Climate and monthly weather forecast
John Day, OR

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The iconic Painted Hills in the famous John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon
The iconic Painted Hills in the famous John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon

The climate of John Day

Situated in Oregon, USA, John Day is subject to a Dsb Köppen climate classification, referred to as a Humid continental climate with a dry warm summer. This climate pattern is known for variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Throughout the seasons, temperature indices fluctuate significantly in John Day. High temperatures range from 33.4°F (0.8°C) in December up to 81.7°F (27.6°C) in the peak of July, showcasing a considerable shift from cool to warm. Low-temperature readings also reflect this trend, with the coldest month, December, averaging a low of 19.6°F (-6.9°C), while July reaches up to 48.4°F (9.1°C).

Apart from temperature, other weather elements hold significance. Relative humidity percentages oscillate from 42% during the hottest period to 85% in February, indicating a moderate to high level of moisture in the atmosphere. The town sees the highest rainfall in December with about 2.24" (57mm) spread across an average of 11.1 days, while the driest month July, registers a mere 0.24" (6mm) over approximately 3.8 days.

Though snowfall is not a constant feature all year, it becomes a key part of the wintery weather conditions between December to February, with snowfall measures hitting a high of 10.31" (262mm) in February. On the contrary, highest wind speeds are seen in March and November registering 6.1mph (9.8km/h) and 6mph (9.7km/h) respectively with gusts reaching up to 10.5mph (16.9km/h) in November.

The best time to visit John Day

Considering the temperature and weather patterns, the optimal time to visit John Day would be from late spring to early autumn, particularly between May to September. During this time, high temperatures average between 61.3°F (16.3°C) to 81°F (27.2°C), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. The lower rainfall, particularly in July at 0.24" (6mm), contributes to fewer interruptions to outdoor plans.

The UV index is relatively moderate, primarily revolving around 5 in June and dropping to 3 by September. Nonetheless, visitors should still take precautions to protect against sun damage during the peak sunshine hours.

The worst time to visit John Day

Winter months, specifically between December to February, may not be the most suitable for travel due to harsh weather conditions. The average low temperatures during these months fall between 19.6°F (-6.9°C) to 22.5°F (-5.3°C), providing a chilly environment that may not be welcoming to all. Snowfall measurements spike to 8.11" (206mm) in December and 10.31" (262mm) in February, which may lead to disruptions in traffic and outdoor activities.

Spring weather in John Day

Spring in John Day sees warmer weather emerging as temperatures rise steadily from March to May. Highs range from 50.4°F (10.2°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C) and lows rise from 29.3°F (-1.5°C) to 36.1°F (2.3°C). The duration of daylight increases significantly during this season, offering up to 14.8 hours of daylight in May. While there is lesser rainfall in comparison to winter months, the area still experiences measurable precipitation with about 1.65" (42mm) noted in May.

Summer weather in John Day

Summer is defined by dry, warm conditions in John Day. Beginning in June, temperatures continue to climb reaching a high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in July and returning to 71.2°F (21.8°C) by the end of August. Rainfall measures minimally at 0.24" (6mm) to 0.28" (7mm) from June to August, indicating predominantly dry conditions.

Autumn weather in John Day

Autumn introduces cooler weather as temperatures start to decline from 71.2°F (21.8°C) in September to 43°F (6.1°C) by November. Rainfall becomes more consistent, with values of 1.42" (36mm) noticed in November. Around this time, there is also a gradual decrease in daylight hours, reducing to about 9.6 hours per day by November.

Winter weather in John Day

Winter in John Day is characterized by lower temperatures and significant snowfall. The coldest months, December and January, record average high temperatures of 33.4°F (0.8°C) and 35.2°F (1.8°C), and lows between 19.6°F (-6.9°C) to 22.1°F (-5.5°C). Snowfall peaks in February, with accumulations measuring about 10.31" (262mm). Total daylight time during winter is relatively shorter compared to other seasons, making the days feel shorter.

Weather in January

January in John Day, Oregon experiences the frigid bite of winter. A common characteristic during this period is the relative humidity of 84%, paired with high chances of snowfall, totaling to 8.11" (206mm). It is noticeably colder than the following month, making it a perfect time for winter sports. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February sees a slight increase in average temperatures compared to the preceding month. When it comes to snowfall, an increase is observed, with 10.31" (262mm) of snow decorating the city. Consequently, drivers are recommended to exercise caution while navigating snowy roads. Weather in February »

Weather in March

There is a notable shift in weather patterns in March, marking the transition from winter to spring. The month stands out because of its snowfall which lessens to 5.83" (148mm), indicating a retreat of winter. The pressure tends to be stable during this period, contributing to more predictable weather. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April conveys the full bloom of spring, with a considerable increase in temperatures from March. The distinct feature about this month is the drastic reduction in snowfall to 1.69" (43mm), a clear indication of winter's end. The city becomes livelier, with nature reclaiming its vivid colors lost during the winter. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May carries the warmth of spring into John Day, Oregon, promising pleasant weather conditions. Rainfall measures 1.65" (42mm), making it relatively drier compared to the preceding months. With the rise in temperature, outdoor activities become more popular among residents and tourists. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces the engaging summer season in John Day, Oregon. The most distinguished characteristics are the average low temperature of 41.2°F (5.1°C) and the reduced rainfall, accounting for just 0.94" (24mm). These conditions create a welcoming platform for camping and hiking. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July sits at the peak of summer with record high temperatures not seen in previous months. The unique weather pattern is represented by the least amount of rainfall at 0.24" (6mm). The heat encourages residents to bask in local swimming spots. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August oversees a continuation of the dominant summer conditions but maintains almost the exact same temperature range as July. What sets this month apart is the slight increase in rainfall to 0.28" (7mm), a signal of the approaching end of summer. Weather in August »

Weather in September

With the commencement of September, the weather starts to transition into fall. Although the temperature drop is nominal, the observable difference is the increase in rainfall to 0.55" (14mm). The presence of early fall foliage starts to draw leaf-peepers. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings more noticeable indicators of fall, with temperatures dipping further. The clear sign of transition is the greater amount of rainfall, measuring up to 1.3" (33mm). This also marks the beginning of the rainy season in John Day, Oregon. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, the weather starts getting colder, marking the beginnings of winter. The significant change this month is the revival of snowfall, measuring 4.02" (102mm). The landscape of John Day, Oregon gradually white-washes, making it a serene sight to behold. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in John Day, Oregon is characterized by a full-fledged winter. The weather element that makes this month exceptional is the most pronounced quantity of snowfall at 8.31" (211mm). The weather remains cold, often with freezing mornings and nights. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 127.7 rainfall days, and 17.09" (434mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

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

How many days does it snow in John Day?

Throughout the year, there are 62.5 snowfall days, and 39.17" (995mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January and February, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in John Day.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 85%, February is the most humid month.

What is the wettest month?

February is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 11.9 days and accumulates 2.28" (58mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 12.5 days and typically aggregates up to 10.31" (262mm) of snow.

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 PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

When it does not snow?

In John Day, Oregon, snow does not fall in June through August.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days in John Day is June, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.

What is the hottest time of year?

John Day's warmest month, July, registers temperatures that range from a high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) to a low of 48.4°F (9.1°C).

What is the driest month in John Day?

July is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 3.8 days and accumulates 0.24" (6mm) of precipitation.

When is the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month in John Day is August, with an average relative humidity of 42%.

What month has the most sunshine in John Day?

With an average of 12.1h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the coldest month?

December, with average temperatures reaching a high of 33.4°F (0.8°C) and a low of 19.6°F (-6.9°C), is the coldest month.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year in John Day, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
John Day, OR

Average temperature - John Day, OR

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (33.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (49.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (19.6°F).

Average pressure
John Day, OR

Average pressure - John Day, OR

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.22"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is August (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
John Day, OR

Average wind speed - John Day, OR

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6.2mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are August and September (5mph).

Average humidity
John Day, OR

Average humidity - John Day, OR

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (42%).

Average rainfall
John Day, OR

Average rainfall - John Day, OR

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (2.28").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.24").

Average rainfall days
John Day, OR

Average rainfall days - John Day, OR

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (17.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (3.3 days).

Average snowfall
John Day, OR

Average snowfall - John Day, OR

The month with the highest snowfall is February (10.31").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
John Day, OR

Average snowfall days - John Day, OR

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (14.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
John Day, OR

Average daylight / Average sunshine - John Day, OR

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

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).

Average sunshine days
John Day, OR

Average sunshine days - John Day, OR

The month with the most sunshine days is July (24.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (9 days).

Average UV index
John Day, OR

Average UV index - John Day, OR

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
John Day, OR

Average visibility - John Day, OR

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (4mi).

John Day, Oregon, USA

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