The climate of Ennis
Ennis,
Montana in the United States falls under the Köppen climate classification Dfb indicating a Humid Continental climate characterized by no dry season and a warm summer. Sitting at the heart of a stunning mountain range, it experiences notable variations in climatic parameters across the year.
Annual fluctuations in temperature are pronounced with the warmest month being
July when the average high peaks at 74.5°F (23.6°C), while the coldest month of the year is
December with the average low dropping to 7.7°F (-13.5°C). The relative humidity that hovers around 89% in
January and
February drops to its lowest at 50% in the months of July and
August. Rainfall, with the highest in
May at 2.36" (60mm), gradually decreases during the summer months reaching its least by December at 0.75" (19mm).
One of the distinctive characteristic of Ennis climate is the snowfall observed during the winter months. Snowfall reaches its peak in
April with an average of 14.76" (375mm), tapering gradually into the spring and summer with virtually no snow in July and August. Another eye-catching weather pattern is the generous amount of daylight received during the summer months, reaching a peak of 15.6 hours in
June and diminishing to 8.8 hours by December.
The best time to visit Ennis
With temperatures perfectly suited to outdoor activities and lesser chances of rainfall, the summer months -
July and
August - are oftentimes seen as the most attractive period to explore
Ennis. These months see a high temperature average from 73°F (22.8°C) to 74.5°F (23.6°C) and the lowest average rainfall of the year, from 1.22" (31mm) to 1.42" (36mm) respectively. Furthermore, this period also benefits from extended daylight hours, with up to 15.3 hours in July, and the brightest sunshine, experiencing 11.4 hours to 11.6 hours daily. The UV index, reaching its maximum of 5, warns of summer sun intensity, advising visitors to take sun protection measures.
The worst time to visit Ennis
While the beauty of
Ennis can be appreciated year-round, some may find the winter months less welcoming due to its relatively harsh conditions.
December to
February feature the most frigid temperatures of the year on average, with lows dipping to 7.7°F (-13.5°C) in December and highs barely reaching 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in February. These months also witness the highest snowfalls, with up to 11.38" (289mm) in February. The daylight hours are also minimal, with a low of 8.8 hours in December, and relatively low visibility of 4 miles during these months could impact sightseeing and travel.
Spring weather in Ennis
Transitioning from the cold winter, the temperatures in
Ennis during spring, from
March to
May, rise steadily, with average highs rising from 33.1°F (0.6°C) in March to a more pleasant 52.3°F (11.3°C) in May. Concurrently, the snowfall declines considerably, totalling 14.76" (375mm) in March down to 9.21" (234mm) by May. Despite the temperature rise, spring sees the most rainfall, up to 2.36" (60mm) in May. Correspondingly, the day grows longer, with daylight hours extending from 12 hours in March to 14.9 hours by May.
Summer weather in Ennis
Summer in
Ennis, encompassing
June to
August, is characterized by warm temperatures, with average highs climbing from 64.2°F (17.9°C) in June to peaking at 74.5°F (23.6°C) in
July. This season is distinguished by minimal rainfall, with averages from 2.28" (58mm) in June down to 1.22" (31mm) in July and hopping to 1.42" (36mm) in August. Visitors can enjoy long sunny days, thanks to 15.6 hours of daylight in June and substantial sunshine hours, reaching 11.6 hours in July.
Autumn weather in Ennis
Coming out of summer, autumn in
Ennis witnesses a gradual drop in temperatures with the high decreasing from 63.5°F (17.5°C) in
September to 31.6°F (-0.2°C) by
November. Rainfall averages slightly increase during these months, shifting from 1.61" (41mm) in September to 1.22" (31mm) by November. The amount of daylight reduces to 9.5 hours in November, while sunshine hours dwindle from 9.7 hours in September to 5.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Ennis
Winter in
Ennis spans
December to
February. This season is characterized by the coldest temperatures of the year, with average lows of 7.7°F (-13.5°C) in December and highs of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in February. This period also has the highest snowfalls, reaching a peak of 11.38" (289mm) in February, resulting in a winter wonderland that some might find appealing. The amount of daylight is also at its lowest during these months, limiting to 8.8 hours in December.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in
Ennis,
Montana witnesses a drop in temperatures, turning the crisp winter air even colder after the holiday season. With temperatures ranging from 9.7°F (-12.4°C) to 24.6°F (-4.1°C),
January marks one of the coldest periods, creating a chilly winter wonderland.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February signifies another cold month in
Ennis, with the weather condition not deviating extensively from
January. Temperatures still lay low, and snow continues to be a frequent visitor, making February a fair competitor to January in terms of cold and snow.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March rolls in, there is a perceptible shift in
Ennis weather. The temperatures rise compared to
February, and there is a decrease in snowfall. Yet, it still records a substantial 10.94" (278mm) of snow over an average of 18.6 days, keeping the city still firmly in the grasp of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April begins to usher in notable changes in
Ennis. It starts a significant departure from
March, as temperatures rise, and snowfall gives way to more rainfall. The gradual shift from winter to spring is most apparent in April. However, it is important to note that April witnesses the maximum rainfall in the year amounting to 2.13" (54mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a continued upward trajectory in temperature, marking a clear departure from the chilly climes of
April. The weather is a mix of remaining spring chill and upcoming summer warmth. With rainfall somewhat less than that in April, conditions are favourable for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the promise of summer in
Ennis. Warmer temperatures and lengthy daylight conditions dominate the weather scene in comparison to
May. It is a welcoming sight after the long, chilly months. Nature is in full bloom, enhancing the city's beauty.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is a turnaround period for
Ennis, with the city at its warmest in the year. With temperatures reaching as high as around 74.5°F (23.6°C), it's the season of sunscreen and parasols. The minimal rainfall makes it one of the driest months, inviting residents and visitors to indulge in various outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the heat from
July, with negligible changes in temperature. There is a slight pick-up in rainfall compared to July, yet the weather continues to stay warm and inviting. Despite a slight decrease in daylight hours from July, August maintains the vibrant, lively spirit of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is a picturesque period in
Ennis. The shift from the heat of
August towards cooler autumn temperatures is a respite. There is a marginal decline in temperature and a slight increase in rainfall, signaling the onset of the fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries forward the cooling trend from
September, with temperatures dropping significantly. The transition towards the colder days of winter gradually sets in. As opposed to September, the city begins to gear up for the forthcoming winter by mid to late October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings
Ennis significantly closer to the cold season compared to
October. The bite of the winter cold becomes more pronounced, and the first snowflakes start to grace the city. Snowfall during the month averages 10.08" (256mm) over 14.5 days, marking a high for the latter half of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Ennis heralds the arrival of winter in earnest. Dramatically contrasting with
November, it is characterized by cold temperatures and substantial snowfall, with an average accumulation of 6.3" (160mm) over 15.5 days.
Weather in December »