The climate of Lansing
Lansing, the capital city of
Michigan, USA, sits in the realm of the Dfb classification, according to Köppen climate methodology. Its climate subtleties are often described as humid continental, where a no dry season and warm summer are the chief characterizing elements. Throughout the year, Lansing experiences significant fluctuations in its weather parameters, presenting a diverse weather spectrum.
Regarding temperatures, the trends indicate an annual journey from colder to warmer months. Lansing endures frigid winters with
January displaying the lowest averages, from 17.1°F (-8.3°C) to a high of 27.1°F (-2.7°C). The city welcomes the warmest periods from
June to
August, where
July stands out with the highest temperature averages from 60.8°F (16°C) to 79.3°F (26.3°C).
Precipitation spreads throughout the year, with
May experiencing the peak average rainfall of 3.15" (80mm). The city sees drier conditions in
February with the lowest rainfall value of 1.18" (30mm). Notably, Lansing sees snowfall from
December to
April with the deepest layers appearing in January and February, with 4.33" (110mm) and 4.17" (106mm) respectively.
The best time to visit Lansing
Considering the climatic parameters, the most favorable time for visitors to explore
Lansing could arguably be between
May and
September. During these months, the city experiences plentiful daylight hours, with the peak being 15.3 hours in
June. The sun shines generously, establishing an uplifting atmosphere. Sunshine hours are at their highest during the months of
July and
August with 10.3 and 9.7 hours, respectively. During this period, temperatures remain comfortably warm, ranging approximately from 48.6°F (9.2°C) to 79.3°F (26.3°C). Rainfall is also considerably lower, thereby promoting uninterrupted outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Lansing
Contrastingly, the months from
November to
February present the most challenging weather conditions due to the cold winter elements. This period witnesses the lowest daily averages of sunlight, with
December offering only 3.4 sunshine hours and 9.1 daylight hours. The temperature also plummets during these winter months. The lowest temperatures are seen in
January, dropping down to 17.1°F (-8.3°C). Visitors should also consider that the city experiences most of its annual snowfall during these months.
Spring weather in Lansing
Spring in
Lansing, which spans from
March to
May, experiences a gradual rise in temperature from lows around 27.3°F (-2.6°C) in March to highs approximately 66.6°F (19.2°C) by May. Concurrently, daylight hours increase, ushering in up to 14.6 hours by the end of spring. Rainfall is rather high, with
April witnessing an average of 2.6" (66mm), while snowfall dissolves out completely by the end of April.
Summer weather in Lansing
Summers in
Lansing, from
June to
August, present a pleasing weather ambiance with warm temperatures evident from 56.8°F (13.8°C) to highs around 79.3°F (26.3°C) in
July. Plenty of sunshine with an average of 10 hours per day enhances the appeal of outdoor activities. Daylight hours peak during June and July, ranging up to 15.3 hours. It should be noted that, despite the comfortable temperatures, relative humidity levels remain relatively high, lingering around 80% throughout the summer.
Autumn weather in Lansing
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a continuous decline in both daylight hours and temperatures. By November, daylight reduces to approximately 9.8 hours per day. Temperatures start experiencing a drop from pleasant 71.4°F (21.9°C) in September to cooler averages of 44.6°F (7°C) by November. Rainfall levels fluctuate during this period, with
October witnessing as much as 2.6" (66mm) while November sees a relative decrease to 1.46" (37mm) on average.
Winter weather in Lansing
Winter in
Lansing, covering
December through
February, is synonymous with cold weather conditions. Temperatures fluctuate around 33.3°F (0.7°C) in December to lows of 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in
January. The city experiences significantly less daylight hours, sinking to approximately 9.1 hours in December. Snowfall is a regular feature with 4.33" (110mm) in December and 4.17" (106mm) in January. Despite the chilly conditions, the average relative humidity still averages at around 85-88%, making for a wet cold that penetrates clothing.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Lansing,
Michigan, USA brings with it cold weather and persistent snowfall.
January has an average high temperature of 27.1°F (-2.7°C) and a low of 17.1°F (-8.3°C). On top of this, the city experiences snowfall of 4.33" (110mm) over 16.2 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather in
Lansing sees subtle hints of warming but remains relatively cold. February is distinguishable by a slight rise in the average temperatures, up to a high of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) and a low of 18°F (-7.8°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Lansing begins to experience the move away from winter. A significant descriptor for March is the increasing temperatures, rising to a high of 41.7°F (5.4°C) and a low of 27.3°F (-2.6°C), paired with snowfall that lessens dramatically to 1.69" (43mm) over seven days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April paves the way for springtime in
Lansing. Evoking a real sense of seasonal transition, the average temperatures jump to a high of 54.1°F (12.3°C) and a low of 37°F (2.8°C), while snowfall recedes to a mere 1.1" (28mm) happening rarely throughout the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a significant transformation into warmer weather in
Lansing. This month is notable for temperatures warming up to an agreeable high of 66.6°F (19.2°C) and a low of 48.6°F (9.2°C). Blooms are in full force as the increased temperatures and ample sunshine hours provide perfect growing conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer arrives,
June introduces more sunshine to
Lansing, inviting more outdoor activities. The average temperatures peak at 74.5°F (23.6°C) for highs and 56.8°F (13.8°C) for lows, setting a comfortable climate for late-night barbecues and morning jogs.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Lansing,
July marks the hottest month of the year. High temperatures reach a searing 79.3°F (26.3°C) and dip to a mellow 60.8°F (16°C), offering warm, pleasant evenings for outdoor dining or stargazing. Along with the city's summer events, the ample sunlight and raised UV index increases the appeal for water-based activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August perpetuates the summer's warmth in
Lansing but hints at the upcoming coolness. An average high of 77.7°F (25.4°C) and a low of 59.5°F (15.3°C) define the day-to-night transition in temperature. The longer daytime hours allow residents to make the most of the remaining summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering the beginning of fall,
September in
Lansing sees a considerable dip in temperatures. A high of 71.4°F (21.9°C) and a low of 52.7°F (11.5°C) are remarkable, alongside the absence of snowfall, marking the transition into autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lansing embraces the heart of fall, with cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall. The average high drops to 58.1°F (14.5°C), and the low to 43.3°F (6.3°C), worthy of note for those planning outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Lansing marks the transition into winter conditions. With a significant drop in the average high temperature to 44.6°F (7°C) and low to 32.5°F (0.3°C), November embodies a shift to the cold weather. The first signs of snowfall return after a warm season hiatus.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year in
Lansing,
December reinvigorates the full swing of winter. Characterised by an average high of 33.3°F (0.7°C) and a low of 24.8°F (-4°C), together with snowfall averaging 2.91" (74mm) over 12.6 days, it signals the return of winter coats and boots.
Weather in December »