The climate of Williston
Williston,
North Dakota, is located in a geographic domain characterized primarily by a BSk climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification reflects a mid-latitude steppe climate that exhibits considerable seasonal variability. Numerous weather components play a role in forming the yearly climate pattern, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight, and wind parameters.
The mean high temperature ranges from 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in
February to 83.1°F (28.4°C) in
July, while the average low temperature has a range from 7°F (-13.9°C) in
January and February to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July. A marked variance in humidity is observed throughout the year, with the highest months being January and February (89% and 88% respectively) while the lowest is
September (48%).
Rainfall averages span from 0.35" (9mm) in
December to 2.05" (52mm) in
June, with the corresponding rainy days numbers swinging from 2.5 days in December to 14.2 days in June. The city witnesses a considerable amount of snowfall from
November to
April, peaking at 3.07" (78mm) in February. On average, snowfall occurs over 12.3 days in February.
Williston enjoys daylight for around 8.4 hours per day in December, rising to about 16.0 hours in June. Sunshine hours also show variability from 4 hours per day in January and December to 11.6 hours in July. Moreover, the UV index fluctuates from 1 in the coldest months to 6 during the heart of summer.
The best time to visit Williston
Taking into account a variety of climatic elements such as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours, the best time to visit
Williston falls between
May and
September. During these months, high temperatures hover between a comfortable 64.8°F (18.2°C) to 83.1°F (28.4°C), rainfall is relatively predictable, and daylight lasts for 14.3 to 16.0 hours. A noticeable feature during this period is the lowest percentage of cloud cover, thus offering clearer skies to visitors.
The worst time to visit Williston
Weather conditions from
November to
March are less hospitable for visitors due to harsh winter conditions. Low temperatures range from 7°F (-13.9°C) to 22.5°F (-5.3°C), while the high temperatures remain between 21°F (-6.1°C) to 37.2°F (2.9°C). The relative humidity is also extremely high, rainfall decreases, and snowfall is quite significant leading to an increased number of snow days. This period also experiences the lowest daylight hours and sunshine duration, while the wind speed hikes up, causing lowered temperatures to feel even frostier.
Spring weather in Williston
Spring in
Williston, occurring between
March and
May, is characterized by a clear and distinct rise in temperatures, with highs increasing from 37.2°F (2.9°C) in March to 64.8°F (18.2°C) by the end of May. Corresponding low temperatures also increase from 22.5°F (-5.3°C) to 46.4°F (8°C). Rainfall increases significantly rising from 0.47" (12mm) in March to 1.69" (43mm) in May, while the daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours to 15.2 hours.
Summer weather in Williston
From
June to
August,
Williston experiences summer, with high temperatures fluctuating between 75°F (23.9°C) and 83.1°F (28.4°C). This period also has the highest low temperatures, varying from 55.4°F (13°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). The most amount of rainfall is recorded during this season, peaking at 2.05" (52mm) in June. Summer days are long, with sunshine extending up to 11.6 hours per day in
July.
Autumn weather in Williston
Autumn in
Williston lasts from
September to
November. High temperatures decrease noticeably from 71.2°F (21.8°C) in September to 37.4°F (3°C) by November. The same applies to low temperatures that drop from 52.7°F (11.5°C) to 24.3°F (-4.3°C). Rainfall decreases progressively over this period from 1.61" (41mm) in September to 0.47" (12mm) in November.
Winter weather in Williston
Winter months run from
December through
February in
Williston with high temperatures plunging to a range between 21°F (-6.1°C) and 20.8°F (-6.2°C), while low temperatures drop as low as 7°F (-13.9°C). Snowfall is a prominent feature at this time, reaching up to 3.07" (78mm) in February spread over 12.3 snowfall days. Days are short with daylight duration varying from 8.4 hours to 10.3 hours.
Weather in January
In
Williston,
North Dakota,
January sets the scene for a winter wonderland. In this month, the low temperatures can get down to 7°F (-13.9°C), contributing to the accumulation of up to 2.44" (62mm) of snow. In fact, one can witness the spectacle of snowfall on 11.1 days of the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Williston continues the winter narrative from
January, albeit with a slight rise in temperatures. Notably, winters exhibit their full strength with snowfall on 12.3 days and accumulation leveling at 3.07" (78mm), making it the month with the highest frequency of snow days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Williston marks a notable transition from winter to spring. The whispering remnants of winter are perceptible, as the maximum temperatures still only reach 37.2°F (2.9°C). A melting pot of seasons, the city experiences snowfall on 7.8 days, while rainfall also makes a significant appearance of 0.47" (12mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Williston sees a considerable shift towards warmer weather. The contrast to the previous month is palpable as rainfall replaces snowfall, reaching a noticeable 0.98" (25mm) over 9.8 days. Concomitantly, the daylight extends to 13.7 hours, illuminating the city with warming sunshine.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Williston presents the first taste of summer, providing a relief from the long, cold winter months. One cannot ignore the high rainfall of 1.69" (43mm) on 13.4 days, as this month receives more precipitation. The transformation of the city is compelling with vibrant foliage and blooming flowers adorning the landscape, invigorated by the plentiful rains.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June thrusts
Williston into the heart of summer, replete with clear skies and abundant sunshine. The month achieves the highest UV index of 6, establishing itself as the start of the sunniest season. A sense of vibrancy is permeating the city as residents can enjoy outdoor activities in the extended daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Williston represent the apex of summer with its highest temperature of 83.1°F (28.4°C). During this time, the prominence of sunlight becomes unmissable, reaching a maximum of 11.6 hours per day. The city basks in this summer splendor, offering an ambiance ready for any outdoor pursuit.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Williston exhibits similar temperature patterns to
July, yet shows subtle transitional signs towards fall. Interesting to note, the maximum wind gust speeds of the year reach 13.7mph (22km/h). Moreover, the gradually shortening daylight hours and lessening humidity start to introduce the autumn feel.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Williston serves as a gentle bridge from the high energy of summer to the serene entrance of fall. Arguably, an increase in rainfall to 1.61" (41mm) signifies a shift in seasonal patterns. As temperatures start to fall, the city embraces the first signs of autumn: crisp air, colorful leaves, and early twilight.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the full thrust of autumn to
Williston. This period witnesses a drop in temperatures, but what's noteworthy is the month's minimal rainfall of 0.87" (22mm). The scenery throughout the city becomes a spectacle as the fall colors reach their peak.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Williston ushers in the advent of winters with visible lower temperatures. A particular weather pattern to observe is the return of snowfall, accumulating to 2.01" (51mm). The city now falls under winter's chill, imposing a white blanket of snow on the ground.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Williston welcomes the full arrival of winter, mirrored in the low temperatures and frequent snowfall. It stands out in the monthly weather pattern with the least rainfall of 0.35" (9mm). The snow-covered city shines under the festive lights, painting December with unmatched winter joy.
Weather in December »