The climate of Grand Rapids
Designated by the Köppen climate classification as Dfb,
Grand Rapids is largely characterized by humid continental weather conditions. Being in this climate zone, the city experiences no dry season and enjoys a warm summer. Its geographical location in
Michigan also plays a significant role in shaping its climate.
Throughout the year, Grand Rapids demonstrates incredible versatility in its weather patterns. Monthly average rainfall ranges from as low as 0.47" (12mm) to as high as 1.14" (29mm), demonstrating the diversity of precipitation. Maximum wind speeds fluctuate minimally from 10.1mph (16.3km/h) to 10.6mp, indicating a consistently windy environment.
Unique weather patterns make Grand Rapids an interesting location for weather enthusiasts.
July basks in warmth with an average high of 79.7°F (26.5°C), but endures peak relative humidity around 80%. The wettest month,
May, shows an average of 1.14" (29mm) of rainfall within 13 days. On the colder end of the spectrum,
January provides an average low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) and maximum snowfall of 1.57" (40mm).
The best time to visit Grand Rapids
The best time to visit
Grand Rapids often coincides with the warmest months. From
May to
September, temperatures range between 42.1°F (5.6°C) to 79.7°F (26.5°C), making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Moreover, daylight is at its peak during these months, with the maximum average reaching 15.3 hours in
June, providing longer days for sightseeing. In addition, sunshine is most abundant in
July, with an average of 10.3 hours, emphasizing the pleasant ambiance during this period.
The worst time to visit Grand Rapids
The charm of
Grand Rapids might be hampered from
December to
February. This period marks the coldest time of the year, with average temperatures between 18.7°F (-7.4°C) and 30.6°F (-0.8°C). On top of that, daylight is at its ebb with merely 9.1 hours in December, restricting outdoor activities. Besides, the cloudy atmosphere adds to the gloom as cloud coverage hovers around 75% in December. Furthermore, winds intensify during these months, reaching up to 10.1mph (16.3km/h) in December and
January, adding to the chilling effect.
Spring weather in Grand Rapids
In Spring (
March to
May),
Grand Rapids experiences a unique weather pattern. The trend of rising temperatures can be seen throughout the season from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in March to 66.4°F (19.1°C) in May. It's a season that brings increased daylight, from 12 hours in March up to 14.7 hours in May. Rainfall also sees an inclining trend with May receiving the year's peak rainfall of 1.14" (29mm). Despite the slightly wetter condition, Spring marks the transition to warmer months, making it an attractive period for visitors.
Summer weather in Grand Rapids
Summer in
Grand Rapids (
June through
August) epitomizes warmth and longer daytime. Throughout the season, temperatures climb from an average of 74.5°F (23.6°C) in June and reach the annual high of 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
July before settling at 78.6°F (25.9°C) in August. Abundant sunlight is a hallmark of summer with average sunshine hours hovering from 9.7 hours in June to a year-high 10.3 hours in July. However, relative humidity is at its peak during these months, standing around 80%, which may lead to slightly muggy conditions.
Autumn weather in Grand Rapids
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, sees a gradual dip in the temperature, starting from 72°F (22.2°C) in September to 45°F (7.2°C) in November. Along with the weather transition, daylight and sunshine also see a reducing trend with daylight hours decreasing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November. Rainfall finds a similar trend starting from 0.63" (16mm) in September and reaching 0.51" (13mm) in November.
Winter weather in Grand Rapids
Winter in
Grand Rapids sets in
December and lasts till
February. During this part of the year, the temperature drops significantly with the average ranging from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in December to a yearly low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in
January. The daylight decreases to the year's low of 9.1 hours in December before marginally increasing to 10.6 hours in February. Rainfall also declines to an average of 0.55" (14mm) in December. However, snowfall is at its peak during these months, reaching up to 1.57" (40mm) in January.
Weather in January
January in
Grand Rapids,
Michigan, is characterized by cold, snow, and cloud cover. Temperatures typically peak at 27.7°F (-2.4°C), on average, making it the coldest month of the year. This is a time when the city experiences short, overcast days, with an average daylight duration of only 9.4 hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February still greets
Grand Rapids with a blanket of snowfall. However, a gradual increase in temperature and daylight hours heralds the nearing end of winter. With an average daylight duration of 10.6 hours, the longer, slightly warmer days lift the city's spirits.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Grand Rapids is a sign of the changing seasons. Despite the chill of winter lingering, the promise of spring becomes more evident with the significant rise in temperature to an average high of 42.1°F (5.6°C) and the increase in daylight hours to 12.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in spring weather to the city of
Grand Rapids. The city blossoms as temperatures continue to rise, encouraging plants to emerge from their winter sleep. The city records an average of 12.8 days of rainfall, marking a shift from the snowy months at the beginning of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May,
Grand Rapids is a city brimming with life. The weather becomes more agreeable, enabling outdoor activities under the extended sunshine hours of 8.6 daily. Mild showers continue to drench the city occasionally, contributing to the lush, vibrant green that envelops the surroundings.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As summer arrives in
June in
Grand Rapids,
Michigan, it brings with it sunny, warm days, and clear blue skies. The city basks in the longest days of the year, with an average of 15.3 hours of daylight and a bright, warm sun. Pastel-colored sunsets blanket the city, and buzzing outdoor activity becomes a constant in the warm weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Grand Rapids experiences the warmest weather of the year, with temperatures peaking at 79.7°F (26.5°C) on average. It's the height of summer, and the city is abuzz with life and activity. There's plenty of sunlight with over 15 hours of daylight, and clear skies dominate most days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August carries forward the warm summer temperatures in
Grand Rapids. However, the slight decline from the peak heat in
July provides a more comfortable summer experience. Plenty of sunshine continues to grace the city, with an average of 9.8 sunshine hours daily.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a welcome break from the summer heat as
Grand Rapids steadily transitions into fall. The average temperature starts to fall from its summer peak, and a slight chill begins to linger in the air. Days are still relatively warm and sunny, but the shorter nights begin to cool down significantly.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents
Grand Rapids with crisp, fall weather. The landscape becomes a canvas for autumn colors, with leaves turning shades of gold, red, and brown. Despite the dipping temperatures, the city retains a sense of magnificence, enriched by the splendid colors of fall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in the last days of fall and the onset of winter. The once color-filled trees begin to shed leaves, and barren branches remind residents of the coming chill. As Grand Rapid's temperatures drop to a low average of 34.2°F (1.2°C), the descending cold gives the entire city a sense of tranquility.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes back the cold of winter that characterizes
Grand Rapids this time of year. Though temperatures rarely climb over 33.8°F (1°C), residents embrace the biting cold with warm hearts and festive spirits. Mirroring
January, the month concludes the year with the same calm and cold atmosphere, with snowfall becoming frequent again.
Weather in December »