Climate and monthly weather forecast
Grand Forks, ND

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The grand University of North Dakota located in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The grand University of North Dakota located in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The climate of Grand Forks

Positioned in North Dakota, USA, Grand Forks possesses the trademarks of a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summer. This dictates the typical weather patterns the region experiences throughout the year. With the Köppen climate classification of Dfb, elements of the weather such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and snowfall have discernible ranges and fluctuations.

Throughout the year, a considerable variation becomes evident in the temperature, bottoming at 0.9°F (-17.3°C) in January and peaking at 80.6°F (27°C) in the warmer month of August. This fluctuation in temperature is directly reflected in the changes in humidity levels, ranging from a yearly low of 60% in August to a peak of 91% in both January and February.

Rainfall sees an incremental rise before reaching its zenith in June, with a quantity of 1.89" (48mm). In opposition, rainfall descends to its lowest point in January with 0.24" (6mm). Snowfall heavily sits between 1.42" (36mm) in January and 2.8" (71mm) in December, with no recorded snowfall between May and September.

Unique climatic conditions become apparent in Grand Forks with the impressive variation in daylight hours, ranging from a low of 8.9 hours in January to an impressive 16 hours in June. UV Index harmonizes with daylight hours, wherein it hits its peak in July at 6 and drops to a low of 1 in the winter months.

The best time to visit Grand Forks

Based upon the climate characteristics, the best time to visit Grand Forks is from June to September. During these months, temperatures reach their highest values of 73.6°F (23.1°C) to 80.6°F (27°C). The weather offers the best conditions for outdoor activities. Plus, it corresponds with the maximum hours of daylight, ranging from 15.2 hours in May to 15.6 hours in July.

The worst time to visit Grand Forks

The least desirable time to visit Grand Forks would be during the colder months, namely between December to February. The region experiences its lowest temperatures, plummeting down to between 0.9°F (-17.3°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C). Plus, the daylight hours drop to their annual minimum from 8.5 hours to 8.9 hours, putting a pause to many outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Grand Forks

Springtime in Grand Forks brings with it an ascending curve in climatic conditions. April sees temperatures beginning to thaw out, increasing from March’s 33.4°F (0.8°C) to reach 49.8°F (9.9°C). The pleasant weather parallels a rise in rainfall too, jumping from 0.43" (11mm) in March to 0.79" (20mm) in April.

Summer weather in Grand Forks

Summer months in Grand Forks show a steady rise in temperatures, culminating in the year’s peak at 80.6°F (27°C) in August. There is also a considerable increase in rainfall, with a pronounced spike in June at 1.89" (48mm). Simultaneously, daylight hours stretch to their annual maximum at 16 hours in June, making these months the most attractive for visitors.

Autumn weather in Grand Forks

Autumn becomes a transition period in Grand Forks, marked by a gradual cooling of temperature after summer's highs. September sees temperatures beginning to slide, moving down from 70.7°F (21.5°C) to settle at 52.7°F (11.5°C) in October. Concurrently, daylight hours begin to dwindle from 12.6 hours in September to 10.8 hours in October.

Winter weather in Grand Forks

Winter in Grand Forks is characterized by the freezing conditions, as the temperature plummets to reach between 0.9°F (-17.3°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C) from December to February. The season also brings the peak period for snowfall, recording heights between 1.42" (36mm) in January to 2.8" (71mm) in December. With persistent below-zero temperatures and limited daylight hours, the winter period is the region’s most formidable.

Weather in January

In January, Grand Forks experiences the chill of winter, marked by a fairly high humidity level of 91%. A coat, hat, and gloves are essential for the cold weather, often accompanied by snow. In fact, the highest snowfall of the year occurs in January with up to 1.42" (36mm). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, the Grand Forks weather remains in the firm grip of winter, albeit with slight changes. There is less cloud cover than in January and there is a small but noticeable increase in sunshine of approximately 0.3 hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Grand Forks nudges closer towards spring, which is noticeable through gradually increasing temperatures. There is a dramatic increase in daylight, improving the overall visibility. The unique factor in March's weather is a notable leap in the low temperature from 2.8°F (-16.2°C) to 20.1°F (-6.6°C). Weather in March »

Weather in April

As the calendar turns to April, Grand Forks enjoys milder weather, as winter starts to recede. There is a significant decrease in relative humidity, going down to 67%, making the air less saturated with moisture. The month is distinguished for having the highest rainfall and number of rainy days (8.3) between February and May. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is considered the true beginning of spring in Grand Forks, with warming temperatures and blossoming natural scenery. The city receives plenty of daylight, marking the arrival of longer days. The noticeable climatic element in May lies in the rise in humidity to 63%, indicating a more moist environment. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes summer in Grand Forks with a marked increase in temperature and decreasing cloud cover. Longer sunlight hours and less cloudy skies imply more sunlight reaching the surface. In June, the temperature rises notably, reaching a high of 73.6°F (23.1°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

Grand Forks experiences the peak of summer in July. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with people taking advantage of the almost 16 hours daylight available. The most notable weather aspect lies in the hottest temperatures of the year, climbing to a high of 80.2°F (26.8°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

The weather in August remains pleasantly warm in Grand Forks, continuing the trend from July. With falling humidity levels and decreasing rainfall, these conditions make for comfortable outdoor experiences. In terms of unique climatological patterns, August comes out as the month with the least cloud cover at 25%. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Grand Forks brings the arrival of autumn with it. A crispness starts creeping into the weather, as the temperatures begin a gradual decline. The meteorological highlight of this month comes from a sudden drop in the high temperature from 80.6°F (27°C) to 70.7°F (21.5°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is notably cooler in Grand Forks, with the fall season making itself felt. As the leaves change, the weather does as well. The most distinctive feature comes from the low temperature plummeting to 39.6°F (4.2°C), compared to 51.6°F (10.9°C) in September. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, Grand Forks begins to transition into winter once again. A dramatic drop in temperature signals the inexorable approach of the colder season. A striking transformation occurs in this month as the high temperature descends to a chilly 35.6°F (2°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December showcases the return of winter weather in Grand Forks. A hallmark of the season here comes with the low temperature dipping to 7.5°F (-13.6°C). The daylight hours reduce significantly, leaving only 8.5 hours of illumination. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest in Grand Forks?

The month of January, characterized by an average high of 15.3°F (-9.3°C) and a low of 0.9°F (-17.3°C), is recognized as the coldest in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

What are the most humid months in Grand Forks?

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 91%, are most humid months in Grand Forks.

What is the driest month in Grand Forks?

The month with the least rainfall in Grand Forks is January, when the rain falls for 0.8 days and typically collects 0.24" (6mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Grand Forks?

In Grand Forks, during the entire year, the rain falls for 80.3 days and collects up to 10.47" (266mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Grand Forks?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How much does it snow in Grand Forks?

Throughout the year, in Grand Forks, there are 54.6 snowfall days, and 11.54" (293mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Grand Forks?

January has the least sunshine of the year in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with an average of 2.9h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Grand Forks?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Grand Forks?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Grand Forks, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the rainiest month in Grand Forks?

The month with the most rainfall in Grand Forks is June, when the rain falls for 14.1 days and typically aggregates up to 1.89" (48mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Grand Forks?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Grand Forks?

With an average of 16h and 0min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Grand Forks.

What month has the most sunshine in Grand Forks?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.8h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index in Grand Forks?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

What is the hottest time of year in Grand Forks?

Grand Forks's August weather reaches an average high of 80.6°F (27°C) and an average low of 59.4°F (15.2°C), making it the warmest month.

What is the least humid month in Grand Forks?

August is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 60%.

What is the snowiest month in Grand Forks?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 11.7 days and accumulates 2.8" (71mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Grand Forks?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Grand Forks, ND

Average temperature - Grand Forks, ND

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (80.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (15.3°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (0.9°F).

Average pressure
Grand Forks, ND

Average pressure - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

Average wind speed
Grand Forks, ND

Average wind speed - Grand Forks, ND

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (10.6mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (8.2mph).

Average humidity
Grand Forks, ND

Average humidity - Grand Forks, ND

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (60%).

Average rainfall
Grand Forks, ND

Average rainfall - Grand Forks, ND

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.89").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.24").

Average rainfall days
Grand Forks, ND

Average rainfall days - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (14.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (0.8 days).

Average snowfall
Grand Forks, ND

Average snowfall - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.8").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Grand Forks, ND

Average snowfall days - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (11.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Grand Forks, ND

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Grand Forks, ND

Average sunshine days - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the most sunshine days is January (21.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (13.7 days).

Average UV index
Grand Forks, ND

Average UV index - Grand Forks, ND

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Grand Forks, ND

Average visibility - Grand Forks, ND

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).

Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA

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