The climate of Shawnee
Nestled in the heart of
Oklahoma,
Shawnee, with its humid subtropical climate, offers a mix of weather conditions throughout the year. According to the Köppen climate classification, Shawnee falls under the Cfa category, which represents regions with no dry season and hot, humid summers. Rainfall remains fairly consistent year-round, with averages ranging from 1.22" (31mm) to 4.06" (103mm) per month, indicating a continuous supply of precipitation throughout the year.
Average high temperatures in Shawnee experience noticeable fluctuation, from a cold 48.6°F (9.2°C) in
January to a hot 92.3°F (33.5°C) in
August. Similarly, the lows swing between a chilly 32.5°F (0.3°C) to a warm 72.7°F (22.6°C). Despite these extremes, the weather in Shawnee generally leans toward the warmer side for a significant portion of the year. Humidity levels, on the other hand, range from 63% to 78%, with the highest levels observed in
May. Average daylight hours follow a predictable cycle, increasing from January's 10.1 hours to the longest day in
June with 14.5 hours, and then decreasing back towards
December's 9.8 hours.
Seasonal changes in Shawnee are marked by distinctive alterations in the wind speed. While the average wind speed in January is about 10.6mph (17.1km/h), it gradually decreases to 7.9mph (12.7km/h) by
July and August before increasing again towards the end of the year. Visibility remains constant at 6 miles throughout the year, allowing for excellent outdoor activities regardless of the season.
The best time to visit Shawnee
Numerous factors influence the choice of the best time to visit
Shawnee. However, considering all aspects, it is fair to propose
May as the most favorable month for visitation. During this period, the city experiences the maximum hours of daylight, reaching up to 14 hours. Coupled with an average high temperature of 76.6°F (24.8°C) and a UV index of 6, May provides the perfect setting for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Additionally, the average relative humidity during May is at its highest level for the year, reaching 78%. This ensures a breeze-like feeling despite the warm temperatures, making sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable even during the peak afternoons. The abundant daylight hours in May are complemented by 8.8 hours of sunshine, one of the longest sunshine durations in the year, providing ample light for exploration and photography.
The worst time to visit Shawnee
The winter months, particularly
January, are generally regarded as the least desirable time to visit
Shawnee. The average high temperature dips to 48.6°F (9.2°C), and nighttime lows can reach a frosty 32.5°F (0.3°C). Although snowfall is typically less than 1 inch, the cold temperatures can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. The daylight hours are also at their shortest in January, with only about 10 hours of light.
Furthermore, the wind speed in January averages 10.6mph (17.1km/h) and has gusts reaching up to 17mph (27.4km/h) at times. These conditions can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, potentially leaving unprepared visitors shivering. The UV index is also at its lowest in January, therefore, sunbathing and other sun-dependent activities are less ideal.
Spring weather in Shawnee
Spring arrives in
Shawnee in a gentle progression of pleasant temperatures and increased daylight hours. The temperature swiftly climbs from a high of 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
February to 70°F (21.1°C) in
April, providing residents and visitors alike with a warm welcome after the chilly winter. However, the humidity also rises during this period, reaching 71% in April. Alongside the steady ascent in temperature, residents and visitors can experience up to 13.1 hours of daylight by the end of April.
Rainfall during spring months increases from 1.18" (30mm) in February to a maximum of 4.06" (103mm) in
May. Simultaneously, the number of rainy days rises from an average of seven days in February to nearly 15 days in May. So, while the temperatures in spring are favorable for outdoor activities, it's crucial to carry an umbrella or raincoat to face the unpredictable showers of the springtime.
Summer weather in Shawnee
Summer in
Shawnee can be characterized by high temperatures and an increased number of sunshine hours. From
June through
August, the city experiences an average high temperature from 87.6°F (30.9°C) to 92.3°F (33.5°C). The heat, however, is somewhat moderated by the lower levels of humidity, with the relative humidity dropping to 66% in
July.
June offers the maximum daylight hours throughout the entire year at 14.5 hours. This gradually decreases to 13.5 hours by August. July is the sunniest month of the year, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day. Despite occasional rainfall, summer in Shawnee is substantially dry, with an average precipitation from 1.97" (50mm) to 2.52" (64mm) and rain spreading over just about 12 days each month.
Autumn weather in Shawnee
Autumn in
Shawnee brings a cooling relief from the intense summer heat, with average high temperatures dropping from 84.2°F (29°C) in
September to a milder 59.9°F (15.5°C) in
November. Similarly, average low temperatures decrease from 64.6°F (18.1°C) to 43.2°F (6.2°C), respectively. The daylight hours follow suit, diminishing from 12.4 hours to 10.3 hours.
Rainfall remains relatively constant during the autumn months, with averages hovering from 2.6" (66mm) to 1.22" (31mm). The number of rainy days also lessens from around 12 in September to just 7.5 in November, creating more opportunities for dry, outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Shawnee
Winter in
Shawnee is characterized by some of the coldest temperatures and shortest days of the year. Average high temperatures drop down to 49.5°F (9.7°C) in
December and 48.6°F (9.2°C) in
January while the average lows sit at 34.7°F (1.5°C) and 32.5°F (0.3°C) respectively. Notably, this is the period in which Shawnee experiences snowfall, with accumulations amounting to 0.67" (17mm) in December and 0.87" (22mm) in January.
While the days are shorter, ranging from 9.8 hours in December to 10.1 hours in January, Shawnee sees a notable decrease in rainfall. Precipitation levels hit low averages of 1.22" (31mm) in both December and January. In terms of cloudy days, December and January hold the highest levels, at 33% and 29% respectively, leading to a more sun-lit environment despite the chilly weather conditions. The wind speed also picks up during these months, averaging 9.9mph (15.9km/h) to 10.6mph (17.1km/h), adding an extra nip to the air.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Shawnee,
Oklahoma features consistently chilly temperatures. While the daylight slowly begins to extend, the winter season persists with the possibility of snowfall. With a typical high temperature of 48.6°F (9.2°C) and low of 32.5°F (0.3°C),
January is generally the coldest time of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, winter weather continues to dominate in
Shawnee. However, the slightly longer days afford a mild rise in temperatures. Compared to
January, February experiences a notable increase in snowfall to 1.61" (41mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the transition towards spring for
Shawnee with a noticeable rise in temperatures. With the lengthening of daylight hours, the city begins to witness warmer days. However, March also brings an increase in rainfall to 2.09" (53mm) and relative humidity of 68%.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in full springtime weather in
Shawnee, with temperatures starting to climb significantly. The days grow longer, and the intensity of the sun continues to increase. Despite this, April experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 2.76" (70mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Shawnee begins to transition from spring into the early hints of summer. The month is characterized by significantly warmer temperatures and an increase in humidity. Rainfall reaches 4.06" (103mm), making it one of the wetter months of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in
Shawnee with temperatures soaring above previous months. The visible increase in sunshine hours reflects the higher temperature ranges. As temperature peaks, rainfall decreases to 1.97" (50mm), leading to drier conditions complemented by plenty of daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer; it registers the highest temperatures of the year, reaching a maximum of 91.9°F (33.3°C). There's also a decrease in humidity, offering some relief from the intense heat. While there is a slight increase in rainfall at 2.24" (57mm), it does little to curb the warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer season in
Shawnee, maintaining high temperatures akin to
July. Despite the high temperatures, a slight dip in humidity helps to keep conditions relatively comfortable. August also lays claim to the highest rainfall values for the year at 2.52" (64mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the autumn season in
Shawnee, offering a reprieve from the summer heat. Temperatures begin to cool down, and rainfall sees a slight increase at 2.6" (66mm). However, this doesn't dampen the spirit of outdoor pursuits.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Shawnee reflects the full arrival of fall with temperatures continuing their downward trajectory. The cooling trend of autumn becomes more pronounced, providing relief after the summer's heat. Although rainfall decreases to 2.83" (72mm), the fall foliage begins to flourish, creating scenic views across the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in a colder climate as
Shawnee transitions from autumn to winter. As the temperature continues to drop, the first snowfall of the season might occur. Despite lower temperatures, November sees a decrease in rainfall to 1.22" (31mm).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in winter's full effect, with the weather turning quite chilly. The decrease in daylight hours is well marked, signaling the arrival of the shortest days of the year. December again sees a slight increase in snowfall to 0.67" (17mm).
Weather in December »