The climate of Hartford
Positioned squarely within a Dfb climate zone,
Hartford,
Vermont manifests a Humid Continental climate with no dry season and warm summers according to the Köppen climate classification. This unfurls a broad wave of climate diversity within the region with cold, snowy winters and warm, occasionally hot, summers and fleeting spring and autumn seasons.
Commencing in
January, averages from 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C), and temperatures slowly rise reaching 78.1°F (25.6°C) by
July, then recede gradually, culminating to 30.6°F (-0.8°C) in
December. An unmistakable decline in humidity is noted from 86% in January, down to 75% in
May and
June. From July to December, humidity levels fluctuate moderately between 78% and 83%.
Annual average rainfall hovers around 2.68" (68mm) during the year, peaking at 2.99" (76mm) in
October. With respect to the snowfall, the crest of the wave is in
February with 10.47" (266mm), then plummets straight away to a negligible 0.31" (8mm) by May remaining practically absent until the end of October. Wind speeds tend to reduce marginally as the year progresses from an average of 7.2mph (11.6km/h) in January to 4.8mph (7.7km/h) in
August then ascend to reach 6.8mph (10.9km/h) in December.
The UV index seldom increases beyond 2, except from
April to
September, where the index leaps to levels 3 and 5 before regrouping to 2 from October onwards. To add to the descriptive tapestry of the climate, this geographical position experiences a varying duration of sunshine from 3.6 hours per day in February peaking at 10 hours in August and then descending to 4 hours by December. An interesting periodic pattern of daylight hours is observed, commencing with a low of 9.4 hours in January, reaching a zenith of 15.4 hours by June and then regressing to 9 hours by the year end.
The Best Time to Visit Hartford
Planning when to visit
Hartford hinges largely on interest and preference, given the distinct change in seasons. For avid ski enthusiasts, the winter months from
December to
February serve as the best period to enjoy the snowfall that ranges from 6.46" (164mm) to 10.47" (266mm). For those inclined towards temperate weather and longer daylight hours, the summer months of
June to
August offer mild temperatures between 71.8°F (22.1°C) and 78.1°F (25.6°C), prolonged daylight hours up to 15.4 hours, and longest sunshine durations from 8.7 hours to 10 hours.
The Worst Time to Visit Hartford
Rainfall conditions might render certain months less than ideal for a visit.
October witnesses the highest rainfall amounts at 2.99" (76mm), coupled with an increase in the number of rainfall days that might hinder outdoor activities. The month of
April, despite having moderate rainfall of 2.68" (68mm), experiences the maximum number of rainfall days averaging at 16.6. Hence, for travelers who prefer avoiding excessive precipitation, these months might not be the most suitable for a visit.
Spring Weather in Hartford
Spring season in
Hartford extends from
March to
May, with temperatures rising between 36.1°F (2.3°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C) over these months. Rainfall averages move between 2.05" (52mm) and 2.32" (59mm). Daylight hours incrementally lengthen from 12 hours to approximately 14.7 hours, while sunshine duration expands from 5 hours in March to 8.2 hours by May.
Summer Weather in Hartford
Hartford's summer, extending from
June to
August, manifests warmer conditions with temperatures fluctuating from 71.8°F (22.1°C) to 78.1°F (25.6°C). Rainfall quantities are variable, commencing at 2.8" (71mm) in June, easing to 2.68" (68mm) in
July and tapering to 2.2" (56mm) in August. The region basks in extended daylight hours varying between 15.4 and 13.9 hours across these months.
Autumn Weather in Hartford
Autumn in
Hartford falls in
September through
November, with temperatures decreasing from 68.7°F (20.4°C) to 42.1°F (5.6°C). Rainfall averages dwindle from 1.85" (47mm) in September to 2.17" (55mm) by November. Daylight hours contract from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November while sunshine hours shrink from 8.3 hours in September to 4.9 hours by November.
Winter Weather in Hartford
Winter months in
Hartford, expanses from
December through
February, with temperatures ranging from 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to 27.9°F (-2.3°C). Snowfall soars between December and February, from 6.46" (164mm) to 10.47" (266mm). On the contrary, daylight hours contract and hit the lowest point of 9 hours in December, with sunshine hours dwindling down to 4 hours from December to February.
Weather in January
Hartford,
Vermont greets the new year with chilling temperatures and substantial snowfall. The weather leans towards frigid conditions, with average high and low temperatures of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) and 12.4°F (-10.9°C) respectively.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Hartford continues the freezing trend of
January, with a slight rise in temperature. This subtle increase in warmth does not shift the overall balmy atmosphere, as it's still quite chilly. This period marks another significant snowfall window, with February yielding an average snowfall slightly above 10.4" (264mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the arrival of spring in
March,
Hartford witnesses a gradual departure from the icy grip of winter. The month experiences a significant jump in the average high temperature to 36.1°F (2.3°C), indicating a departure from freezing lows.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Hartford, in
April, rings in a refreshing spring vibe, with the icy winter becoming a distant memory. Warmer temperatures, extended daylight, and minimal likelihood of snow characterize this period. The city's average low temperature scales up to a more comfortable 32.5°F (0.3°C), highlighting the diminishing icy conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May rolls around,
Hartford fully immerses itself in spring's embrace, bidding goodbye to the lingering coolness in the air. With no snowfall, increased sunshine, and warming temperatures, May marks a distinct departure from the preceding months' weather patterns.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The onset of
June brings summer to
Hartford, transforming the city with its characteristic warmth and sunshine. Temperature rises further, providing ample opportunity for various outdoor recreational activities. June also sees the highest level of daylight, with a peak average of 15.4 hours per day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Hunting
Hartford basks in the highest average high temperature of 78.1°F (25.6°C), granted by
July. This month is the warmest in the year but does not compromise on the period of sunshine. It's genuinely summer, with long, languid days and humid nights that complement the heightened activity level.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August maintains a similar weather trend to
July and continues to emanate a warm and sunny atmosphere in
Hartford. The average high temperature slightly dips to 76.3°F (24.6°C), barely noticeable on the overall warmth of the season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the advent of autumn in
Hartford, gradually replacing the summer heat with cooler temperatures. This month is marked by decrease rainfall of approximately 1.85" (47mm), suggesting conditions becoming drier. The average high temperature drops to 68.7°F (20.4°C), the first distinct indicator of a cooling period.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October in
Hartford, autumn begins its reign in earnest, aglow with shades of red, orange, and yellow. The ever-cooling weather, steady rainfall and diminishing daylight hours embody the classic walk-up to winter. It's the commencement of the crisp and cool chapter of the year, showing a significant drop in average high temperature to 55°F (12.8°C).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in the cold again in
Hartford, emerging as a gateway to freezing temperatures. The city prepares for winter, as reflected by the diminishing number of daylight hours to about 9.7 daily. The weather is increasingly brisk, particularly when the average low temperature clocks in at 29.3°F (-1.5°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December completes the calendar year by reintroducing winter conditions to
Hartford. It is back to bundling up as temperatures dive, and chances of snowfall increase, marking the annual loop back to winter. The high freeze comes with a corresponding uptick in snowfall, placing December second in line after
January, with an average snowfall measure close to 6.5" (165mm).
Weather in December »