The climate of Bismarck
The city of
Bismarck,
North Dakota, bears the Köppen climatic classification of Dfb, typically characterizing the region with a Humid continental climate, no dry season, and warm summers. Positioned geographically in the North-central part of the United States, the climate predominantly experiences significant variations in weather parameters throughout the year.
An analysis of climatological data reveals a fluctuating pattern of weather elements across the months. Temperature highs show a progressive increase from a chilly 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in
January to a peak of 83.7°F (28.7°C) in
July before declining to the lower side of 23.2°F (-4.9°C) by
December. Simultaneously, the temperature lows follow a parallel trend, shifting from a freezing 6.1°F (-14.4°C) in January, peaking to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July, and dip to 11.3°F (-11.5°C) in December.
Rainfall, while not very high, is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with a maximum of 2.28" (58mm) in
June and a minimum of 0.59" (15mm) in January. Snowfall in Bismarck is characteristic of winter months with highest snowfall, 4.33" (110mm) in
February while ceasing completely between June and
September.
The climatic uniqueness of Bismarck is observed in the high humidity levels, particularly during winter months with an average relative humidity of 89% in January. In contrast, a significantly lower relative humidity is recorded during summer months ranging from 55% to 59% between July to September.
The best time to visit Bismarck
Factoring all the weather components, the ideal time-frame to schedule a visit to
Bismarck would be during the warmer months, between
May to
September. During these months, the average daily maximum temperature is comfortably warm, oscillating between 64.9°F (18.3°C) and 83.7°F (28.7°C). The precipitation is moderate, and sunshine is abundant, lasting for 9.5 hours to 11.4 hours a day. Furthermore, wind speeds are generally milder, compared with other months, averaging between 8.5mph (13.7km/h) and 10mph (16.1km/h).
The worst time to visit Bismarck
Travel plans in winter months, specifically between
November to
February, may likely face unfavorable weather conditions. During this period, the city experiences sub-freezing temperatures, with average daily maximum temperatures dwindling between 20.8°F (-6.2°C) to 38.7°F (3.7°C). Moreover, snowfall is prevalent, peaking at 4.33" (110mm) in February, partnered with relatively high wind speeds averaging above 9.6mph (15.4km/h), thus enhancing the winter chill.
Spring weather in Bismarck
The spring season, spanning
March to
May, witnesses a considerable rise in temperatures from the winter lows. The average daily high temperatures rise consistently from 37.9°F (3.3°C) in March to a comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C) in May. However, relative humidity dips from 80% to 63%, marking the transition from a moist winter to a dry Summer. Rainfall also shows an increasing trend with
April and May receiving 1.42" (36mm) and 2.17" (55mm) respectively. On average, the city enjoys between 11.9 hours and 15.1 hours of daylight throughout this season.
Summer weather in Bismarck
Summers, extending from
June to
August, bring a warm and relatively dry climate to
Bismarck. The average daily high temperatures hover between a mild 75.6°F (24.2°C) in June to a warm 83.7°F (28.7°C) in
July while the average daily low temperatures range from 55.6°F (13.1°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Relative humidity continues to decrease, reaching a minimum of 55% in August. Although rainfall is relatively high during the Summer with June witnessing 2.28" (58mm), the city experiences the most extensive daylight hours ranging from 15.1 hours in June to 14.2 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Bismarck
Autumn in
Bismarck, defined by the months of
September to
November, observes a steady drop in temperatures. The daily high averages, decline from a mild 72°F (22.2°C) in September to a chilly 38.7°F (3.7°C) in November. Similarly, daily low averages plummet from 52°F (11.1°C) in September to 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in November. The relative humidity begins to increase, indicating the onset of a moist winter. Rainfall during this season registers a slight dip from 1.22" (31mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November.
Winter weather in Bismarck
The winter season in
Bismarck, lasts from
December to
February. It is characterized by biting cold temperatures, with daily high averages varying from 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in
January to 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in December. The daily lows dip significantly as well, touching a freezing point of 6.1°F (-14.4°C) in January. Additionally, snowfall is synonymous with winters in Bismarck with February experiencing the highest snowfall of 4.33" (110mm). The relative humidity also rises to approximately 86% in December, accompanied by short days experiencing an average of nine hours daylight.
Weather in January
January signals the arrival of winter in full force in
Bismarck,
North Dakota. This month is characterized by its low temperatures, relatively high humidity, and voluminous amounts of snow. The average high temperature and low temperature run from 20.8°F (-6.2°C) to 6.1°F (-14.4°C), accompanied by a significant 3.58" (91mm) of snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the frigid grip of winter maintains its hold on
Bismarck, with a continued pattern of low temperatures, high humidity levels, and significant snowfall. Even though the transition into slightly warmer temperatures has begun, Bismarck's weather in this month witnesses 4.33" (110mm) of snowfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Emerging from the traditional winter months,
March portrays a blend of meteorological extremes in
Bismarck. As March approaches, it carries along the first hints of warmer days, whilst still afflicted by 4.25" (108mm) of snowfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition to spring in
Bismarck with increasing temperatures and less snowfall. By this time, the last traces of winter snow are melting, with only 2.36" (60mm) of snowfall projected for the month. The rise of mercury is slow yet noticeable, as spring gradually unrolls with considerable changes in the characteristics of the Bismarck landscape.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Spring takes root in
Bismarck in the month of
May with increasing temperatures and an abundance of rain showers. A conspicuous feature of weather in this month is the highest rainfall of the year, recorded at 2.17" (55mm). May witnesses a consistent upsurge in daylight duration, enabling the residents to indulge in outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June inaugurates the onset of summer in
Bismarck, boasting higher temperatures and an augmented amount of daylight. Citied amongst the hottest months of the year, a sliver of the arid conditions can be attributed to the marginal rainfall drop to 2.28" (58mm).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the zenith of summer in
Bismarck, with the most sweltering temperatures of the year. The city endures the scorching highs of the mercury barometer, scaling from 83.7°F (28.7°C) down to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Although July is the hottest month, the humidity is manageable, making the summer heat more tolerable.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Bismarck characteristically portrays a consistent summer pattern, with high temperatures, isolated thunderstorms, and ample sunshine hours. While maintaining a similar temperature range to
July, August sees a slight decrement in the rainfall to 1.38" (35mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in fall in
Bismarck, demonstrated by cooler temperatures, less rain, and the onset of the foliage transition. Notwithstanding the decrease from the summer heat, Bismarck experiences rainfall of 1.22" (31mm). Remaining relatively mild, September serves a gentle transition between the hot summer days to the cooler times of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bismarck is synonymous with autumn; the leaves are at their peak of color, temperatures continue to drop, and occasional rain showers persist. In a surprising turn of events, the city witnesses an unseasonal 1.65" (42mm) of snowfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November announces the dawn of winter in
Bismarck, displaying a plunge in temperatures, recurrent snowfall, and reduced daylight hours. From the beginning of winter, Bismarck starts to accumulate snow, with an average of 2.76" (70mm) in November.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Bismarck carries the full blast of winter with it. It's characterized by low temperatures, high humidity, and prominent snowfall. With temperatures nosediving from 23.2°F (-4.9°C) to 11.3°F (-11.5°C), the city sees the highest amount of snowfall at 3.98" (101mm), contributing to the winter wonderland ambiance.
Weather in December »