Climate and monthly weather forecast
East Lansing, MI

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The climate of East Lansing

East Lansing, Michigan, USA, expresses a Humid Continental Climate; there is no dry season, and summer tends to be warm, positioning this city in the Dfb climate zone according to the Köppen Climate Classification. Throughout each year, weather conditions oscillate diversely, with varying amounts of rainfall, temperature, and sunlight exposure.

A glance at the annual weather reveals temperatures varying from 16.7°F (-8.5°C) in winter to a peak of 79.2°F (26.2°C) in the summer. The city is no stranger to humidity; the relative humidity maintains around 80% throughout the months. A notable weather characteristic of East Lansing is the significant precipitation it receives every month. Rainfall ranges from 1.26" (32mm) to a high of 2.91" (74mm), while snowfall can reach up to 4.72" (120mm). Daylight also oscillates, with the longest days in June having 15.3 hours of sunlight, and the shortest days in December offering only 9.1 hours.

The unique weather patterns and conditions of East Lansing present an intriguing fact, having no month spared of rainfall. In addition, snowfall is surprisingly present even during the month of May, although at a minimal amount of 0.04" (1mm).

The best time to visit East Lansing

Taking into account the weather parameters, the optimal time to pay East Lansing a visit would be between May and September. During these months, the average daily temperatures are between 66.6°F (19.2°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C), making the conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Moreover, these months boast between 13.4 to 15 hours of daylight and ranked high in the UV index, providing ample sunlight for tourists.

The worst time to visit East Lansing

Travelers might want to avoid a trip to East Lansing between December and February. These months experience the lowest temperatures, dropping from 33.3°F (0.7°C) to 16.7°F (-8.5°C). Additionally, snowfall spikes to approximately 4.72" (120mm) in February, followed by 4.25" (108mm) in December, making travel potentially difficult. The city also experiences the shortest days during these months, reducing daylight hours to merely 9.1 to 9.5.

Spring weather in East Lansing

Transition from chilled, long winters ushers in the spring season from March to May in East Lansing. During these months, the average high temperatures gradually increase from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 66.6°F (19.2°C). Correspondingly, low temperatures rise from a chilling 27.3°F (-2.6°C) to a comfortable 48.6°F (9.2°C). Rainfall tends to increase during spring, with April experiencing a substantial 2.52" (64mm) on average, with increasing daylight hours from 12 to 14.6.

Summer weather in East Lansing

The East Lansing summer from June to August exhibits the year's peak temperatures, ranging from 74.5°F (23.6°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C) during the day, while the nights provide a pleasant chill with temperatures falling between 56.8°F (13.8°C) and 60.8°F (16°C). Rainfall moderates in the summer, between 2.24" (57mm) and 2.36" (60mm) on average. The longest days of the year, providing between 13.9 to 15.3 hours of sunlight, further make summer a suitable season for visiting.

Autumn weather in East Lansing

Fall seasons in East Lansing, from September to November, bring a decline in temperatures; the daily highs fall from 71.4°F (21.9°C) to 44.8°F (7.1°C), and lows drop from 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 32.5°F (0.3°C). Average rainfall ranges between 1.5" (38mm) to 2.4" (61mm), making the city slightly drier than the earlier months. However, Autumn in East Lansing still offers a sufficient amount of daylight, between 9.8 to 12.5 hours, for outdoor activities.

Winter weather in East Lansing

Winter in East Lansing, from December to February, accounts for the coldest months, with daily high temperatures falling between 27.5°F (-2.5°C) to 33.3°F (0.7°C). The low temperatures can get bracingly cold, ranging from 16.7°F (-8.5°C) to 24.8°F (-4°C). In addition, winters bring in the highest snowfall, up to 4.72" (120mm) in February. Despite the cold, these months do offer between 5 to 6 visibility miles, making winter a unique time to experience the city's icy beauty.

Weather in January

January showcases the essence of East Lansing's cold Michigan winters. The city has the highest frequency of snowfall with up to 17.2 days of snowfall, receiving a peak of 4.25" (108mm). Following a pattern typical of the season, the Michigan city experiences a significant reduction in the number of daylight hours. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In comparison to January, the weather conditions improve hospitably in February in East Lansing, Michigan. As winter draws towards an end, the level of snowfall decreases, resulting in less frequent snow days. February still displays the characteristic winter attributes with freezing temperatures that necessitate keeping warm attire close at hand. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March ushers in the arrival of spring in East Lansing, paving the way for warmer days. Significant shifts in weather conditions are evident when compared to February. More visible are the increased daylight hours, appreciably longer than in the preceding winter months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April amplifies the transition into spring, shedding off the last tendrils of the Michigan winter freeze. A sharp rise in temperatures from the preceding month of March makes this month noticeably warmer. Longer daylight hours, coupled with diminishing snowfall, bring a refreshing end to winter's grips. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May stands out as the true ambassador of spring in East Lansing. The city's landscape is a melange of vibrant colors, boosted by an increased number of sunshine days. A considerable transition from winter is felt, symbolized by a significant temperature rise. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers East Lansing into the bliss of warm summers. This month presents an almost cloudless sky with 9.7 sunshine hours daily, providing ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities. The increased hours of daylight, coupled with pleasant temperature ranges, underline June's reputation as a favored month for travel to Michigan. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the hottest month in East Lansing, with temperatures reaching a high of 79.2°F (26.2°C). The high temperatures, coupled with long daylight hours, contribute to the thriving summer ambience. The city is vibrant, full of life as inhabitants and visitors bask in the pleasant weather. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August, while marginally cooler than July in East Lansing, continues to propagate summer's warm allure. The temperature begins a slight descent, hinting at the approaching autumn season. Despite this, the weather remains conducive for outdoor activities with continued long daylight hours and abundant sunshine. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the advent of autumn in East Lansing. As the city transitions to this cooler season, there is a gradual drop in temperatures, daylight, and sunshine hours from August. Increasing rainfall prompts the city's foliage to pivot into an array of stunning autumn colors. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October carries forward the refreshed essence of autumn in East Lansing. The city, emboldened by a variety of hues, experiences a further dip in temperatures, signaling the forthcoming Michigan winter. This month enjoys an enhancement of its visual appeal as the city's greenery morphs into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November alludes to East Lansing's swift nudging into the winter season. A stark plunge in temperatures from its predecessor, October, transforms the nature of weather interactions. Shorter daylight hours, increased cloud cover, and initial bouts of snow characterize these changes. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Closing the year, December in East Lansing is an epitome of Michigan's winter wonderland. A snowfall of 2.83" (72mm) makes it a principal month for winter festivities and holiday celebrations. The city's transition into winter is sealed with a significant temperature fall from November, coupled with reduced hours of daylight and sunshine. 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 time of year in East Lansing?

East Lansing experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of 27.5°F (-2.5°C) and a low of 16.7°F (-8.5°C).

What is the most humid month in East Lansing?

The months with the highest humidity in East Lansing, Michigan, are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

How much does it rain in East Lansing?

Throughout the year, there are 145.2 rainfall days, and 22.76" (578mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in East Lansing?

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

How much does it snow in East Lansing?

Throughout the year, in East Lansing, Michigan, there are 61.4 snowfall days, and 16.61" (422mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in East Lansing?

January has the least sunshine of the year in East Lansing, Michigan, with an average of 2.7h of sunshine.

What is the driest month in East Lansing?

The months with the least rainfall are February and December Rain falls for 5.3 days and accumulates 1.26" (32mm) of rain.

When does it snow the most in East Lansing?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.9 days and accumulates 4.72" (120mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in East Lansing?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in East Lansing, 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 East Lansing?

With an average relative humidity of 77%, April is the least humid month.

What is the rainiest month in East Lansing?

The month with the most rainfall in East Lansing, Michigan, is May, when the rain falls for 17.2 days and typically aggregates up to 2.91" (74mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the highest UV index in East Lansing?

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

When it does not snow in East Lansing?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in East Lansing?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.

What is the hottest time of year in East Lansing?

July, with average temperatures reaching a high of 79.2°F (26.2°C) and a low of 60.8°F (16°C), is the warmest month in East Lansing, Michigan.

What month has the most sunshine in East Lansing?

July has the most sunshine of the year in East Lansing, Michigan, with an average of 10.3h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in East Lansing?

With an average of 9h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in East Lansing?

December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

Average temperature
East Lansing, MI

Average temperature - East Lansing, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (27.5°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (16.7°F).

Average pressure
East Lansing, MI

Average pressure - East Lansing, MI

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
East Lansing, MI

Average wind speed - East Lansing, MI

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and February (10.1mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.6mph).

Average humidity
East Lansing, MI

Average humidity - East Lansing, MI

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (77%).

Average rainfall
East Lansing, MI

Average rainfall - East Lansing, MI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.91").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February and December (1.26").

Average rainfall days
East Lansing, MI

Average rainfall days - East Lansing, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.3 days).

Average snowfall
East Lansing, MI

Average snowfall - East Lansing, MI

The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.72").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
East Lansing, MI

Average snowfall days - East Lansing, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (17.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
East Lansing, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - East Lansing, MI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 42min).

Average sunshine days
East Lansing, MI

Average sunshine days - East Lansing, MI

The month with the most sunshine days is September (14.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (9.6 days).

Average UV index
East Lansing, MI

Average UV index - East Lansing, MI

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
East Lansing, MI

Average visibility - East Lansing, MI

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

East Lansing, Michigan, USA

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