Climate and monthly weather forecast
Watford City, ND

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The climate of Watford City

Watford City settles in a region dominated by the Dfb climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This label denotes humid continental conditions, which implies warm summers and no discernible dry season. This city, nestled in North Dakota, USA, experiences a range of fluctuating weather parameters throughout the year.

On an annual scale, temperatures witness a significant change. From a mere 7.3°F (-13.7°C) in the coldest month, the lows climb to an agreeable 61°F (16.1°C) in summer. Similarly, the highest temperatures span from a frosty 21.4°F (-5.9°C) to a warm 83.1°F (28.4°C) within the year. The swing doesn't stop at the mercury. Humidity levels drop from 89% at the year's start, reaching a low of 49% towards the end of summer, before rising again.

Precipitation exhibits a similar pattern. Rainfall starts from 0.43" (11mm) in the frosty months, peaking at 1.85" (47mm) in a warm June, only to drop back down at year-end. However, the number of rainy days sees increase from 2.9 days to a maximum of 12.6 days in June. Visibility remains fairly constant at an average of 6 miles.

Meanwhile, sunshine duration ranges from a cozy 4 hours to a lively 11.6 hours per day within a year. Even the winds do not remain steady, fluctuating between 9.1mph (14.6km/h) and 11mph (17.7km/h) throughout the year.

The best time to visit Watford City

Choicest time to visit Watford City would likely be during its warm summers. These months offer longest daylight hours, reaching up to a generous 16 hours a day. More remarkably, June boasts an impressive 10.8 hours of sunshine per day. Temperatures are comfortably warm, fluctuating between 61°F (16.1°C) to 83.1°F (28.4°C) between July and August. With the lowest humidity levels year-long and average rainfall, the weather is agreeable for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Watford City

The climate turns hostile for visitors during winter, starting from late November through February. Temperatures plunge to harsh lows, ranging from 7.3°F (-13.7°C) to 23.2°F (-4.9°C). High temperatures also remain in the freezing zone, barely scraping 37.9°F (3.3°C). Snowfall peaks during this period, clocking up to 3.07" (78mm), accompanied by gusty winds touching 16.8mph (27km/h), making outdoor activities challenging.

Spring weather in Watford City

Spring months encourage a gradual warming in Watford City. Starting from March, temperatures begin to recover from winter lows, with lows warming from 23°F (-5°C) to 46°F (7.8°C) and highs moving from 37.9°F (3.3°C) to 64.6°F (18.1°C) by May. With the increase in temperature, the city celebrates spring with increased rainfall, peaking at 1.73" (44mm) in May.

Summer weather in Watford City

Summer season in Watford City stretches from June to August, bringing warmth and more daylight. The city experiences longest daylight hours in June, lasting for up to 16 hours. However, humidity lowers to an average of 57% making the weather pleasant rather than sticky. Furthermore, rainfall peaks at 1.85" (47mm) in June, ensuring a moist but comfortable atmosphere.

Autumn weather in Watford City

Autumn months, namely September through November, see a gradual cooling pattern. High temperatures retreat from 71.2°F (21.8°C) to 37.8°F (3.2°C), while low temperatures also descend along this trend and drop from 52.2°F (11.2°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C). However, the daylight duration reduces, dwindling down to only 9.3 hours by November.

Winter weather in Watford City

Winter in Watford City comes with a distinct chill, as temperatures nosedive from December through February. With temperatures fluctuating between 7.3°F (-13.7°C) and 37.9°F (3.3°C), the city witnesses an average snowfall amounting to 2.73" (69mm) in December and even heavier in the following months. The city endures an average of 11.2 snowfall days each in December and February, accompanied by strong, chilling winds, making winters harsh and challenging in Watford City.

Weather in January

January in Watford City, North Dakota hosts the city's coldest temperatures of the year with high and low temperatures ranging from 21.4°F (-5.9°C) to 7.3°F (-13.7°C) respectively. January's cold spells are supplemented by the year's highest relative humidity of 89%. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Watford City's weather in February sees a small rise in temperatures. Snowfall remains consistent with January at 2.83 in but will slowly start to decrease as the year progresses. The duration of daylight extends with an added 1.4 hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In comparison to February, March in Watford City experiences a significant shift as temperatures start to rise, hitting a high of 37.9°F (3.3°C). A noticeable trend during March is the substantial decrease in relative humidity, dropping to 79% from 88% in February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April proves to be a month of transformation for Watford City's weather. Residing in the heart of spring, April flaunts an impressive increase in temperatures, with the mercury climbing to a high of 51.3°F (10.7°C). This rise in temperature is accompanied by a significant reduction in snowfall, down to 1.42 in. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As spring deepens, May in Watford City is characterized by a substantial rise in temperature with a notable high of 64.6°F (18.1°C). This month observes a further decrease in snowfall, thinning it down to a minimal 0.16 in. The city witnesses an increased amount of daylight, showing clear signs of summer’s approach. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June showcases the arrival of summer with temperatures peaking at 74.8°F (23.8°C) in Watford City. This increase in temperature is complemented by the longest daylight hours the city experiences in the year, reaching a maximum of 16 hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July signifies the peak of summer in Watford City with high temperatures soaring to 83.1°F (28.4°C). The city is enveloped in warm weather patterns, giving rise to longer, sunnier days. With the start of July, rainfall starts to decline and carries through the summer. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Watford City's weather in August starts to hint at the approaching autumn with a slight decline in temperatures from July's highs. However, the city still experiences summer temperatures. The days shorten slightly as compared to July and the falling rain lessens to a value of 1.26 in. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Watford City is a significant turning point where summer fades into fall. Temperatures gradually drop to a comfortable range with the maximum temperature hovering at 71.2°F (21.8°C). The arrival of autumn is accompanied by shorter daylight hours, signaling an end to the bright summer days. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October further embraces the fall season, recording a noticeable drop in temperatures in Watford City. The city experiences its first snowfall since May, measuring at 0.91 in. The placid daylight shortens further, ushering in longer, cooler nights. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks the onset of winter in Watford City with temperatures falling to as low as 25.2°F (-3.8°C). The city receives a considerable increase in snowfall, which jumps to 3.03 in from October’s figures. This period witnesses a drastic cut in daylight hours, hinting towards the shortest days of December. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December finds Watford City in the heart of winter marked by the lowest temperatures for the year at 23.2°F (-4.9°C). Snowfall rises to its peak, reaching 3.07 in. Daylight dwindles down to the yearly minimum of 8.5 hours, fostering long, frosty nights. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?

In Watford City, January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 21.4°F (-5.9°C) at the peak and 7.3°F (-13.7°C) at the lowest.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 89%.

What is the driest month?

January and February are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 3.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.43" (11mm) of rain.

How many days does it rain?

In Watford City, during the entire year, the rain falls for 91.6 days and collects up to 12.64" (321mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

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

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 58.2 snowfall days, and 16.54" (420mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

January and December, with an average of 4h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index in Watford City are February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

What is the wettest month?

June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 12.6 days and accumulates 1.85" (47mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Watford City, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

What month is the hottest?

July is the month when Watford City experiences its warmest temperatures, averaging a high of 83.1°F (28.4°C) and a low of 61°F (16.1°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.6h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 49%.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 11.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.07" (78mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Watford City, ND

Average temperature - Watford City, ND

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (21.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.3°F).

Average pressure
Watford City, ND

Average pressure - Watford City, ND

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.17"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.84"Hg).

Average wind speed
Watford City, ND

Average wind speed - Watford City, ND

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8.9mph).

Average humidity
Watford City, ND

Average humidity - Watford City, ND

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (89%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (49%).

Average rainfall
Watford City, ND

Average rainfall - Watford City, ND

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.85").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.43").

Average rainfall days
Watford City, ND

Average rainfall days - Watford City, ND

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (12.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.9 days).

Average snowfall
Watford City, ND

Average snowfall - Watford City, ND

The month with the highest snowfall is December (3.07").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Watford City, ND

Average snowfall days - Watford City, ND

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and December (11.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Watford City, ND

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Watford City, ND

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Watford City, ND

Average sunshine days - Watford City, ND

The month with the most sunshine days is September (20.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (14.9 days).

Average UV index
Watford City, ND

Average UV index - Watford City, ND

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Watford City, ND

Average visibility - Watford City, ND

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

Watford City, North Dakota, USA

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