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 »