The climate of Portage
With its geographical setting in the state of
Michigan,
Portage exhibits a seasonal climate categorized under the Köppen classification as Dfa. This signifies a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summers.
Temperatures in Portage fluctuate significantly over the year. They range drastically from a low of 18°F (-7.8°C) to a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C). The heat peaks in
July with a temperature high of 79.7°F (26.5°C) while the cold is most severe in
February with the lowest temperature reading of 18°F (-7.8°C). The region also boasts an interesting pattern in humidity with readings that oscillate slightly from a low of 77% to a high of 87%.
The city records an average of 1.73" (44mm) to 3.62" (92mm) of rainfall monthly, with the wettest period being in
May. Contrary, to the rainfall, snowfall is prominent from
December to
April with the most snowfall in inches observed in
January and December.
Portage experiences varying daylight hours throughout the year. A high of 15.2 hours is observed in
June while a minimum of 9.2 hours is typical in December.
The cloud cover here shows a wide range from a minimum of 31% during the summer months of July to a maximum of 73% in January. Wind speeds are moderate, fluctuating between 6.3mph (10.1km/h) to 10.1mph (16.3km/h).
The best time to visit Portage
Considering the weather parameters, the opportune time to visit
Portage falls between
May and
September. This period boasts comfortable temperatures that fluctuate between 67.3°F (19.6°C) and 79.7°F (26.5°C), superior to other months. This period also experiences lower snowfall, with less than 0.12" (3mm) and a significant increase in daylight hours, from 14.6 hours to 14.9 hours. Along with this, the UV index is relatively high, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Portage
Bearing the harsh low temperatures from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 31.5°F (-0.3°C),
January and
February might be considered the least ideal months to visit
Portage. These months also have a higher likelihood of snowfall, with January recording the highest snowfall of 5.12" (130mm). The daylight hours are relatively lower, with January recording the least of 9.5 hours.
Spring weather in Portage
Spring in
Portage runs from
March to
May. The temperatures start to rise in March from 43.5°F (6.4°C) to 67.3°F (19.6°C) in May. March records the highest rainfall in spring, with an average of 3.46" (88mm), while May records the highest levels of daylight, at 14.6 hours, and sunshine hours, at 8.5 hours. Similarly, the wind speeds decrease gradually from March to May, falling from 10mph (16.1km/h) to 8.5mph (13.7km/h).
Summer weather in Portage
Summer showers through
June to
August with temperatures rising from 75.4°F (24.1°C) to 79.7°F (26.5°C). Rainfall averages between 2.8" (71mm) and 3.11" (79mm). Sunshine hours peak in
July at 10.2 hours per day while daylight is highest in June, reaching an average of 15.2 hours. The period also sees a drop in wind speed and pressure, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Portage
The weather from
September to
November marks the autumn season. Temperatures start to lower starting from 72.5°F (22.5°C) in September to 45.7°F (7.6°C) in November. Rainfall rises towards the end of autumn, with a high of 3.15" (80mm) in
October. Daylight hours range from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November; sunshine hours during this period fall from 8.1 hours to 4.5 hours.
Winter weather in Portage
Winter in
Portage sets in
December and runs through to
February. These months exhibit lower temperatures ranging from 28.4°F (-2°C) in December to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in February. Snowfall during these months is also notable, with the highest observed in December and
January, making it a perfect season for winter sports. Daylight hours are the shortest and wind speeds spike, making it the coldest period of the year.
Weather in January
January in
Portage,
Michigan, greets residents and visitors with one of the coldest months, boasting a high average temperature of just 28.4°F (-2°C) and low temperatures dropping to an average of 18°F (-7.8°C). Snowfall is a common occurrence, as it is one of the months of highest snowfall, making it a picturesque winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
By
February, the clasp of winter starts to loosen slightly in
Portage. Average high temperature raises slightly comparing to
January, up to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) while the average low remains chilling at 19.8°F (-6.8°C). Moving forward from the coldest month, February offers marginally longer daylight hours; however, overcast skies remain a constant with 69% cloud coverage.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With
March,
Portage experiences a significant rise in temperature paving the way for spring, with average highs climbing to 43.5°F (6.4°C) and lows to 28.8°F (-1.8°C). A noticeable shift from the thick winter blanket can be sensed as snowfall drops to 2.32" (59mm), significantly lower than the preceding winter months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Portage,
Michigan, marks a clear transition from winter to spring. The temperatures rise comfortably, and nature starts displaying its blossoms. The high temperature sees a steep rise from
March, reaching up to 55.2°F (12.9°C), with the snowfall nearly disappearing at a meagre average of 1.69" (43mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Portage,
Michigan, undeniably belongs to spring. Despite a considerable increase in temperatures with highs averaging to 67.3°F (19.6°C), May brings one of the highest humidity levels at around 80%. The weather becomes more favourable, enhancing outdoor activities that include fishing, bird watching, and more.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the beginning of summer in
Portage,
Michigan, with temperatures reaching a comfortable average high of 75.4°F (24.1°C). This cheerful arrival of summer, accompanied by maximum daylight hours up to 15.2 hours per day, translates into more extended outdoor recreation time.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the peak of summer and the warmest month in
Portage,
Michigan, with the average high temperature soaring to 79.7°F (26.5°C). The humidity hovers consistently from
June, still standing at around 81%, which some may find quite muggy.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a slight reduction in temperature, cooling down to an average high of 78.3°F (25.7°C). Still, it is still rooted in the summer territory with warm and longer days. August carries forward the dry spell of
July, which accompanies some excellent weather periods.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Portage,
Michigan, marks the end of summer and the start of fall. The temperatures begin a gradual decrease with average highs dropping to 72.5°F (22.5°C), introducing a mild chill in the air. While the humidity levels also drop slightly compared to
August, the transition from summer to fall is otherwise smooth.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the full bounty of fall to
Portage,
Michigan, with temperatures falling to average highs of 59.5°F (15.3°C) making it a particularly cooler month. The leaves turn color, and the changing landscape offers a vibrant spectacle, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the slow and steady grip of winter begins to tighten with high temperatures averaging to 45.7°F (7.6°C). This month sees a significant drop in temperature and daylight hours from
October, elevating the need for warm layers and hot drinks.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the full force of winter to
Portage,
Michigan, with average high temperatures dropping to 34.7°F (1.5°C). Counted among the coldest months, it blankets the city in white with an average of 3.15" (80mm) of snowfall.
Weather in December »