The climate of Salem
Predominately,
Salem,
Oregon belongs to the Csb, Mediterranean, warm summer zone of the Köppen climate classification. This geographical location and classification contribute to its generally mild and moist weather conditions. Over the course of a year, a broad range of weather patterns is observed in this region due to the shifting of seasons.
Temperature swings in Salem are typical, with average high temperatures varying between a peak of 82°F (27.8°C) in
August to a low of 45.5°F (7.5°C) in
December. Likewise, average minimum temperatures range from 54.1°F (12.3°C) in August down to 34.5°F (1.4°C) in December, indicating a drop in temperature as the year concludes. The varying pressure, stable around 30.04 in, remains fairly constant year-round, exerting only a minor influence on Salem's weather conditions.
Throughout the year, rainfall events are frequent, with December recording the highest average rainfall of 3.94" (100mm). Conversely,
July notes the lower end of the spectrum with approximately 0.28" (7mm). A similar pattern is identified in the number of rainfall days, ranging from a high of 19.6 days in
March to a low of 3.9 days in July.
Humidity levels in Salem maintain an average from 65% to 86%, making the climate moist and rather humid most of the year. In contrast, snowfall is a rare occurrence with minimal figures recorded in
January,
February, and December, while being practically absent the rest of the year.
The best time to visit Salem
The best time to visit
Salem for optimal weather conditions would primarily be between
June to
September. During these months, the city experiences an average high temperature from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 82°F (27.8°C), rendering it perfect for outdoor activities. The lower humidity in
July and
August, approximately 67%, makes the weather less oppressive, offering a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the amount of rainfall is significantly reduced during summer, making these months the driest and providing a pleasant climate for visitors.
The worst time to visit Salem
Contrastingly, the months from
November to
February can be considered the least suitable for visiting
Salem. This period is marked by the lowermost temperatures, with highs plunging to 47.7°F (8.7°C) and lows to 34.5°F (1.4°C). The climate during these months also hosts the highest rainfall levels, reaching up to 3.94" (100mm) in
December alone. Coupled with high humidity figures, this period of the year might not appeal to every traveler's comfort.
Spring weather in Salem
The arrival of spring in
Salem comes with a gradual increase in temperature. Average high temperatures range from 52.9°F (11.6°C) in
March to 66.7°F (19.3°C) in
May. However, nights continue to hold a chill, with the average low temperature varying from 37.4°F (3°C) to 42.8°F (6°C) within the same period. The precipitation stays comparatively high, marking an average of about 2.92" (74mm) in the spring months.
Summer weather in Salem
Summers in
Salem are relatively warm and dry. The month of
July, in particular, witnesses the highest temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 80.8°F (27.1°C). The average low temperatures during this season vary from 47.7°F (8.7°C) to 54.1°F (12.3°C). Rainfall drops low, and July sees the least with only 0.28" (7mm) recorded on average.
Autumn weather in Salem
As autumn sets in, temperatures in
Salem begin to decline. High temperatures average between 74.7°F (23.7°C) in
September and 51.8°F (11°C) in
November. Conversely, the low temperatures show a downward trend from 50.9°F (10.5°C) to 40.1°F (4.5°C) during the same period. A noticeable increase in rainfall is also experienced, with the month of November recording the highest fall at 2.72" (69mm).
Winter weather in Salem
Winter in
Salem brings colder temperatures and increased precipitation. Average temperatures hover around 45.5°F (7.5°C) for highs and 34.5°F (1.4°C) for the lows. The city experiences its highest rainfall in the winter months, particularly
December, with an average of 3.94" (100mm). December also documents the highest relative humidity of the year at about 86%, adding to the cold and dampness.
Weather in January
Typical weather for
Salem,
Oregon in
January is characterized by moderate winters with a high average temperature of 47.7°F (8.7°C) and a low of 35.2°F (1.8°C). Compared to the following month, January features higher rainfall at 3.66" (93mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning into
February,
Salem's weather presents a gradual rise in temperatures. Interestingly, February records a slightly higher snowfall of 1.18" (30mm), though it is still a rare phenomenon for the city. The major distinction lies in the lower precipitation at 2.76" (70mm), which is considerably reduced compared to
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Salem reveals a weather pattern leaning towards spring with warmer temperatures becoming more apparent. There's an increase in the rainfall with 2.99" (76mm) and an increase in daylight hours up to 12. In terms of snowfall, March sees a reduction to 0.47" (12mm), indicating the wrapping up of wintry conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April sets in,
Salem experiences a noticeable shift from the wet weather to a drier climate. Highlighting the change, there's a significant decrease in rainfall with 2.32" (59mm), while the snowfall ceases completely. With the arrival of spring, temperatures continue to rise, alluding to a different phase in Salem's weather cycle.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May, the city of
Salem is in the full bloom of spring. This is underlined by a sharp reduction in rainfall (formed about 1.46" (37mm)) and an increased daylight period. May maintains a dry weather pattern, ensuring a vibrant outdoor ambiance.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Salem represents the beginning of the summer season, as the temperatures continue to climb. In line with the summer expectations, June is considerably drier with a restricted rainfall measure of 1.02" (26mm). Correspondingly, the daylight extends further, fulfilling the city’s summer promise.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Salem experiences the height of summer with the highest average temperature across the year, signaling a peak in the warm season. On the spotlight, July records the lowest rainfall in the year, with a sparse 0.28" (7mm), exemplifying the dry summer trend.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August prolongs
Salem's summer spell with a typical warm and dry climate. Although it holds a rainfall figure of just 0.31" (8mm), August still marks a slight increase when compared to
July. The city embraces this weather by hosting various food festivals and farmers' markets.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September's weather in
Salem is a blend of summer and fall, with warmth fading gradually. Compared to
August, rainfall inches up to 1.22, signaling the starting shift towards the wet season. However, September remains an ideal time for visiting the city's attractions and taking part in local events.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a significant shift in
Salem's weather, featuring cooler temperatures and an increasing rainfall measure of 2.4" (61mm). The weather transition is evident with the advent of Fall. This is the time when Salem is adorned with the colors of fall, enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives,
Salem prepares for the onset of winter, visible through a dip in temperatures. Rainfall measures also escalate to 2.72" (69mm), contributing to the cold weather appeal. Interestingly, the month experiences instances of light snowfall with 0.04" (1mm), offering a sneak peek into the approaching winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally,
December homes the celebrations of Winter in
Salem with the coldest weather throughout the year. The city sees a higher level of rainfall at 3.94" (100mm), defining the mood of December. The feature of December's weather is a moderate snowfall around 0.35" (9mm), which visually aligns with the celebratory holiday season.
Weather in December »