The climate of Dover
Dover, situated in
New Hampshire, USA, benefits from a humid continental climate, with no dry season and warm summers, according to the Köppen climate classification. This is predominantly characterised by the shifting in weather conditions with the varying seasons.
Throughout the year, Dover experiences fluctuations in different weather parameters. The highest temperatures are seen in
July, rising to 76.3°F (24.6°C), while
January registers the lowest, plunging to 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Relative humidity remains fairly consistent, hovering around 78 to 80%. Rain, quite spread throughout the year, attains its maximum levels of 2.13" (54mm) in
June and
December, whereas in
September it descends to a lower level of 1.26" (32mm).
With respect to daylight, Dover gets the maximum around June, stretching to 15.3h, and the minimum in December shrinking to 9h. Correspondingly, sunshine hours rise to a crest of 10.7h in
August, but fall to a trough of 4.9h in December. The UV Index reaches its peak of 6 in July and August.
Uniquely, snowfall is typically observed between December to
March, with
February experiencing the highest amount of 3.86" (98mm). Capping off the climatic conditions are the wind speeds, which decrease from 11.3mph (18.2km/h) in January to 6.5mph (10.5km/h) in July and August, before rising again towards the year-end.
The best time to visit Dover
Given the warm and pleasant temperatures, with moderate rainfall, the period between late
June and early
September emerges as the ideal time to experience
Dover. This time sees an average maximum temperature of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C), daylight hours extending between 15.3h to 13.9h and lower wind speeds oscillating around 6.5mph (10.5km/h), providing the perfect ambiance for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Dover
The winter months from late
December to early
March should be avoided due to extremely cold temperatures. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 28.4°F (-2°C), and the place experiences increased snowfall, with
February recording the highest of 3.86" (98mm). With reduced daylight and sunshine hours from 9h to 11h and 4.9h to 5.1h respectively, coupled with high wind speeds up to 11.3mph (18.2km/h), outdoor activities become quite challenging.
Spring weather in Dover
The spring season in
Dover extends from
March to
May. With gradually rising temperatures, it goes from 40.1°F (4.5°C) to 61.2°F (16.2°C). Concurrently, rainfall increases from 1.89" (48mm) in March to 1.73" (44mm) in May. Further, daylight and sunshine hours also begin to extend, from 12h and 5.9h respectively in March to 14.7h and 8.5h by May's end.
Summer weather in Dover
Summers in
Dover, from
June to
August, are comfortable with temperatures at an average of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C). The rainfall peaks to 2.13" (54mm) in June, before settling at 2.01" (51mm) in August. With extended daylight of 15.3h to 13.9h and abundant sunshine hours from 9.2h to 10.7h, summers in Dover are ideally suited for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Dover
With the arrival of autumn, spanning
September to
November,
Dover experiences a decline in temperature from 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 46.6°F (8.1°C). The rainfall stays at a moderate level around 2.09" (53mm) in
October, while sunshine and daylight hours reduce from 8.6h and 12.5h in September to 5.5h and 9.7h by November.
Winter weather in Dover
Winter sets in
Dover from
December to
February, bringing with it a cold climate. Temperatures plummet to an average between 20.7°F (-6.3°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C). December and
January witness the highest rainfall of 2.13" (54mm) and 1.5" (38mm) respectively, while February sees peak snowfall of 3.86" (98mm). The daylight and sunshine hours drop to around 9h and 4.9h to 5.1h, respectively, making it the period with the shortest daylight duration.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
Dover,
New Hampshire experiences its coldest month with average high and low temperatures reaching only 31.6°F (-0.2°C) and 20.7°F (-6.3°C) respectively. Aside from its freezing temperatures,
January also experiences a significant amount of snowfall amounting to 3.35" (85mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a subtle shift in
Dover's weather, with temperatures rising marginally from
January's bitter cold. The month experiences 3.86" (98mm) of snowfall, a slight increase from the previous month, giving winter sports enthusiasts abundant opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March, the transition period from winter to spring begins in
Dover. The temperatures start to climb, reaching an average high of 40.1°F (4.5°C), yet the winter ambiance lingers with 2.28" (58mm) of snowfall still recorded during this month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the advent of spring in
Dover with temperatures climbing further to a livable range, and the last traces of snow, amounting merely to 0.87" (22mm), eventually melt away. The increase in daily sunlight hours brings vibrancy to the city as more outdoor activities become feasible.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Dover intensifies the spring weather with a significant rise in temperatures, approaching summer-like warmth, and leaving behind
April’s sporadic cool snaps. Noticeable is the spike in relative humidity to 78%, along with rainfall measures of 1.73" (44mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer seizes
Dover in
June with average temperatures reaching their yearly highs, paving the way for a season filled with sunshine and outdoor activities. Quite importantly, June witnesses noteworthy rainfall amounting to 2.13" (54mm), reflecting the typical summer afternoon showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the zenith of summer in
Dover, with an overall rise in temperatures, achieving an average high of 76.3°F (24.6°C). July also records the highest UV index of 6 indicating heightened sun intensity. Following July,
August replicates similar weather characteristics albeit with slight variations.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Dover mimics
July's conditions closely, with near-peak temperatures and the least cloudiness, marked by 29% of cloud coverage. However, the slight drop in average high temperatures to 75.7°F (24.3°C) differentiates it from July's pinnacle heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the onset of autumn in
Dover with temperatures dipping to an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) from
August's heat. Even though temperatures are decreasing, this month still experiences relatively less rainfall with 1.26" (32mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October, the full glory of fall graces
Dover, ushering in cooler yet comfortable temperatures. The month also registers a marked increase in rainfall, witnessing 2.09" (53mm) of rain, a clear rise from
September's minimal rainfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Dover sees a further plunge in temperatures, recording 46.6°F (8.1°C) at its average high. Interestingly, November witnesses a mild reappearance of snowfall with 0.43" (11mm) registered, indicating the impending winter months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, winter makes its presence known in
Dover with temperatures descending rapidly. The month witnesses 3.27" (83mm) of snowfall; a significant increase, ushering the city into the snowy season.
January extends this cold and snowy weather, making the city a winter haven once again.
Weather in December »