The climate of Sewanee
Sewanee,
Tennessee, identifies with the Humid subtropical climate according to Köppen climate classification. This means that the area experiences no dry season and has a strong tendency towards humidity throughout the year, a characteristic feature of this Cfa climate type. Geographically, Sewanee is nestled in the midst of southern Middle Tennessee, USA.
Across the span of a year, the average temperatures in Sewanee typically swing between 30°F (-1.1°C) and 85.6°F (29.8°C). The warmer temperatures can be expected from the months of
May to
September, where average temperatures surpass the 75.7°F (24.3°C) mark, peaking in
July at 85.6°F (29.8°C). On the other hand, the colder months fall between
November and
March where temperatures drop below 44.2°F (6.8°C), with the lowest average temperature of 30°F (-1.1°C) making itself felt in
January.
Rainfall is quite evenly protracted across all months, varying from 2.8" (71mm) to 5.51" (140mm). July hosts the most rainfall at 5.51" (140mm) whereas the least rainfall is observed in November contributing only 2.8" (71mm). Snowfall, however, is more restricted and is typically seen between the months of
December and
February, giving January the most snowfall at 2.99" (76mm).
The Best Time to Visit Sewanee
The best time to visit
Sewanee would be dictated by what the traveler seeks. For those appreciative of warm weather, the months of
May to
September offer the warmest averages above 75.7°F (24.3°C). These months also see the longest daylight hours, spanning between 14 to 14.5 hours in
June and
July, accompanied by high levels of sunshine ranging from 9.3 hours to 10.3 hours per day.
For those who have a penchant for more humid climates, June offers the most relative humidity at 78%. In combination with a respectable day-length of 14.5 hours and ample sunshine with the average hovering around 10.3 hours, it makes for quite a delightful weather.
The Worst Time to Visit Sewanee
Conversely, the months bookending the year,
December and
January, may not be the most inviting time to visit
Sewanee. With the coldest average temperatures of 30°F (-1.1°C) in January and minimal daylight experienced during December at an average of 9.8 hours per day, these months may not be the most hospitable. Additionally, these months also have the least sunshine, with only 4.7 hours in December and January seeing slightly more at 5 hours per day.
Spring Weather in Sewanee
Spring in
Sewanee is characterized by a rapid climb in temperatures from a low of 40.8°F (4.9°C) in
March to a high of 75.7°F (24.3°C) in
May. This period also experiences increased rainfall ranging from 3.5" (89mm) in March to 4.21" (107mm) in May. Moreover, the daylight hours consistently increase across these months from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May, complemented by an increase in sunshine hours from 5.6 hours in March to 9.3 hours in May.
Summer Weather in Sewanee
During the summer months of
June to
August,
Sewanee experiences its warmest temperatures, hitting an average high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July. Despite being the warmest time of year, these months receive a fair amount of rainfall cumulatively between 3.94" (100mm) and 5.51" (140mm). Daylight hovers around the maximum limit of 14.3 hours in July and August sees a slight decrease to 13.4 hours.
Autumn Weather in Sewanee
Autumn brings about a drop in temperatures, descending from a high of 80.1°F (26.7°C) in
September to a low of 48.9°F (9.4°C) in
November. This period also sees reduced rainfall from 2.99" (76mm) in September to 2.8" (71mm) in November. Sunshine hours gradually decrease from 8.2 hours in September to 5.6 hours in November, following the shortening daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 10.3 hours during the same time.
Winter Weather in Sewanee
Sewanee’s winter season introduces markedly colder temperatures ranging from 48.6°F (9.2°C) in
December to a low of 30°F (-1.1°C) in
January. This season also brings snowfall with 1.85" (47mm) in December and receeding to 0.39" (10mm) by
February. This period, however, enjoys sustained levels of relative humidity at 81%, the highest seen throughout the year. The decrease in daylight hours to 9.8 hours in December and relative decrease in sunshine to 4.7 hours can be noted in these colder months.
Weather in January
Starting the calendar year,
January in
Sewanee,
Tennessee, USA, brings expectations of a wintry weather with considerable cloudiness. The month feels relatively cold, yet it does not register the lowest temperatures of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather in
Sewanee remains wintry, yet experiences a slight warming up compared to
January. The month shows a slightly increased rainfall, coupled with a noticeable decline in the number of snowfall days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees
Sewanee transitioning from winter conditions toward spring. The weather starts to become noticeably milder compared to the earlier months. Rainfall prevails, with days getting increasingly longer and cloudiness slightly reducing.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Sewanee sees a significant change in weather, signifying the full onset of spring. Temperatures rise, and the frequency of precipitation remains steady, balancing rainfall and sunshine hours. Differences become noticeable between nighttime and daytime temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May continues to warm up in
Sewanee, with weather showing signs of impending summer. The rise in temperatures is more perceptible, with an increase in both sunshine hours and the UV index. The chance of rainfall remains constant, and the pressure begins to slightly fall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the official start of summer to
Sewanee. The weather tends to be warm, and daylight reaches its longest period in the year. Expected rainfall decreases slightly, with a reduction in frequency as well. Both temperature and sunshine hours continue to rise.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Sewanee experiences its summer peak, with temperatures climbing further. The pattern of decreased rainfall persists throughout the month. Heatwaves might be experienced due to increasing temperature, but the relative humidity remains stable.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues to ride the high summer heat in
Sewanee. Although the temperatures start showing a minor decline, the overall warmth is still significant. Precipitation registers an uptick, causing increased cloud cover. Despite higher rainfall, the relative humidity remains steady.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering
September,
Sewanee experiences a shift towards cooler weather as autumn approaches. Temperatures begin their descent from the summer highs, yet remain comfortably warm. Sunshine hours also start to take a downturn. A decrease in rainfall quantity is apparent when compared to
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sewanee is characterized by a full-blown autumn atmosphere. The drop in temperature becomes more pronounced, coupled with shorter daylight hours. Weather becomes conducive for outdoor activities, with the balance of sunshine hours and adequate rainfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings an air of winter to
Sewanee, with substantial drops in temperature. The month shows a further decrease in daylight hours, and a noticeable rise in relative humidity. Rainfall occurs more sporadically than the previous month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Sewanee,
Tennessee is typically chilly, rounding out the year with a return to winter weather. Temperatures continue to dip, with shorter days becoming the norm. In contrast to
November, snowfall appears more significantly, while rainfall does not show any drastic changes.
Weather in December »