The climate of Sidney
Positioned in the mid-latitude steppe,
Sidney,
Montana, is marked by a BSk Köppen climate classification, exhibiting distinctive climate patterns throughout the year. This weather usually presents profound shifts between warm summers and snowy winters, due to its fairly open geography.
Monthly average climatological parameters show a diverse range from high temperatures reaching 84.2°F (29°C) in
July and plummeting to 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in
January. Whereas rainfall ranges from 0.24" (6mm) in January to around 1.34" (34mm) in July. Associated with the precipitation pattern, the number of rainy days also fluctuates from 3.2 days in January and
February to a peak of 11.4 days in
June.
The winter period brings snowy conditions in Sidney, with snowfall spiking at 1.77" (45mm) in February and reducing gradually to insignificant levels by
May, before kicking off again in
October with 0.31" (8mm). The number of snowfall days also sees a peak of 12 days in February, dropping to nonexistence from May to
September, and then gradually mounting up towards the end of the year.
Furthermore, Sidney experiences a fair amount of sunshine with daylight hours extending up to 15.9 hours in June and dwindling to 8.5 hours in
December. The sunshine duration follows a similar trend, peaking at 11.7 hours in July and dipping to a low of 4.5 hours in December. On the contrary, cloud cover remains more or less consistent throughout the year, staying within the range from 18% in July to 54% in February.
The Best Time to Visit Sidney
Based on the averages, the most advisable period to visit
Sidney would be from
May to
September. During this time, temperatures are warm and inviting, reaching highs of 65.3 to 84.2°F (29°C). These months exhibit a lower amount of rainfall, resulting in fewer rainy days, ranging from 1.22 to 1.34" (34mm) and 8.8 to 11.4 days respectively. Sunshine is abundant, with daylight hours entrancingly stretched up to approximately 15.2 to 15.9 hours and sunshine duration delightfully hitting the 10 to 11.7 hours mark. This period basks in the glow of longer days and reduced precipitation chances, ensuring an enjoyable time for tourists.
The Worst Time to Visit Sidney
When planning a visit to
Sidney, it would be advisable to avoid the months from
November to
March. These months fall into the winter season, exhibiting harsh climatic conditions. They are marked by cold temperatures ranging from a high of 23.4 to 39.4°F (4.1°C) and a low from 9.9 to 25.9°F (-3.4°C). These conditions are further compounded by substantial snowfalls, with amounts rising to 1.3 and 1.77" (45mm) in
January and
February, in addition to a number of snowfall days ranging from 10.6 in January.
Contributing factors such as low daylight hours from 8.5 to 10.3 hours and lesser sunshine duration from 4.5 to 5.5 hours make this period less ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Sidney
The spring months in
Sidney from
March to
May witness a steady transition from a cold to warm climate. Temperatures during this season rise moderately from 39.7°F (4.3°C) in March to 65.3°F (18.5°C) by the end of May. Rainfall also increases gradually from 0.35" (9mm) in March to 1.22" (31mm) in May, although the number of rainy days, peaks at 10.9 days in May. Snowfall drops off significantly from 1.5" (38mm) in March to just 0.12" (3mm) in May.
The length of daylight extends from 11.9 hours in March to 15.2 hours in May, paired with increasing sunshine hours reaching up to 10 hours.
Summer Weather in Sidney
Summers in
Sidney, occurring from
June to
August, are marked by warm and pleasant temperatures. The period sees highs of around 75.7 to 84.2°F (29°C) and minimum temperature levels floating from 56.3 to 63°F (17.2°C) respectively. Rainfall remains moderated within the range of 1.22" (31mm) in June to 0.87" (22mm) by August, and the number of rainy days experiencing a slight reduction from 11.4 to 8.8 days. Noticeably, this period has an absence of snowfall.
Autumn Weather in Sidney
Autumn in
Sidney is characterized by a dip in temperatures, with highs dropping significantly from 72.3°F (22.4°C) in
September to 39.4°F (4.1°C) in
November. Correspondingly, low temperatures also fall from 54.3°F (12.4°C) in September to a chilly 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in November. Rainfall declines from 1.06" (27mm) to 0.31" (8mm), with the number of rainy days also decreasing from 7.5 to 4.5 days. Snowfall reintroduces itself during this season with an initial 0.31" (8mm) in
October, rising to 1.34" (34mm) in November.
Winter Weather in Sidney
Winter takes hold of
Sidney from
December to
February, seeing temperatures staying cold, with February witnessing the coldest conditions. The high temperatures drop from 24.6°F (-4.1°C) in December to 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in
January and then rise slightly to 23.9°F (-4.5°C) in February. Similarly, low temperatures plunge from 12.7°F (-10.7°C) to 9.9°F (-12.3°C) during the winter period. Snowfall increases from 1.65" (42mm) to 1.77" (45mm), before dropping to 1.3" (33mm), with an average of 11.6 snowfall days through these months.
Weather in January
This is a month where one should brace for a chilly period in
Sidney,
Montana. Sufficient heating and warm clothing become necessities as the cold weather persists. The mercury readings do not rise beyond 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in
January, making it one of the coldest months of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Sidney ushers in slightly warmer temperatures than in
January. Residents anticipate the eventual end of the winter season, indicated by the consistent increase in daylight hours. Interactions and activities in the city modestly increase.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March,
Sidney,
Montana begins to experience a significant shift in weather. Amid the occasional rainfall, bouts of sunshine transform the city from a winter wonderland to an inviting spring paradise. There is a decrease in snowfall days from 8.7 in March, signaling the end of the winter chills.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather transition into spring completes in
April, with the city experiencing warmer days and longer sunshine hours. Residents commonly engage in outdoor activities.
Sidney's landscapes brighten with floral blooms, adding an aesthetic touch to the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May comes with the comfort of warmer temperatures and dissipating humidity levels in
Sidney. The amount of daylight significantly increases, allowing more time outdoors for leisure and recreational activities. Sunny days characterize most of the month, a welcome change to the preceding rainy
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the welcome arrival of summer in
Sidney,
Montana. The city sees some of its longest daylight hours, making it an ideal month for outdoor activities and events. The atmosphere embraces the summer season with mature plant flowerings.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the hottest month in
Sidney, a peak of the summer, with temperatures soaring up to 84.2°F (29°C). Outdoor activities and events are at their peak with longer daylight hours and less humidity. The city's daily activities heighten, heightened by the prolonged sunshine hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the high temperatures from
July, dominating the last full month of summer.
Sidney has a continual buzz with late-night gatherings, barbecues, and other summertime traditions. Sunscreen is an absolute necessity with 11.5hours of sunshine during the day.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
Sidney,
September brings with it a decline in temperatures as the summer makes way for fall. Despite the shorter days, the city still benefits from 10 hours of sunshine on average. Residents begin to witness a scenic transformation as leaves change into autumn colors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By
October, the full glory of the fall season is witnessed in
Sidney. Colorful trees adorn the city streets, creating a picturesque environment. The drop in temperature continues with the prevalence of crisp, refreshing mornings and evenings.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses further lowering of temperatures as winter draws near.
Sidney residents bundle up in warmer clothing and start ignition of their fireplaces. The city has a quieter ambiance, with fewer outdoor activities happening.
Weather in November » Weather in December
A resolute return to winter temperatures characterizes
December's weather in
Sidney,
Montana. An array of Christmas lights brighten up the city’s snowy landscape. Residents partake in joyful celebrations amidst the cold weather.
Weather in December »