The climate of Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau, positioned in the state of
Missouri, USA, sits within a climatic area classified as Cfa or humid subtropical. Under the Köppen climate classification system, this suggests the area does not experience a dry season. Variability is evident across the various weather parameters throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from lows of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in winter months to highs of 88.3°F (31.3°C) in the height of summer. Monthly average humidity also experiences minor fluctuations, from a low of 69% in
October to a high of 78% in both
March and
May.
Rainfall levels see some variance, with the highest monthly average amount in
April at 4.33in and the lowest in
September at 1.5in. Similarly, days with rainfall span from 9.8 days in
January to a high of 17 days in
July. As expected in a subtropical climate, snowfall is a rare occurrence, with the highest monthly average amount at 2.17in in
February. Unsurprisingly, most months record no days with snowfall.
Cape Girardeau enjoys 9.6 to 14.7 daylight hours a day, with the longest days in
June and the shortest in
December. Sunshine duration also swings between 4.8 hours per day in February and a generous 10.7 hours per day in June. Meanwhile, the UV index remains mostly moderate, peaking at 6 from May to
August. Cloud cover is relatively constant throughout the year, slightly increasing in the colder months. The general wind speed ranges around 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in August to 9.1mph (14.6km/h) in both January and February, with highest gust speeds reaching 14.6mph (23.5km/h) in January.
The best time to visit Cape Girardeau
For visitors looking to experience the ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit is between
May and
June. During these months temperatures are warm, with average highs ranging from 76.3°F (24.6°C) in May to 86°F (30°C) in June. This period also sees the highest amount of sunshine, with an average of 9.3 to 10.7 hours per day respectively.
Moreover, rainfall is moderate with averages oscillating from 3.98in in May to 2.99in in June, providing opportunities to explore the city’s vibrant landscapes without significant disturbance from showers. While the UV index peaking at 6 suggests visitors should take precautions for sun protection.
The worst time to visit Cape Girardeau
Given the climatic characteristics, the least desirable time to visit
Cape Girardeau would largely be in winter, particularly
January and
February. During these months, average highs descend to the 40s°F with lows dropping to around freezing point. In addition, this period experiences meager sunlight at approximately 4.9 hours per day and increased probability of snowfall.
Spring weather in Cape Girardeau
Spring in
Cape Girardeau from
March to
May presents a temperate climate landscape with high temperatures escalating from 56.3°F (13.5°C) in March to 76.3°F (24.6°C) by May. Rain incidence and duration also intensifies, peaking at an average of 4.33in spread over 15.3 days in
April. Simultaneously, sunlight and daylight hours increase, reaching up to 9.3 hours and 14.2 hours by May, respectively.
Summer weather in Cape Girardeau
Summer months from
June through
August bring increased temperatures to
Cape Girardeau, averaging from 86°F (30°C) in June to a peak of 88.3°F (31.3°C) in
July. Correspondingly, humidity escalates slightly while rainfall levels decline after peaking in spring. Sunshine reaches its highest point of the year with an average of 10.7 hours per day in June. The UV index underscores the need for sun safety measures with ratings of 6 throughout this period.
Autumn weather in Cape Girardeau
Autumn in
Cape Girardeau witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures, with highs declining from 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
September to 68.9°F (20.5°C) by
October’s end. Concurrently, rainfall tends to dip, with September seeing the least yearly rainfall at just 1.5in. Hours of sunshine and daylight start to shorten, winding down from 9.7 hours per day and 12.4 daylight hours in September.
Winter weather in Cape Girardeau
Winter is the coldest period in
Cape Girardeau, with average highs bottoming out from 54.7°F (12.6°C) in
November to 41°F (5°C) by
January. The frequency of rainfall remains steady, with days of rainfall varying from 10.5 in
October to 10.1 in November. Notably, this season records the only occurrence of snowfall, with monthly averages peaking at 2.17in in
February. Sunshine is at its lowest during these months, offering a scant 5 hours per day by
December.
Weather in January
The year in
Cape Girardeau,
Missouri commences with chilly
January. Be prepared - the city experiences some of its lowest temperatures in this month, plummeting to as low as 27.9°F (-2.3°C) at night while reaching highs around 41°F (5°C) in daytime.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February marks the peak of winter in
Cape Girardeau. Temperatures, although still on the colder side with lows at 31.5°F (-0.3°C), display a small hike from the previous month, making it slightly more bearable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a welcome transition from winter to spring in
Cape Girardeau. With temperatures now climbing up to a comfortable 40.5°F (4.7°C) at night and a pleasant 56.3°F (13.5°C) during the day, the city starts to thaw under the spring sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Cape Girardeau,
Missouri exhibits a marked transition towards warmer weather. Temperatures in the city rise incrementally, with balmy nights recording 49.8°F (9.9°C) and mild, sunlit days touching to 67.1°F (19.5°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the commencement of summer in
Cape Girardeau. With temperatures now hitting highs at 76.3°F (24.6°C) and lows at a mild 59°F (15°C), the city starts to heat up. The average rainfall slightly dips to 3.98" (101mm) from the preceding month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Cape Girardeau enjoys the full swing of summer in
June. As temperatures rise, high to as much as 86°F (30°C) and low to 67.5°F (19.7°C), this month stimulates ample outdoor activities. The humidity is relatively high, leading to warm days and sultry nights.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the pinnacle of summer in
Cape Girardeau. Reaching its highest peak at a warm 88.3°F (31.3°C) and reaching lows to 69.4°F (20.8°C), the city enjoys its warmest month. Rainfall does occur, but it does little to dampen the palpable summer energy.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August arrives in
Cape Girardeau, it brings a subtle hint of impending autumn. Though the days still see high temperatures at 86.2°F (30.1°C) and nights record 67.1°F (19.5°C), a slight dip compared to
July, it is still firmly within the bounds of summer.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks an endearing transition from balmy summer to refreshing autumn. With the decrease in temperature to highs of 81.1°F (27.3°C) and lows of 61.3°F (16.3°C), the city start experiencing cooler nights and warm days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings full-blown autumn to
Cape Girardeau, with temperature highs falling to 68.9°F (20.5°C) and lows to a chilling 50.7°F (10.4°C). The city adopts a mellow, earthy tone with crispy leaves underfoot and cooler, shorter days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November introduces early winter to
Cape Girardeau with temperatures ranging between lows of 39.7°F (4.3°C) and highs of 54.7°F (12.6°C). The golden hues of the city begin to fade as winter slowly takes over. As the city prepares for the impending cold, the remaining autumn leaves form a beautiful contrast against the increasingly barren trees.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As
Cape Girardeau welcomes
December, the full force of winter sets in. Recorded lows of temperature hit 33.1°F (0.6°C) and highs are limited to around 45.5°F (7.5°C), creating a chilled ambiance. Snow showers drape the city in a blanket of white, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
Weather in December »