Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ely, MN

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Small patches of islands with dense tree cover in the scenic Bear Head State Park in Ely, Minnesota
Small patches of islands with dense tree cover in the scenic Bear Head State Park in Ely, Minnesota

The climate of Ely

Ely, Minnesota, USA, belongs in the Dfb climate category, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type, identified as humid continental with no dry season and warm summer, characterizes regions in the middle and high latitudes. The city experiences profound seasonal temperature fluctuations.

The fluctuations in temperature throughout the year are quite intense, ranging from a high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) in July to a low of -0.8°F (-18.2°C) in January. Humidity levels are also consistently high, staying between 70% in May and 94% in January.

Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed all year round, albeit increasing during the summer months. The highest measure of rainfall occurs in July, reflecting 2.76" (70mm), while the least is in January with rainfall amounting to 0.98" (25mm).

Interestingly, Ely experiences a fair amount of snowfall. The city sees the most snowfall in December, reaching up to 9.17" (233mm), without any incidences from June to September.

Daylight hours also vary significantly, from 16 hours in June and July to a meager 8.5 hours in December.

Consequently, the combination of these diverse factors renders the climate in Ely quite dynamic, with a pronounced contrast between seasons.

The best time to visit Ely

The best period to explore Ely relies on an individual's weather preferences. However, for many, summer (June to August) provides the most hospitable conditions. High temperatures range between 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 76.5°F (24.7°C), while low temperatures remain a comfortable 49.5°F (9.7°C) to 55.6°F (13.1°C).

During this period, the city also experiences up to 16 hours of daylight, providing ample time to explore. The UV index is also at its peak, hitting a high of 5, which implies more sunbathing opportunities.

The worst time to visit Ely

The frigid winter months, specifically January and February, can be inhospitable for those unaccustomed to excessively cold weather. The high temperature average ranges from 14.2°F (-9.9°C) to 18.1°F (-7.7°C), while low temperatures reach -0.8°F (-18.2°C) to 2.7°F (-16.3°C). Moreover, snowfall is significant in these months, making it challenging to navigate the city.

Spring weather in Ely

Spring in Ely, from March to May, witnesses a gradual increase in temperatures, transitioning from frigid winter to warm summer. March sees temperatures range from a low of 17.6°F (-8°C) to a high of 32°F (0°C).

By May, temperatures increase significantly to highs of 60.6°F (15.9°C) and lows of 40.6°F (4.8°C). Rainfall also increases in quantity during this transitional phase from 1.34" (34mm) in March to 2.28" (58mm) in May.

Summer weather in Ely

Summer in Ely is generally mild with temperatures peaking in July with a high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) and a low of 55.6°F (13.1°C). The city also sees the longest daylight duration in June, stretching up to 16 hours. Rainfall is also at its peak during this period, culminating at 2.76" (70mm) in July.

Autumn weather in Ely

Autumn in Ely, spanning from September to November, sees a steep dip in temperature as the mild summer transitions into a cold winter. In September, the temperature highs stand around 64.9°F (18.3°C), dropping to 33.3°F (0.7°C) by November.

Rainfall declines from 1.77" (45mm) in September to 1.3" (33mm) by November. The city also begins to witness snowfall, with November experiencing 7.13" (181mm) of snow.

Winter weather in Ely

Winter in Ely, December through February, witnesses the coldest temperatures with average lows reaching 7.9°F (-13.4°C) in December and average highs barely scaling 19.2°F (-7.1°C) in the same month. Snowfall is routine and significant, achieving 9.17" (233mm) in December and continuing over January and February. Despite these challenging weather conditions, Ely offers various winter activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.

Weather in January

January in Ely, Minnesota, is expansive with cold temperatures, coupled with frequent snowfall making it the traditional winter month. Most days in January are overcast due to the high relative humidity of 94%. Falling to an average low of -0.8°F (-18.2°C) and peaking at an average high of 14.2°F (-9.9°C), January days are typically chilly. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February carries forward the crisp, colder weather of January in Ely. The average high temperature climbs modestly to 18.1°F (-7.7°C), offering slightly milder days, as the city remains in the throes of winter. Compared to the previous month, February sees a reduction in snowfall, but winter conditions prevail throughout the month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March indicates the onset of spring in Ely, with the weather shifting from harsh winter to slightly warmer conditions. It displays an average daily high temperature of 32°F (0°C), a noticeable increase from February's temperatures. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings relatively mild weather to Ely as spring advances. The average daily high temperature soars to 44.4°F (6.9°C), embracing more bearable warmth. Longer days with around 13.7 hours of daylight become predominant, allowing more outdoor activities. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With the advent of May, Ely welcomes the early hints of summer, transitioning fully to warmer climates. The temperature scales up to an average high of 60.6°F (15.9°C), marking a significant shift from April's weather. Refreshing spring showers add vibrancy to the month with increased rainfall. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is the welcoming month of summer in Ely, boasting comfortable weather. It arrives with a considerable leap in temperature to a high of 70.3°F (21.3°C), heralding the clear, sunny season. Longer days continue, allowing sunlit activities until late evening. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July experiences the peak summer in Ely, seeing the highest temperatures of the year with maximum temperatures rising to an average of 76.5°F (24.7°C). Slightly higher humidity levels at 74% are observed in July, contributing to the typical muggy summer weather. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Ely's weather in August witnesses a slight dip in temperatures, preserving the warmth of summer with an average high of 74.1°F (23.4°C). Although daylight begins to shorten, August continues to have long day hours. Ely enjoys the best of summer and the anticipation of autumn during August, maintaining warmth yet beginning to experience cooler evenings. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Ely ardently ushers in autumn, with average high temperatures dwindling to 64.9°F (18.3°C). Visible signals of the impending season become more prominent, with clear crisp days and cooler nights. This balances the agreeable weather, making September a comfortable time to visit Ely. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October paints Ely with colors of fall, shaping the city with cooler temperatures and a seasonal atmosphere in full bloom. The average monthly temperature dips further to a high of 48.4°F (9.1°C), acknowledging the arrival of cooler weather. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a drastic shift in Ely's weather, with refrigerated climates preparing for the onset of winter. The days become considerably shorter, with an average of 9.3 hours of daylight, creating a stark contrast to the ample daylight of the summer months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Ely, Minnesota, immerses the city in full-blown winter weather. It seals the year with temperatures plummeting to an average high of 19.2°F (-7.1°C), signaling the depth of winter. In contrast to the warmth earlier in the year, December brings shorter daylight hours, averaging at about 8.5 hours. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 24, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month?

January, with average temperatures reaching a high of 14.2°F (-9.9°C) and a low of -0.8°F (-18.2°C), is the coldest month.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 94%, January is the most humid month.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Ely. Rain falls for 2.3 days and accumulates 0.98" (25mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 120.3 rainfall days, and 21.34" (542mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Ely?

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

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 122.7 snowfall days, and 50.43" (1281mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 1.9h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

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 CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the least humid month?

May is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

When it does not snow?

In Ely, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 16h and 0min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest?

July is the month when Ely sees the average highest temperatures, with a high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) and a low of 55.6°F (13.1°C).

What is the rainiest month?

July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.9 days and accumulates 2.76" (70mm) of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index in Ely?

The months with the highest UV index are July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 22.4 days and typically aggregates up to 9.17" (233mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Ely, MN

Average temperature - Ely, MN

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (14.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (55.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-0.8°F).

Average pressure
Ely, MN

Average pressure - Ely, MN

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed
Ely, MN

Average wind speed - Ely, MN

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.5mph).

Average rainfall
Ely, MN

Average rainfall - Ely, MN

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (2.76").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.98").

Average rainfall days
Ely, MN

Average rainfall days - Ely, MN

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (1.8 days).

Average snowfall
Ely, MN

Average snowfall - Ely, MN

The month with the highest snowfall is December (9.17").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Ely, MN

Average snowfall days - Ely, MN

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (23.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ely, MN

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Ely, MN

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 1h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Ely, MN

Average sunshine days - Ely, MN

The month with the most sunshine days is September (15.4 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are January and February (8.3 days).

Average UV index
Ely, MN

Average UV index - Ely, MN

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

Average visibility
Ely, MN

Average visibility - Ely, MN

The months with the highest visibility are May, June and July (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, November and December (4mi).

Ely, Minnesota, USA

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