The climate of Lincoln
Located within the Humid Continental Zone according to the Köppen climate classification system,
Lincoln,
Nebraska experiences a wide range of weather conditions. This climate type is characterized by large temperature swings throughout the year, hot summers, and no distinctive dry season.
A notably salient feature of Lincoln's climate profile is the dramatic temperature fluctuation from summer to winter. Summertime highs peak at 86°F (30°C) in
July, while the city's winter lows plummet to a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January. Such significant temperature vacillations indeed characterize the unpredictable nature of the dfa climate type.
Rainfall distribution in Lincoln displays an irregular pattern, with peak levels occurring during
May and
June, reaching 1.18" (30mm) and 1.3" (33mm), respectively. Throughout the remaining months, rainfall levels fluctuate, though not significantly, with the lowest rainfall readings around 0.16" (4mm) in
February.
Snowfall can be expected from
November to
April, although predominantly in the cooler months of January and February. Sunshine dwindles during the winter months, dropping to 5.3 hours in
December, while the summer days of June and July enjoy the most daylight, with up to 15.1 hours per day.
The best time to visit Lincoln
Taking into account weather, temperature, and overall conditions, the optimal period to visit
Lincoln is generally from
May to
September. The city provides comfortable warmth during this time with high temperatures hovering around 71.1°F (21.7°C) to 86°F (30°C), coupled with amplified daylight hours, ranging from 14.5 hours to 15.1 hours. This ample elasticity in daylight accommodates prolonged exploration of local attractions without the impediment of precipitation, as the lowest rainfall numbers occur in September at 0.47" (12mm).
The worst time to visit Lincoln
The less desirable period for travel transpires from
November to
March. This season exposes the harsher side of
Lincoln's climate with low temperatures dropping between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C). Days are noticeably shorter with daylight duration slimming down to between 9.3 hours to 12 hours. Snowfall is also prevalent with
January experiencing 5.1 snowfall days and
February 4.6 days.
Spring weather in Lincoln
Spring in
Lincoln, occurring from
March through
May, observes a gradual increase in temperatures, shifting from a low of 34.2°F (1.2°C) to a high of 71.1°F (21.7°C). This season also witnesses the beginning of increased rainfall, culminating in May at 1.18" (30mm). Duration of daylight extends, providing 12 hours in March to a generous 14.5 hours in May.
Summer weather in Lincoln
Summer months from
June through
August are noted for their pronounced heat, with temperatures peaking at 86°F (30°C) in
July. This season also presents the highest rates of rainfall, hitting 1.3" (33mm) during June. The lengthiest daylight hours prevail in this season, reaching a maximum of 15.1 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Lincoln
Autumn in
Lincoln, encompassing
September through
November, experiences a decline in temperatures, descending from a high of 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 49.8°F (9.9°C). Rainfall during these months also sees a reduction, trending downwards from 0.47" (12mm) in September to 0.28" (7mm) in November. Daylight hours contract during this season, minimizing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Lincoln
Winter months encompassing
December through
February, induce the coldest temperatures, dwindling to an absolute low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January. Snowfall days surge during these months, especially in January with 5.1 snowfall days. The shortest daylight durations of the year proceed during winter, reducing to a minimum of 9.3 hours in December.
Weather in January
The year begins with a cool, crisp
January in
Lincoln,
Nebraska. Typically, the city witnesses lower than usual temperatures coupled with relatively high humidity, paving way for it to be one of the coldest months of the year. A notable feature is the average snowfall of about 0.83" (21mm), pretty much making it the month with the second highest snowfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Lincoln,
Nebraska, sees a slight rise in temperature; however, the weather remains predominantly cold. The city experiences visible sun for about 6 hours per day, hinting at the forthcoming spring. Due to slightly improved temperatures, the city witnesses a reduction in snowfall to an average of 0.55" (14mm), yet it is advisable to stay warm.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As the herald of the spring season,
March brings along warming temperatures to
Lincoln,
Nebraska. Residents begin to feel an ease in the cold as the city shifts toward a moister environment, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures and a gradual decrease in humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Lincoln,
Nebraska boasts of a full-blown spring season. The city witnesses a further warm-up in terms of temperature, and contrary to the decrease in rainfall from winter to spring, April receives the second most rainfall of the year amounting to 0.55" (14mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May heralds the transition from spring to early summer in
Lincoln,
Nebraska. The month experiences a significant jump in temperature, lighting up the city in the full spectrum of spring shades. It is when the rain starts getting serious, with an average rainfall at 1.18" (30mm), the highest throughout the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces summer in all its glory to
Lincoln,
Nebraska. The weather turns considerably warmer and the days become longer, allowing a greater deal of daylight to be experienced. Despite being one of the warmest months of the year, an average rainfall of around 1.3" (33mm) ensures a balance in the ecosystem.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July primes summer in
Lincoln,
Nebraska, as the month records the highest temperatures of the year. The skyrocketing temperatures, coupled with relatively lower levels of precipitation, make it the most arid period of the year. The festive season gives way to numerous outdoor events that take advantage of the 14.8 hours of average daylight.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As summer progresses,
August in
Lincoln,
Nebraska remains in the grip of high temperatures. The city experiences a slight drop in average temperatures around this season, giving residents a slight respite after the scorching heat of
July.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The arrival of
September brings the first taste of autumn to
Lincoln,
Nebraska. Temperatures reduce significantly, marking relief from the high heat of summer months. September records an average of 0.47" (12mm) of rainfall, pointing towards the drier weather typical of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October, autumn solidifies its place in
Lincoln,
Nebraska. The city dresses down for a cooler season, the temperature dropping sharply from the heat of summer, and the rainfall slightly increasing to 0.51" (13mm) of average rainfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the transition from autumn to early winter in
Lincoln,
Nebraska. The dropping temperatures foreshadow the cold winter that is about to set in and the city begins to brace itself for the transition. The average snowfall makes a return during November with 0.16" (4mm) on record, indicating that winter is not far off.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings winter in full swing to
Lincoln,
Nebraska. The temperatures dramatically drop from
November’s, and snow begins to blanket Lincoln city with an average of 0.28" (7mm) of snowfall. Along with the chill, it is the season with the highest relative humidity.
Weather in December »