Climate and monthly weather forecast
Traverse City, MI

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Stunning golden - brown colorful trees around the scenic Traverse City, Michigan
Stunning golden - brown colorful trees around the scenic Traverse City, Michigan

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 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in the opening month of the year to a peak of 73.6°F (23.1°C) in August. The lowest temperatures, on the other hand, paint a similar pattern with the coldest month being January, posting 18.1°F (-7.7°C) and the warmest lows being in August, at 59.5°F (15.3°C). 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 0.55" (14mm) and the number of rainy days not surpassing 7. Conversely, the wettest month is May, recording 0.98" (25mm) 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 58.5°F (14.7°C) and 73.6°F (23.1°C). In terms of rainfall, the city experiences moderate amounts, especially in June and September with only 0.75" (19mm) and 0.51" (13mm) 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 18.1°F (-7.7°C) to 26.4°F (-3.1°C). Aside from the cold, this period also witnesses significant snowfall, with January experiencing upto 2.2" (56mm). 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 35.8°F (2.1°C). However, by May, the temperatures climb to reasonably comfortable levels with an average high of 58.5°F (14.7°C) and low of 44.4°F (6.9°C). Rainfall during this period also increases, peaking in May with 0.98" (25mm).

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 65.8°F (18.8°C) which spikes to 73.6°F (23.1°C) 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 67.5°F (19.7°C) in September to a lower 41.9°F (5.5°C) by November. Correspondingly, the levels of rainfall rise over this period, with October experiencing the most rainfall of 0.91" (23mm). 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 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in January. This season running from December to February also witnesses considerable snowfall which can reach up to 2.2" (56mm) 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 18.1°F (-7.7°C) to 25.7°F (-3.5°C) 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 1.97" (50mm). 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 18.1°F (-7.7°C) to 35.8°F (2.1°C). 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 46.4°F (8°C) in Traverse City, Michigan. Snowfall is nearly departed with merely 0.71" (18mm) 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 58.5°F (14.7°C). 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 51.4°F (10.8°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C), signaling that summer days have indeed arrived. Sea temperatures begin to warm up to an average of 50.9°F (10.5°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

The heart of summer in Traverse City is marked by July with the highest temperatures, averaging between 59°F (15°C) and 72.7°F (22.6°C). Interestingly, relative humidity levels remain steady at 80%, similar to June's climate. An increase in sea temperatures to 65.9°F (18.8°C) 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 59.5°F (15.3°C) to 73.6°F (23.1°C). August provides the warmest sea temperature averaging at 69.7°F (20.9°C), 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 54°F (12.2°C). 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 65.8°F (18.8°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Traverse City records a substantial drop in temperatures, from 54.7°F (12.6°C) to a chilly 44.8°F (7.1°C). Autumn leaves in full splendor add to the city's charm, despite an increase in rainfall up to 0.91" (23mm). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Traverse City experiences a considerable dip in temperatures, averaging from 33.6°F (0.9°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). 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 46.9°F (8.3°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

The last month of the year is also the chilliest in Traverse City, Michigan. December experiences temperatures from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) to 31.3°F (-0.4°C), making the city a real winter wonderland. Expect a white Christmas with an average of 2.01" (51mm) of snowfall. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Traverse City?

Traverse City reaches its average lowest temperatures in January, measuring 25.7°F (-3.5°C) at the peak and 18.1°F (-7.7°C) at the lowest.

What is the most humid month in Traverse City?

With an average relative humidity of 87%, January is the most humid month in Traverse City.

How much does it rain in Traverse City?

Throughout the year, there are 94.8 rainfall days, and 8.35" (212mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Traverse City?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

What is the snowiest month in Traverse City?

The months with the most snowfall in Traverse City, Michigan, are January and November, with an average 2.2" (56mm) of accumulated snow.

How many days does it snow in Traverse City?

In Traverse City, Michigan, during the entire year, snow falls for 62.8 days and aggregates up to 10.67" (271mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Traverse City?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 1.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Traverse City?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the driest month in Traverse City?

February is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2.1 days and accumulates 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

When is the ocean coldest in Traverse City?

February and March, with an average ocean temperature of 35.4°F (1.9°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Traverse City?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Traverse City, Michigan, 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 are the least humid months in Traverse City?

The months with the lowest humidity in Traverse City, Michigan, are April and May, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

What is the wettest month in Traverse City?

May is the month with the most rainfall in Traverse City, Michigan. Rain falls for 11.5 days and accumulates 0.98" (25mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Traverse City?

In Traverse City, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Traverse City?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.

When is the highest UV index in Traverse City?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Traverse City.

What month has the most sunshine in Traverse City?

The month with the most sunshine in Traverse City, Michigan, is July, with an average of 10.3h of sunshine.

What part of the year is the hottest in Traverse City?

In Traverse City, August is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 73.6°F (23.1°C) and a low of 59.5°F (15.3°C).

When is the ocean warmest in Traverse City?

The month with the warmest seawater in Traverse City is August, with an average ocean temperature of 69.6°F (20.9°C).

What is the month with the shortest days in Traverse City?

The month with the shortest days in Traverse City, Michigan, is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
Traverse City, MI

Average temperature - Traverse City, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (73.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (25.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (59.5°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and February (18.1°F).

Average pressure
Traverse City, MI

Average pressure - Traverse City, 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
Traverse City, MI

Average wind speed - Traverse City, MI

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and December (12mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.4mph).

Average humidity
Traverse City, MI

Average humidity - Traverse City, MI

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and May (77%).

Average rainfall
Traverse City, MI

Average rainfall - Traverse City, MI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (0.98").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.47").

Average rainfall days
Traverse City, MI

Average rainfall days - Traverse City, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (11.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.1 days).

Average snowfall
Traverse City, MI

Average snowfall - Traverse City, MI

The months with the highest snowfall are January and November (2.2").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Traverse City, MI

Average snowfall days - Traverse City, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (15.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Traverse City, MI

Average sea temperature - Traverse City, MI

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (69.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (35.4°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Traverse City, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Traverse City, MI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 1h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Traverse City, MI

Average sunshine days - Traverse City, MI

The month with the most sunshine days is March (18.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (14.6 days).

Average UV index
Traverse City, MI

Average UV index - Traverse City, MI

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Traverse City, MI

Average visibility - Traverse City, MI

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

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

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