The climate of Ogallala
Situated in
Nebraska, USA,
Ogallala bears a mid-latitude steppe climate as per the classification of Köppen. This classification, known as BSk, depicts a dry and semi-arid climate with variable temperature conditions. Marked by dramatic shifts between warm and cold seasons, temperatures in Ogallala range from a cold 15°F (-9.4°C) in winter months to a sizzling 90°F (32.2°C) in the height of summer.
Over the course of a year, Ogallala experiences the voluptuous dance of the seasons. Extremes in temperatures are observed as seasonal changes manifest. Highest temperatures peak in
July at 90°F (32.2°C), while the coldest plunge happens in
January, plummeting to a chilling 15°F (-9.4°C). Between the severe fluctuations in temperature, rainfall vies for attention as well. Monthly average rainfall varies between 0.4" (10mm) and 3.2" (81mm). The rainiest month being
May, while the driest
December.
Besides the rain, daylight and sunshine hours show their variation across twelve months as well. Maximum sunlight graces Ogallala in
June with around 15.1 hours of daylight and 11 hours of direct sunshine. However, the shortest sunlight hours are recorded in December with a much lesser daylight presence of 9.3 hours and approximately 5 hours of direct sunshine. Concomitant with sunlight, the UV index is also at its highest during bright summer months, reaching up to 10 in July.
The best time to visit Ogallala
The most agreeable period to visit
Ogallala falls between late spring and early summer, specifically from
May to
June. During these months, temperatures fluctuate from a mild 63°F (17.2°C) to a warm 83°F (28.3°C), decorating the climate with pleasant warmth. On top of comfortable temperatures, these months also bring abundant sunshine with an average of 10 to 11 sunshine hours daily. An elevated UV index between 8 and 9 calls for sun protection, however, these factors combined make this period perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. On a side note, the eager visitor should also pack a raincoat as May records the highest rainfall of 3.2" (81mm) on average.
The worst time to visit Ogallala
The period challenging tourists the most in
Ogallala comes during the harsh winter months, from
December to
February. Temperatures during these months plunge and hover between a frosty 15°F (-9.4°C) and a chilly 44°F (6.7°C). Daylight hours are noticeably shorter dropping to between 9.3 to 10.7 hours, while sunshine hours are limited to between 5 to 6 hours a day. With a low UV index varying from 1 to 2, the lack of warmth from the sun and biting cold could create a somber mood and pose difficulties for tourists not used to frigid climates.
Spring weather in Ogallala
The transition from winter to spring in
Ogallala is greeted with warming temperatures and increased rainfall. Spring, specifically from
March to
May, sees temperatures increase from 53°F (11.7°C) to 72°F (22.2°C). Additionally, rainfall moderately peaks during this season, with rainfall amounts ranging from 1.4" (36mm) to 3.2" (81mm). Daylight hours increase considerably, offering between 12 to 14.5 hours of daylight and 7 to 9 direct sunshine hours. As spring unfolds, the UV index also escalates, reaching up to 8 in May.
Summer weather in Ogallala
Ogallala's summer, from
June through to
August, is the season of abundance. Temperatures rise from a generously warm 83°F (28.3°C) to a scorching 90°F (32.2°C), offering hot summer days. Rainfall decreases from 3.1" (79mm) to 2.2" (56mm), with slight variations in number of rainy days. Generous daylight hours ranging from 14.8 hours to 15.1 hours, with ample sunshine hours between 10 to 11, turn these months into an idyllic summer scene. The UV index is at its peak during this season, hitting 10 in
July, indicating strong sun precautions are a necessity.
Autumn weather in Ogallala
Autumn marks a pleasant transition from the heat of summer to the arrival of the colder winter months. Temperatures drop gradually from 79°F (26.1°C) in
September to a mild 51°F (10.6°C) in
November. Rainfall measures less than in summer, between 1.5" (38mm) to 0.8" (20mm). The daylight duration starts declining from 12.5 hours to 9.9 hours, with sunshine hours receding from 9 to 6. The UV index in autumn dwindles, from 6 in September to 2 in November, exhaling a softer presence of sunlight.
Winter weather in Ogallala
Winter months in
Ogallala, from
December to
February, are marked by cold temperatures and minimal rainfall. This season witnesses temperatures drop to a chilly range of between 15°F (-9.4°C) to 44°F (6.7°C). Rainfall is also lowest during these months, shrinking to a mere 0.4" (10mm) to 0.7" (18mm). The daylight hours are shortest during this period, dropping to around 9.3 to 10.7 hours with limited sunshine of 5 to 6 hours a day. The UV index also falls to its lowest, registering between 1 and 2, indicating very few hours of strong sunlight.
Weather in January
Ogallala,
Nebraska starts the year with quite cold winters. The city experiences lows of 15°F (-9.4°C), with
January temperatures peaking at 40°F (4.4°C). Despite the cold, the city enjoys a respectable amount of sunlight, with 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Ogallala moves into
February, temperatures slightly nudge up, helping to slightly thaw the wintery landscape from
January's icy clutch. The period is most characterized by occasional snowfall. A slight uptick in sunlight hours encourages residents by bringing longer days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving further into
March, a warmer weather seeps into
Ogallala with spring's advent. The average maximum temperature hits 53°F (11.7°C), creating ample opportunity for the snow to melt and the area to begin thawing. Nature starts its regeneration cycle with the first buds appearing on trees.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a significant transition as
Ogallala officially ushers in the spring season. The April weather showcases an average high temperature of 63°F (17.2°C). Residents start to shed their winter coats as outdoor activities become more appealing.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May, the mild-climate lovers would appreciate
Ogallala's weather. The changes in climate are marked by blooming flowers and greening grass. Local residents and tourists make the most out of the outdoor-centric activities gifted by the warming weather.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces the summer season with the city bathed in glorious sunlight lasting for 15.1 hours a day. Temperatures maintain a steady climb, reaching a high of 83°F (28.3°C). This warm sunshine provides an excellent setting for long days at Lake McConaughy, the area's premier recreational hotspot.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the peak of summer, gives
Ogallala the highest UV index reading of 10 and temperatures soaring to 90°F (32.2°C). Evenings remain warm, making it a fantastic time for leisurely activities or outdoor BBQs. One can expect bright mornings and clear blue skies as July is generally very dry.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August may be a touch cooler than
July, with temperatures dipping to a high of 88°F (31.1°C), surprisingly providing a comforting respite from the scorching summer highs. The decrease in daylight hours may be a precursor to autumn's arrival.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The city sees a shift in temperatures and climate as
September rolls in. Despite a descent in temperature to 79°F (26.1°C),
Ogallala experiences a flourishing Indian summer. The autumn season brings along a wonderful mix of warm days and cool nights.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Ogallala's average high temperature in
October gives a distinct signal of the cooler days ahead, with a high of just 65°F (18.3°C). October is indeed all about autumn's grandeur. The once green tree canopy is replaced with brilliant hues of red, gold and brown, offering a stunning sight indeed.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Chilly breezes typify
November's weather as average temperatures drop to 51°F (10.6°C). The trees, stripped off their leaves, suggest that winter is not far off.
Ogallala residents typically prepare for the incoming winter, with wardrobes switching to warming layers.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally,
December arrives, plunging
Ogallala into cold winters once again with an average high temperature of 40°F (4.4°C). Despite the chilling weather, the city dresses in a festive spirit, with twinkling lights brightening up the snowy landscape.
Weather in December »