The climate of Dunkirk
Dunkirk,
New York, US, experiences a Humid continental climate, bearing no dry seasons and warm summers, according to the Köppen climate classification. This typifies a Dfb predominate climate, influenced by its geographical position on the Southern shores of Lake Erie, which guides the changing seasons and weather events.
Throughout the year, Dunkirk's weather shifts with every seasonal transition. High temperatures in the heart of winter average between 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in
January to 31.3°F (-0.4°C) in
February, and then rise modestly to reach 48.4°F (9.1°C) by the spring month of
April. Sunlit summer days from
June to
August offer respite with the mercury surging to a congenial range from 67.6°F (19.8°C) to 74.8°F (23.8°C). As autumn rolls in, the temperature starts plummeting, going down to a chilly 36.5°F (2.5°C) in
December.
In terms of rainfall, an average of 2.4" (61mm) in January increases steadily to peak at 3.23" (82mm) in the month of April and
May.
July and August present a slight dip, but monsoons continue to be a persistent presence with 3.07" (78mm) of precipitation in July. A marginally drier spell is observed in
September with 2.05" (52mm) of rainfall, which once more escalates toward the end of the year.
The meteorological conditions of Dunkirk are unique due to the high humidity levels that persist all year round, settling above the 77% mark throughout. Snowfall is witnessed from December to
March, reaching a high of 5.98" (152mm) in February.
The best time to visit Dunkirk
An analysis of the annual weather conditions suggests that summer, particularly between
June to
August, would make for a pleasant visit to
Dunkirk. Temperature highs are comfortably placed between 67.6°F (19.8°C) and 74.8°F (23.8°C), coupled with a reasonably lower rainfall. During this season, daylight is abundant, averaging around 14.9 to 15.3 hours, giving tourists plenty of time to explore the attractions that the city has to offer.
The worst time to visit Dunkirk
Winter months, specifically from
December to
February, are relatively harsher in
Dunkirk and might not be ideal for tours. The temperature ranges from a low of 21.2°F (-6°C) to a high of 31.3°F (-0.4°C). Additionally, during this period, the city experiences frequent snowfall accompanied by low daylight hours, between 9.1 to 10.6 on average, and might limit outdoor activities for visitors.
Spring weather in Dunkirk
Spring in
Dunkirk, from
March through
May, sees a substantial rise in temperature from the winter lows, averaging between 38.5°F (3.6°C) to 59.5°F (15.3°C). The daylight hours gradually increase and reach up to 14.6 hours by May. Despite higher rainfall during the spring months, it's accompanied by an increase in sunshine, offering almost 7.3 hours of bright daylight in
April.
Summer weather in Dunkirk
The summer season in
Dunkirk brings in warm and pleasant weather. From
June through
August, the high temperatures oscillate between 67.6°F (19.8°C) to 74.8°F (23.8°C) making it comfortable to enjoy outdoor activities. Humidity still maintains a steady range but is balanced by increased sunshine hours, climbing up to 10.3 hours in
July.
Autumn weather in Dunkirk
Autumn, from
September through
November, witnesses temperature highs ranging from 69.3°F (20.7°C) to 45.5°F (7.5°C). It's the onset of chilly winds, but the sunshine persists, providing around 8.9 hours of daylight until September. Rainfall, however, begins to increase, in
October, causing damper conditions.
Winter weather in Dunkirk
December through
February marks the winter season in
Dunkirk when the mercury plummets dramatically. High temperatures range from 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in
January down to 36.5°F (2.5°C) in December. The city experiences significant snowfall, and daylight becomes more scarce with only about 9.1 hours in December. Winter winds range from 13.9mph (22.4km/h) to 14.4mph (23.2km/h), making Dunkirk a winter wonderland.
Weather in January
January in
Dunkirk,
New York, foretells of a cold and snowy start to the year. This month accounts for the highest snowfall, with 4.33" (110mm) coating the landscape, as well as boasting the strongest maximum wind speeds at 15.3mph (24.6km/h).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter vibe started by
January but offers slightly increased daylight hours. The increase in sunshine hours to 2.9 hours gives
Dunkirk's weather a slightly brighter disposition. There's an increase of 1.65" (42mm) in snowfall, totaling to 5.98" (152mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Dunkirk gets into
March, there's a gradual increase in temperatures, as the region transitions from winter to spring. The weather exhibits fewer snowy days, now standing at 9.4. Longer daylight hours become apparent offering 12 hours, improving the mood for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases noticeable changes in
Dunkirk’s weather trends. The snow almost completely disappears, giving way to 3.23" (82mm) of rainfall. The month becomes the harbinger of spring in its full extent, with longer daylight hours brightening up the sky for 13.4 hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Dunkirk gains a new weather rhythm come
May. The shift in temperatures continues its upwards trend, yet May remains relatively cool. The fresh spring remains active with nature simultaneously flourishing under 3.23" (82mm) of precipitation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June carries forth a significant shift in
Dunkirk’s weather. The temperatures escalate to a mild summer heat, yet humidity stays consistent. Dunkirk experiences 15.3 daylight hours, the longest throughout the year. It also marks the transition to the summer season with an increased UV index.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July comes armed with the highest temperatures, reaching 74.8°F (23.8°C). It’s the warmest month in
Dunkirk, bringing about the peak of the summer season. Clearer skies become dominant, as the percentage of cloud coverage drops to its lowest.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains similar temperature trends to
July, keeping
Dunkirk in the grasp of summer. The climate remains fairly hot, although rainfall heightens marginally to 3.03" (77mm), providing momentary respite. The sunny weather continues to rid the sky of clouds, maintaining a clear view and increasing daylight hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September invites the advent of the autumn season in
Dunkirk. The decline in temperature becomes noticeable, albeit gradual. The precipitation reduces to 2.05" (52mm), marking a relatively dry month. The extended daylight hours begin to shorten, indicating the forthcoming winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further pronounces the ongoing shift in
Dunkirk's weather, transitioning deeper into autumn. The weather asserts its volatility with significant rainfall of 3.19" (81mm). The UV index stays low, and daylight hours decline, aligning with the changing season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The arrival of
November in
Dunkirk takes the region a step closer to winter. The temperatures respond accordingly, dipping to a low of 36.9°F (2.7°C). Remarkably, snowfall reappears, ushering in the start of winter with 3.07" (78mm) of snow.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December firmly situates
Dunkirk in the midst of winter. The temperature drops further to a cool 36.5°F (2.5°C), establishing a chilly environment. Snowfall enhances, laying down 3.23" (82mm) of snow, creating a classic winter view.
Weather in December »