The climate of Montpelier
Per the Köppen climate classification,
Montpelier,
Vermont, follows the Dfb climate type, with a humid continental climate, no dry season, and a warm summer. The climate presents some clear monthly variability when it comes to temperature, humidity, and aspects such as rainfall, snowfall, sunshine, and wind.
Throughout the annual cycle, Montpelier experiences a broad range of temperatures, from a chilly 10.8°F (-11.8°C) in winter to a summery high of 76.8°F (24.9°C). Variations in humidity are less drastic with small oscillations from a low of 76% in
May to a high of 89% during winter months. The precipitation schedule provides a dynamic element to the city's climate, with the wettest month presenting 3.43" (87mm) rainfall in
June.
A unique aspect of Montpelier's climate is its pronounced snowfall, which sees its peak in
February with a measure of 13.31" (338mm) falling over 22 days. This high volume snowfall ebbs away by May, paving the way for a snow-free summer from June to
September. Another particular pattern is the gradual increase in daylight hours, peaking at 15.5 hours in June before decreasing towards winter.
The best time to visit Montpelier
Based on the climate data, the optimal period to visit
Montpelier is between late
May and early
September. During this time, temperatures hover from a pleasant 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 76.8°F (24.9°C), and there is zero snowfall recorded. Moreover, with relative humidity remaining below 80% and rainfall amounting to less than 3" (76mm) per month, the weather conditions are relatively gentle. Adding to these are longer daylight hours fluctuating from 14.8 to 15.1 hours, allowing ample time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Montpelier
The most challenging time to visit
Montpelier is during the winter season, from
December to
February. During these months, temperature gradients are incredibly low, varying from a frigid 10.8°F (-11.8°C) to 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Coupled with this is a substantial amount of snowfall up to 13.31" (338mm) in February. With less sunshine hours in winter, the UV index remains at a minimum of 1.
Spring weather in Montpelier
Spring in
Montpelier begins quite cold, with temperatures in
March ranging from 19.9°F (-6.7°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C), before warming up to shift between 31.5°F (-0.3°C) to 48.2°F (9°C) in
April, and finally a more comfortable 43.2°F (6.2°C) to 63.7°F (17.6°C) in
May. The rainfall steadily increases from 2.4" (61mm) in March to 2.99" (76mm) in May, while snowfall lessens from 9.45" (240mm) in March to a trace of 1.14" (29mm) in May. Daylight hours too noticeably expand, from 12 hours in March to 14.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Montpelier
Summers in
Montpelier, from
June to
August, offer pleasantly warm temperatures from 49.6°F (9.8°C) to 76.8°F (24.9°C). June sees the peak of rainfall with 3.43" (87mm), dropping slightly to 2.87" (73mm) by August. This is also the time when the city remains free of snowfall. Daylight extends its maximum of 15.5 hours in June before receding to 14 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Montpelier
Autumn in
Montpelier, from
September to
November, sees temperatures falling steadily from 48°F (8.9°C) to 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Rainfall sees a slight increase from 2.09" (53mm) in September to 2.32" (59mm) in November. The city re-encounters snow in November, with 7.91" (201mm) of snowfall over 11.3 days. Daylight hours inevitably recede from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours in November.
Winter weather in Montpelier
Winter months,
December to
February, are characterized by frigid temperatures from 10.8°F (-11.8°C) in
January to a slightly higher 19°F (-7.2°C) in December. Accumulated snowfall height reaches 13.31" (338mm) in February, with snow falling on around 22 days each month. Despite the inclement conditions, the amount of rainfall during these months ranges from 2.2" (56mm) in January to 2.6" (66mm) in December, staying relatively consistent.
Weather in January
As
Montpelier,
Vermont embraces the New Year, it does so in typical winter fashion.
January typically holds the mantle for the snowiest month, with snowfall reaching up to 11.57in, perfectly setting the scene for some wintry walks or snowman building.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Montpelier's
February weather remains quite similar to that of
January, still firmly lodged in the winter season. Snowfall, although slightly higher than in January at 13.31in, is accompanied by marginally brighter days with around 2.7 hours of sunshine.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March indicates the advent of Spring in
Montpelier. Weather patterns suggest a shift from dominant snow to more rainfall, as winter beings to loosen its grip. The city experiences up to 2.4" (61mm) of rainfall, fostering the sprouting flora.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Montpelier transitions further into Spring, residents begin to feel the rising temperatures, with the chilling constraints of winter virtually gone.
April is recognized by its considerable rainfall, amounting to 2.91" (74mm), inducing the city’s abundant greening.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees
Montpelier basking in warmer sunshine and blossoming in full spring flow. This is typically the month when Montpelier ditches the winter wear, experiencing temperatures up to 63.7°F (17.6°C). Apart from the increased temperature, Montpelier also sees an increase in rainfall, amounting to 2.99" (76mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June rolls in,
Montpelier officially welcomes the arrival of summer. The shift towards warmer days is now more pronounced, making for some delightful summer evenings. The city is blessed with a generous 8.3 hours of sunshine daily, the highest so far in the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Montpelier's weather reaches its zenith in
July, presenting the peak of summer to this
Vermont city. Temperatures escalate, with a high record of 76.8°F (24.9°C), truly signifying the height of the warm season. As daylight hours extend to 15.1 hours, the city soaks in the extended sunshine and warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Montpelier marks the gradual heeling of summer with slightly lower temperatures, yet still maintaining comfortable warmth. Although signs of autumn are yet to invade, the city begins its slow transition. Despite a slight dip in temperature, August still holds an impressive 9.7 hours of sun daily, keeping the city bathed in golden warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Montpelier marks the arrival of Autumn. The weather begins to cool down from the highs of summer, adopting a more refreshing ambiance. September experiences a drop in rainfall to 2.09" (53mm), making it the driest month of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Montpelier's
October experiences a more definitive presence of Autumn. Leaves continue their colorful display, making for some magnificent vistas across the city. The cooling trend continues from
September, with frequents spells of brisk weather becoming increasingly common.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signifies the swift descent of winter in
Montpelier. Snowfall replaces rainfall, transforming the city into a winter scenic with up to 7.91" (201mm) of snow. The Winter chill begins to set in, with a noticeable drop in average high temperatures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Montpelier's
December is characteristic of a typical winter month. The city is adorned in a winter attire, with snowfall reaching 9.37" (238mm). A considerable decrease in daylight to 8.9 hours, accompanied by about 3.1 hours of sunshine daily, reflects the depth of the winter season.
Weather in December »