The climate of Fargo
Among the northern planes of
North Dakota, USA, lays the city of
Fargo. Its climate, by the Köppen classification, is identified as Dfb, which translates to a Humid Continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. This climate type typically comprises differing weather conditions throughout the year. Fargo presents a varied weather landscape with discernible seasonal differences affecting temperature, humidity, rainfall, and sunlight.
High temperatures in Fargo reach their peak during
July and
August at 81°F (27.2°C), while the coldest month,
January, experiences chilly lows of 2.7°F (-16.3°C). Fluctuations in temperature transpire year-round, paralleled by changes in other weather aspects. Humidity manifests the greatest density from
November to
February, with the percentage ranging from 74% to 91%. These months also note dwindling sunshine hours, with the shortest daylight span of 8.6 hours in
December.
Rainfall in Fargo demonstrates an increasing trend from the beginning of the year, peaking in
June at 3.07" (78mm). Inversely, snowfall is commonplace during the cooler months with the most pronounced snow accumulation seen in January, measuring 3.54" (90mm). Wind speeds remain consistent throughout the year, with slight elevations as the warmer months approach. One exceptional weather pattern that Fargo experiences is the decrease in cloud cover during the summer months, inviting sunnier days.
The best time to visit Fargo
The most favorable time to visit
Fargo depends on the preference of the visitor. For those who relish mild temperatures with moderate humidity and ample sunshine, late spring and early summer serve as the optimal period. Specifically,
May to
June offers temperatures ranging from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 74.5°F (23.6°C), diminished rainfall compared to later summer months, and extended daylight hours from 13.6 to 15.8.
The worst time to visit Fargo
The challenging climatic periods in
Fargo usually fall between
November and
February. This phase is defined by the lowest temperatures of the year, dropping to extreme lows of 2.7°F (-16.3°C) in
January. Coupled with a high humidity index ranging from 74% to 91%, the resultant chill factor can be even more piercing. This period is also notorious for decreased daylight hours, which average between 9 hours in November and 8.6 in
December, limiting the scope for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Fargo
Spring in
Fargo ushers in milder weather after the chill of winter. With temperatures steadily escalating from 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
March to 51.3°F (10.7°C) in
April and finally to 65.8°F (18.8°C) in
May. Rainfall shows a rising trend, going from 0.91" (23mm) in March up to 2.13" (54mm) in May. Sunshine hours increase significantly during this season, from 11.9 hours in March to a pleasant 15.1 hours in May.
Summer weather in Fargo
The summer season in
Fargo spans
June to
August, and is characterized by warm temperatures, high rainfall and extended daylight hours. High temperatures hover around 74.5°F (23.6°C) in June, and elevate further reaching 81°F (27.2°C) in both
July and August. Rainfall reaches its peak in June at 3.07" (78mm), and reduces marginally in the ensuing months. Daylight hours range from 15.8 to 15.4, offering long sunlit days typical of a summer season.
Autumn weather in Fargo
Autumn in
Fargo embraces a steady decline in temperature, marking the transition from summer to winter.
September experiences a high of 71.8°F (22.1°C) which declines to 54°F (12.2°C) by
October and further to 37.8°F (3.2°C) in
November. Rainfall drops considerably during this period, measuring from 1.69" (43mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November. The decline in daylight hours is also noticeable, reducing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.4 hours in November.
Winter weather in Fargo
Winter in
Fargo, covering
December to
February, is characterized by an overall dip in temperature accompanied by elevated humidity and frequent snowfall. The high temperatures plunge to 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in December, 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
January, and back to 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in February. Snowfall during these months ranges from 4.09" (104mm) in December, the peak, to a slightly diminished 3.7" (94mm) in February. Despite the chill, the daylight hours manage to steadily increase from 8.6 in December to 10.3 by February end.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in
Fargo,
North Dakota sees winters in full swing with an accumulation of snow reaching up to 3.54in. The mercury often hovers around low temperatures, making the city a frigid, frozen landscape.
January carries the most considerable percentage of relative humidity, lending a certain bite to the chill.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In contrast to
January,
February witnesses a minute upturn in the average temperatures, although it retains its inherent wintry harshness. Contrarily, it is observed that the amount of snowfall slightly increases, implying more frequent snow days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds a significant shift from the frigid
February as the temperatures start to rise, hinting at a break in the winter season. Snowfall averages dwindle down to 3.19in, giving way to increasing instances of spring showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April embodies the spirit of spring, a stark contrast from the harsh winter months and the slightly colder
March. A conspicuous change is the increase in rainfall from 0.91in to 1.46in, replacing snow with rain. The longer spans of daylight combined with an uptick in average temperatures bring a welcoming warmth to the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses warmer days compared to
April and showcases a more significant jump in temperature levels. Rainfall continues its upward swinging arc, scaling new heights within the year so far. This period facilitates the blooming of diverse flora across the landscape, enhancing the city's beauty.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer, with temperatures soaring higher than
May, making this a particularly warm month. However, this period also sees the highest rainfall amounting to 3.07in, a peak for this location's climatic year. Despite the heat, June brings about sufficient showers to keep the environment hydrated adequately.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sustains the heat from
June while reducing the wet element, marked by the decrease in rainfall. The temperatures continue to rise, peaking for the year with average highs reaching a fiery 81°F (27.2°C). Though July is the hottest month, the relative humidity reduction contributes to making these high temperatures somewhat bearable.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries the heat from
July forward, echoing the high temperatures from July while marginally decreasing humidity. Rainfall amounts see a slight drop, maintaining the summer's dry trend. August offers refreshing sunny days, marked by the lowest cloud cover percentage of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is a transition month, with temperatures dropping from the fiery highs of
August. The rainfall amount sees a significant reduction, it reaches from 1.69in in August to 1.26in in September. This period gracefully welcomes autumn, painting a myriad of colors across the city as foliage changes color.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings with it a significant drop in temperature from the warmer
September, effectively leaving the heat behind. The start of snowfall, albeit in small amounts, is a stark reminder of the rapidly approaching winter season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals the initial phase of winter with a significant drop in temperature compared to the fall-clad
October. Snowfall sees a substantial increase, blanketing
Fargo in a wintry landscape. The shorter daylight hours coupled with the markedly colder climate create a discernibly frosty ambiance.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the culmination of the year, marked by both the lowest temperatures and heavier snowfall resulting in an increase to 4.09in from 1.81in in
November. The frigid weather compounds the already prevalent winter vibe, with colder days and even chillier nights.
Weather in December »