The climate of Thompson Falls
Positioned geographically in the northwestern part of
Montana,
Thompson Falls experiences a predominately humid continental climate with a dry, warm summer. This type of climate, denoted as Dsb in Köppen climate classification, yields diverse weather patterns throughout the year. Not to mention, Thompson Falls is tucked away within the corners of the Rocky Mountains, resulting in unique atmospheric conditions.
The weather parameters in Thompson Falls fluctuate widely during the year. Temperatures peak from
July to
August when they approach the upper limit at 78.8°F (26°C) while the coldest period waits near the year's end with temperatures dropping as low as 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
December. Relative humidity tends to be the highest in winter with a maximum of 93% in
January and the lowest in summer bottoming out at 53% in July and August. Rainfall follows a similar pattern of close to 3" (76mm) in the winter months and falling to around 0.43 to 0.39" (10mm) during the summer.
A weather oddity specific to Thompson Falls includes the substantial snowfall experienced in winter, with values topping 13.82" (351mm) in January and even spilling over into the month of December with 13.35" (339mm). Furthermore, the amount of daylight shifts significantly from a glowing 15.9 hours in
June to a more subdued 8.5 hours in December.
The best time to visit Thompson Falls
When pondering a visit to
Thompson Falls, consider the period from
June to
August as an optimal time. During this interval, the climate is the most agreeable, with temperatures ranging from 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 78.8°F (26°C) and a relative decrease of humidity from 71% to 53%. In addition to longer sunny days with 15.9 hours of daylight in June, it also endows tourists with extended hours of sunshine of up to 11.8 hours throughout
July. This creates the perfect environment for exploring the outdoor wonders of Thompson Falls.
The worst time to visit Thompson Falls
Visitors may find the winter months from
December to
February less inviting due to the harsh weather conditions. Over this period, the temperatures plummet from 28.9°F (-1.7°C) to 17.2°F (-8.2°C) coupled with high levels of humidity from 91% to 93%. Besides the intimidating chill, this time of year is characterized by heavy snowfall, with an overwhelming 13.82" (351mm) in
January, and reduced daylight hours, diminishing from 9.3 hours in
November to just 8.5 hours in December. Undoubtedly, these conditions might create hurdles for visitors seeking to explore and enjoy the natural wonders of
Thompson Falls.
Spring weather in Thompson Falls
The spring season in
Thompson Falls from
March to
May witnesses an upward shift in temperature from 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 60.1°F (15.6°C). The average rainfall drops from 2.83" (72mm) in March to 1.57" (40mm) in May. Despite an increase in sunlight hours from 11.9 to 15.2 hours and a decrease in cloud percentage from 59% to 38%, the snowfall in March is still notable with a value of 7.83" (199mm).
Summer weather in Thompson Falls
In contrast to spring, the summer months in
Thompson Falls from
June through
August promise a warm and dry climate. Temperatures sit comfortably between 66.9°F (19.4°C) and 78.8°F (26°C), and humidity decreases to its lowest at 53%. The rainfall further recedes to a low of 0.43" (11mm) in
July. Not to mention, this period celebrates the highest amount of daylight, peaking in June with 15.9 hours.
Autumn weather in Thompson Falls
Autumn weather in
Thompson Falls from
September through
November is marked by a gradual drop in temperature from 67.3°F (19.6°C) to 37.9°F (3.3°C). The rainfall increases slightly to 2.09" (53mm) in November. The number of daylight hours shortens from 12.6 hours in September to 9.3 hours in November. The first signs of winter appear in November with the return of light snowfall at 4.84" (123mm).
Winter weather in Thompson Falls
During the winter months of
December through
February,
Thompson Falls' climate is synonymous with cold temperatures dropping from 28.9°F (-1.7°C) to 17.2°F (-8.2°C) and increasing levels of humidity of up to 93% in
January. The region's snowfall reaches its pinnacle during these months, topping at 13.82" (351mm) in January. The daylight hours also shrink to their shortest, with only 8.5 hours in December.
Weather in January
January in
Thompson Falls,
Montana, ushers in the year with the quintessential winter months. Temperatures are predictably cold, particularly with low averages recording up to approximately 17.6°F (-8°C). The city is often shrouded in white, courtesy of the frequent snowfall experienced during this period.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As winter advances into
February,
Thompson Falls experiences a slight uptick in temperatures, though it remains squarely within the winter season's range. Snowfall continues unabated as does the increased relative humidity of up to 91%.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Thompson Falls witnesses a gradual shift in weather conditions. Notably, the average high temperature increases to 38.8°F (3.8°C), signaling the end of extreme winter and a transition towards spring. Snowfall frequency reduces, paving the way for the renewed presence of rain.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Thompson Falls is in the clutch of Spring's warm embrace. Notwithstanding, snowfall persists up to 2.17" (55mm) but is significantly reduced compared to the previous months. The increasingly evident sun melts away the last vestiges of winter, as extended daylight hours take precedence.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May weather in
Thompson Falls announces itself with its signature blend of mild temperature highs and relative humidity decreasing to 71%. Snowfall becomes a thing of the past in this period as the city welcomes more rainfall instead.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces summer with a considerable increase in high temperatures, reaching up to a balmy 66.9°F (19.4°C) in
Thompson Falls. The city basks in the glow of extended sunshine hours, celebrating the arrival of summer. Rainfall drops significantly; nevertheless, the scenery of Thompson Falls thrives, painting the city's landscape in vibrant summer hues.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July arguably offers
Thompson Falls the best of summer as high temperatures peak at approximately 78.8°F (26°C). Days are prolonged, characterized by abundant sunshine and significantly low rainfalls registering at a mere 0.43" (11mm).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Thompson Falls continues the trend of high temperatures from
July, reminiscent of cloudless skies and extended sunshine. Enduring the warmth of August requires residents to keep hydration in mind, as the UV index remains steady at 4.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Thompson Falls signals the arrival of Autumn with noticeable subsiding high temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Thompson Falls celebrates the changing seasons, with the landscape gradually taking on best fall hues.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Thompson Falls plunges deeper into Autumn, with high temperatures declining to 51.4°F (10.8°C). Rainfall becomes a frequent visitor as the cloud cover begins to regain ground. Days become noticeably shorter, and the leaves' vibrant colors create a stunning panorama.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Thompson Falls translates into a significant dip in temperatures with a high averaging at 37.9°F (3.3°C). The weather grows colder and more weather variations emerge in the city's daily life. Snowfall swallows up Thompson Falls again, signaling the return of the winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December climate culminates in the most winter-centric weather of the year in
Thompson Falls. A measurable snowfall of 13.35" (339mm) encapsulates the city creating a winter wonderland in its wake. The rising humidity combines with decreased sunlight hours, recording a short 8.5 hours, contributing to December's festive but chilly atmosphere.
Weather in December »