The climate of Grand Portage
Geographically nestled along the northeastern coast of
Minnesota, USA,
Grand Portage enjoys a humid continental climate as per the Köppen climate classification. The climate type, signified as Dfb, represents no dry season and warm summer months. Given these climatic conditions, weather shifts throughout the year, swinging between cold winters and moderately warm summers. Such wide variations in weather patterns stem largely from a medley of meteorological parameters.
Analyzing temperature data echoes noticeable fluctuations in the city's temperatures. Winters record low temperatures, falling to a chill 3.7°F (-15.7°C) in
January, and rising up to 28.8°F (-1.8°C) in
April. Contrarily, the mercury climbs to a moderate yet pleasant 70°F (21.1°C) in both
July and
August, underscoring the pronounced seasonal swing. In terms of precipitation, rainfall evenly spans the yearly calendar, peaking slightly, ranging from 1.06" (27mm) in
February to 1.77" (45mm) in
October.
Relative humidity hovers around high percentages throughout the year, traceable from 70% in
May, reaching up to 90% during January and February. Interestingly, the city experiences a substantial degree of snowfall that sets in from
November with 5.08" (129mm), surges to 7.76" (197mm) in January, subsides to 6.5" (165mm) in April before fizzling out in May.
The best time to visit Grand Portage
Grand Portage experiences its warmest and most inviting weather from late
June through to the end of
August, with the mercury hovering comfortable between 62.2°F (16.8°C) and 70°F (21.1°C). These conditions, paired with the longest daylight hours, ranging from 15.2 in
May to 15.6 in
July, make this time ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. From a sunshine perspective, July presents an ample average of 10.3 daily sunlight hours, promising bright and clear days.
The worst time to visit Grand Portage
Considering the harsh winter temperatures, months from
November to
March pose challenges for visiting
Grand Portage. During these months, low temperatures dip down to as frigid as 3.7°F (-15.7°C) in
January. Besides, the short daylight periods, with an average of between 8.5 hours in January and
December, further limit outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Grand Portage
Grand Portage gets a dose of moderate spring weather from
April to
June, with temperatures rising from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) in early spring to a milder 54.3°F (12.4°C) by June. Among all seasons, spring months witness the highest humidity, approximately 79% in April. The city also receives substantial rainfall during this period, experiencing an average of 1.73" (44mm) in April and 1.77" (45mm) in
May.
Summer weather in Grand Portage
Summer in
Grand Portage, which transpires between
July and
August, is characterized by pleasantly warm weather with an average temperature peaking at 70°F (21.1°C). The rainfall remains consistent, averaging around 1.61" (41mm). The sunshine hours are the highest, with an average of 10.4 hours in
June and 9.4 hours in August, estabilishing a splendid period of clear, sunny weather.
Autumn weather in Grand Portage
Autumn, running from
September to
November, witnesses a steady decline in temperature from 61.7°F (16.5°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C). Rainfall sees a slight increase, rising from 1.73" (44mm) in September to 1.77" (45mm) in
October. Sunshine hours decrease correspondingly, with an average of 7.6 hours in September and 3.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Grand Portage
Winter season in
Grand Portage is brutally cold with temperatures veering between 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and 3.7°F (-15.7°C). The city is blanketed by substantial snowfall that begins in
November with an average of 5.08" (129mm) and reaches a peak with an average of 7.76" (197mm) in
January. Sunshine hours are at their shortest, averaging just 3.2 hours in
December. Pressure is relatively stable, though slightly higher with averages between 30" (762mm) in January to 30.05" (763mm) in December.
Weather in January
The chill of winter is truly felt in
Grand Portage during
January. Outdoor enthusiasts start their year with engaging winter activities, exposing themselves to temperatures plummeting to as low as 3.7°F (-15.7°C). Weather conditions include high levels of relative humidity contributing to the overall frosty ambiance.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Grand Portage continues the reign of winter. The temperature remains cold, but there is a slight increase when compared to
January, preparing for the onset of spring. Despite the shortened daylight hours, clear visibility holds firm.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Grand Portage welcomes
March with mixed signals, still under winter’s grasp yet hinting towards spring. The measurable snowfall reduces to 5.2" (132mm), marking a significant transition as the season progresses. Cloud coverage decreases, promising brighter days ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The advent of
April brings significant changes in weather, with
Grand Portage stepping into spring. It exhibits a substantial drop in snowfall down to just 6.5" (165mm), signaling the retreat of winter. The temperature shows steady improvement as icy weather begins to thaw.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May introduces
Grand Portage to warmer radiance, with early hints of summer in the air. It marks the end of the snowfall season and a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Slightly increased wind speed accompanies the warmth, stirring a vibrant atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer gracefully takes over in
June propelling the inhabitants towards vibrant outdoor life. Consistent daylight hours become a prominent feature, paired with an increase in sea temperature suggestive of summertime beach visits. Rainfall remains moderate indicating no major disruptions to summer outings.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the pinnacle of summer to
Grand Portage with the peak temperature hitting a high of 70°F (21.1°C). The sea temperature also peaks encouraging recreational activities along the shore. Despite being the warmest month, the pleasant wind speed provides some respite.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Grand Portage maintains the summer enthusiasm with sustained warmth and a slightly increased relative humidity. The earlier rise in temperature begins to show a downward trend moving towards autumn. Long daylight hours continue to favor outdoor activities and beach outings.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Grand Portage symbolizes the onset of autumn, bringing a noticeable decline in temperature. Extremes fade, making way for a steady, comfortable weather pattern. The daylight hours start shrinking and residents experience a cumulative increase in cloud cover.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in distinct autumn characteristics in
Grand Portage with decreasing temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. The first snow of the season appears, setting a 0.98" (25mm) mark as winter approaches. The sea temperature reflects a significant drop, signaling the halting of water-related activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November exhibits a complete transition from autumn to winter with the appearance of significant snowfall up to 5.08" (129mm). Days become shorter and the temperature continues to decrease, painting a perfect winter picture. Outdoor activities shift gears to match the frosty surroundings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is a full-blown winter month in
Grand Portage with low temperatures and substantial snowfall up to 7.01" (178mm). The shorter daylight hours contribute to the cold environment. The sea temperature reaches its lower levels, dissuading any water-related engagements.
Weather in December »