The climate of Harrisonburg
The general climatic conditions of
Harrisonburg fall under the Cfa classification according to the Köppen climate classification. Positioned in
Virginia, USA, Harrisonburg experiences a humid subtropical climate, with no dry season.
Throughout the year, Harrisonburg exhibits considerable variability in weather parameters. Temperatures range from a low of 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in
January to a high of 83.8°F (28.8°C) in
July. Relative humidity levels generally congregate closely around the 75% mark, with only slight deviations in particular months. The number of rainfall days can swing between a low of 9 days in January to a high of 18.9 days in
May. Similarly, monthly rainfall ranges from 1.85" (47mm) in January to 3.46" (88mm) in May, signaling the potential for more frequent and heavier downpours during Spring.
A noticeable feature of Harrisonburg's climate is its snowfall. Significant snowfall, reaching up to 4.45" (113mm), occurs from January to
March. Snowfall days are likewise greater during these months, tapering off to almost no snow from May to
October. Daylight hours stretch from a bare minimum of 9.8 hours in January to a generous 14.8 hours in
June, while sunshine hours and days demonstrate a similar pattern.
The best time to visit Harrisonburg
Considering the climate dynamics, the most ideal time to visit
Harrisonburg would be from
May to
October. During these months, temperatures rest comfortably between 62.6°F (17°C) and 83.8°F (28.8°C), and rainfall decreases from its peak in May. Additionally, longer daylight hours, reaching up to 14.8 hours in
June, provide ample time for outdoor activities. At this time, high visibility of around 6 miles and lower wind speeds further enhance exploratory activities.
The worst time to visit Harrisonburg
The least favorable period to visit
Harrisonburg would be from
December to early
March. Temperatures plummet to between 23.4°F (-4.8°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C) accompanied by significant snowfall, making outdoor activities challenging. Days are also considerably shorter, with daylight hours shrinking to as low as 9.5 hours in December. Moreover, higher wind speeds might create uncomfortable conditions for visitors sensitive to wind chill.
Spring weather in Harrisonburg
Spring presents an annual weather transformation in
Harrisonburg. Temperatures gradually rise from 38.8°F (3.8°C) in
March to a comfortable 62.6°F (17°C) in
April. Spring experiences the highest rainfall of the year, with amounts soaring from 2.36" (60mm) in March to a record 3.46" (88mm) in
May. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days inflates from 14.1 days in March to a high of 18.9 days in May. Nevertheless, days grow incrementally longer, with daylight hours blooming from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May. These conditions mark the onset of Harrisonburg's warmest period.
Summer weather in Harrisonburg
Summer in
Harrisonburg translates to warm weather, long days, and optimal visibility. Temperature highs hover between 72.1°F (22.3°C) in
May and peak at a warm 83.8°F (28.8°C) in
July. In contrast, rainfall and the number of rainy days decline gradually, providing a relative respite from the wet spring conditions. Daylight hours extend to up to 14.8 hours in
June, coupled by up to 10.5 hours of sunshine in July, the longest throughout the year.
Autumn weather in Harrisonburg
Autumn in
Harrisonburg sees a downturn in temperature, with highs declining from 75.4°F (24.1°C) in
September to 52.2°F (11.2°C) in
November. Rainfall remains consistent without significant fluctuations, with the majority of months receiving between 2.24" (57mm) and 2.52" (64mm) of rain. However, the number of daylight hours reduces steadily from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November. This period signals the transition into Harrisonburg's cooler months.
Winter weather in Harrisonburg
Winter brings a significantly cooler climate to
Harrisonburg. Temperatures stoop to as low as 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in
January and rise modestly to 43.7°F (6.5°C) in
December. As a unique winter characteristic, Harrisonburg also experiences its highest snowfall during these months, with a peak of 4.45" (113mm) in
March and 4.13" (105mm) in
February. Daylight hours dwindle to the shortest in the year, bottoming at 9.5 hours in December. These chilly, snow-laden conditions paint a picturesque winter landscape in Harrisonburg.
Weather in January
January in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia marks the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to 23.4°F (-4.8°C). This is when the city experiences a notable degree of snowfall, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather remains cold in
Harrisonburg, but there's a slight increase in average temperatures from the preceding month, now peaking at 43.5°F (6.4°C). Days start to lengthen, however, providing a touch more daylight to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Harrisonburg begins to thaw, marking the advent of Spring as average temperatures now peak at 51.4°F (10.8°C). This period is characterized by longer daylight hours and a noticeable decrease in snowfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies peak springtime in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia with significant improvements in average temperatures, reaching as high as 62.6°F (17°C). The weather becomes increasingly pleasant over this phase, cultivating a vibrant display of blooming flora across the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the beginning of moderately warm weather in
Harrisonburg, with average high temperatures mounting up to 72.1°F (22.3°C). It also brings with it the highest levels of rainfall throughout the year, vital for the flourishing local flora.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The summer heat starts to set in during
June with peak temperatures soaring to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia. This month is characterized by longer sunny days, minimal rainfall, and a decline in relative humidity. Evenings often provide a respite from the summer heat, making a stroll through the city's many parks and trails all the more enjoyable.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Harrisonburg is distinctly recognized as the hottest month of the year, with average high temperatures soaring to astounding 83.8°F (28.8°C). Paired with the peak UV index, the intense heat calls for protective measures against sun exposure.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Augmenting
August with warm afternoons with temperatures peaking at 82°F (27.8°C), the weather in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia remains firmly in the summer threshold. Nonetheless, signs of the upcoming autumn start to show, with a slight reduction in heat from
July, and a tad increase in the overall rainfall levels.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a notable decrease in temperatures, with average high temperatures dropping to 75.4°F (24.1°C) in
Harrisonburg. This heralds the start of the autumn season with a crispness in the air and vibrant foliage transforming the cityscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Entering
October, the weather in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia takes on a distinctly autumnal tone with average temperatures descending to a cooler 63.7°F (17.6°C). This time of the year is characterized by cooler nights, vibrant fall foliage, and a more consistent weather pattern.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November unfurls, it spearheads a transition from Maika's autumn scenery to the onset of winter, with temperatures now capturing a significant drop down to 52.2°F (11.2°C). The vibrantly colored foliage begins to fade, making way for a grayer, more wintery landscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the return of the winter season in full throttle in
Harrisonburg,
Virginia. Average temperatures dive down significantly with lows of 28.9°F (-1.7°C), hinting at the forthcoming snowfall in the city's future. While the richness of the year's colors begins to fade, the city takes on a whole new charm with holiday lights.
Weather in December »