Climate and monthly weather forecast
Grand Rapids, MI

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The vast cityscape of Grand Rapids, a moderately large town in Michigan and two visible bridges across the river
The vast cityscape of Grand Rapids, a moderately large town in Michigan and two visible bridges across the river

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 »

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

January proves to be the coldest month, recording an average maximum temperature of 27.7°F (-2.4°C) and a minimum temperature of 18.7°F (-7.4°C).

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

How much does it rain?

In Grand Rapids, during the entire year, the rain falls for 103.5 days and collects up to 9.02" (229mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall.

What is the snowiest month in Grand Rapids?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 11.5 days and typically aggregates up to 1.57" (40mm) of snow.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 44.5 snowfall days, and 5.51" (140mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 2.3h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index in Grand Rapids, Michigan, are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the driest month?

March is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8.2 days and accumulates 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

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

The least humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 13 days and typically aggregates up to 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

May through October are months without snowfall in Grand Rapids.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What part of the year is the hottest?

Grand Rapids witnesses the warmest weather in July, with temperatures averaging a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C) and a low of 61.5°F (16.4°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

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

What is the month with the shortest days?

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

Average temperature
Grand Rapids, MI

Average temperature - Grand Rapids, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (27.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18.7°F).

Average pressure
Grand Rapids, MI

Average pressure - Grand Rapids, 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
Grand Rapids, MI

Average wind speed - Grand Rapids, MI

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.8mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.6mph).

Average humidity
Grand Rapids, MI

Average humidity - Grand Rapids, MI

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (75%).

Average rainfall
Grand Rapids, MI

Average rainfall - Grand Rapids, MI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (1.14").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is March (0.47").

Average rainfall days
Grand Rapids, MI

Average rainfall days - Grand Rapids, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (13 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.8 days).

Average snowfall
Grand Rapids, MI

Average snowfall - Grand Rapids, MI

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.57").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Grand Rapids, MI

Average snowfall days - Grand Rapids, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (11.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Grand Rapids, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Grand Rapids, 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 18min).

Average sunshine days
Grand Rapids, MI

Average sunshine days - Grand Rapids, MI

The month with the most sunshine days is September (21 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (13.4 days).

Average UV index
Grand Rapids, MI

Average UV index - Grand Rapids, MI

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Grand Rapids, MI

Average visibility - Grand Rapids, MI

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

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

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