The climate of Traverse City
Located in
Michigan, USA,
Traverse City falls under the Dfb category according to the Köppen climate classification. This implies a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. The data exhibits consistent alterations in multiple weather parameters throughout the year which underscores the dynamism of the local climate.
Temperature highs in Traverse City range from -3.5°C (25.7°F) in the opening month of the year to a peak of 23.1°C (73.6°F) in
August. The lowest temperatures, on the other hand, paint a similar pattern with the coldest month being
January, posting -7.7°C (18.1°F) and the warmest lows being in August, at 15.3°C (59.5°F). This intricately establishes the pattern of cold winters and warm summers.
Rainfall in this city varies modestly across the year. The driest months are
February and
March, each with rainfall below 14mm (0.55") and the number of rainy days not surpassing 7. Conversely, the wettest month is
May, recording 25mm (0.98") of rainfall over 11.5 days. The incidence of snowfall is prevalent from
November to
April, with January and November being the peak periods with up to 15.6 and 12 snowfall days respectively.
The best time to visit Traverse City
Given the climatic variations, the most comfortable time to visit
Traverse City falls between
June and
September. During these months, the city enjoys long daylight hours between 14.8h to 15.5h, and the temperatures hover between a comfortable 14.7°C (58.5°F) and 23.1°C (73.6°F). In terms of rainfall, the city experiences moderate amounts, especially in June and September with only 19mm (0.75") and 13mm (0.51") respectively.
The worst time to visit Traverse City
In contrast, the least ideal time for a visit would be between
December and
February. During these months, the city experiences frigid temperatures that hover from -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -3.1°C (26.4°F). Aside from the cold, this period also witnesses significant snowfall, with
January experiencing upto 56mm (2.2"). Short daylight hours, ranging from 8.9h to 10.5h, further makes this period less appealing for visitors.
Spring weather in Traverse City
An analysis of spring in
Traverse City reveals a gradual transition from the chills of winter to milder temperatures.
March ushers in this season with an average high of 2.1°C (35.8°F). However, by
May, the temperatures climb to reasonably comfortable levels with an average high of 14.7°C (58.5°F) and low of 6.9°C (44.4°F). Rainfall during this period also increases, peaking in May with 25mm (0.98").
Summer weather in Traverse City
Summers in
Traverse City, spanning
June through
August, are predominantly warm and enjoyable. June commences with an average high of 18.8°C (65.8°F) which spikes to 23.1°C (73.6°F) by August. Sunshine hours peak within this period with
July boasting of 10.3 hours. This period sees reduced rainfall, providing pleasant weather conditions.
Autumn weather in Traverse City
When autumn sets in,
Traverse City experiences gradually cooling temperatures from a high of 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
September to a lower 5.5°C (41.9°F) by
November. Correspondingly, the levels of rainfall rise over this period, with
October experiencing the most rainfall of 23mm (0.91"). However, the sunshine hours decrease substantially from 8.1h in September to 3.7h in November.
Winter weather in Traverse City
Winter in
Traverse City is significantly cold with temperatures dipping to as low as -7.7°C (18.1°F) in
January. This season running from
December to
February also witnesses considerable snowfall which can reach up to 56mm (2.2") in January. Coupled with shorter daylight hours spanning 8.9h to 9.3h, winters here portray a chilly and less inviting condition.
Weather in January
This snowy season in
Traverse City starts with
January's frosty days and cool nights. High relative humidity of 87% adds a biting chill to the air although temperatures stay consistent, fluctuating only from -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -3.5°C (25.7°F) throughout the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February carries forward the cold vibes of
January, but with a dip in the daily snowfall to 14.1 days and a marginal decrease in the amount of snow to 50mm (1.97"). The chilly atmosphere in
Traverse City is gradually retreating, preparing for the advancement of spring.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Traverse City greets the arrival of spring with the weather in
March showcasing a noteworthy leap in the temperature range from -7.7°C (18.1°F) to 2.1°C (35.8°F). Simultaneously, humidity decreases from 86% to 82%, offering slight respite from the perceived cold.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a significant rise in temperature, with its peaks reaching 8°C (46.4°F) in
Traverse City,
Michigan. Snowfall is nearly departed with merely 18mm (0.71") to mark its presence for a few sparing days. Light showers dominate the weather with a significant increase in daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses a considerable shift in temperatures with warm days reaching an average high of 14.7°C (58.5°F). A clear indication of the impending summertime in
Traverse City can be seen with the decrease in cloud% to 39% as compared to
April's cloudiness.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Traverse City,
Michigan ushers in the quintessential summer weather. The temperatures range from 10.8°C (51.4°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F), signaling that summer days have indeed arrived. Sea temperatures begin to warm up to an average of 10.5°C (50.9°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The heart of summer in
Traverse City is marked by
July with the highest temperatures, averaging between 15°C (59°F) and 22.6°C (72.7°F). Interestingly, relative humidity levels remain steady at 80%, similar to
June's climate. An increase in sea temperatures to 18.8°C (65.9°F) makes this season favorable for water activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The late summer month of
August in
Traverse City witnesses marginally increased temperatures ranging from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F). August provides the warmest sea temperature averaging at 20.9°C (69.7°F), ideal for enthusiastic beachgoers.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
Traverse City,
Michigan as temperatures begin to dip down to a minimum of 12.2°C (54°F). Nevertheless, September has sunny days with around 8.1 hours of sunshine on average. The seas start cooling down, with the sea temperature dropping to 18.8°C (65.8°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Traverse City records a substantial drop in temperatures, from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to a chilly 7.1°C (44.8°F). Autumn leaves in full splendor add to the city's charm, despite an increase in rainfall up to 23mm (0.91").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Traverse City experiences a considerable dip in temperatures, averaging from 0.9°C (33.6°F) to 5.5°C (41.9°F). It marks the transition from fall to winter, accompanied by a mild increase in humidity to 79%. The sea temperature also experiences a plunge, down to 8.3°C (46.9°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
The last month of the year is also the chilliest in
Traverse City,
Michigan.
December experiences temperatures from -3.8°C (25.2°F) to -0.4°C (31.3°F), making the city a real winter wonderland. Expect a white Christmas with an average of 51mm (2.01") of snowfall.
Weather in December »