather in December »