Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sterling, VA

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The climate of Sterling

Sterling, Virginia, USA, nestles in the climatic confines of the Köppen climate classification Cfa. This classification stands for a humid subtropical climate, with no dry season to mark. The long-lasting, simmering summers and generally mild winters signify a large part of Sterling's weather portrait.

Fluctuations in climatic parameters across 12 months bear significant reflections of varied weather conditions. High temperatures leap from 39.7°F (4.3°C) in January, peaking up to 87.8°F (31°C) in July, before plunging back to cool December at 45.1°F (7.3°C). On the cooler end, low temperatures hover from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) to 67.3°F (19.6°C) between January and July. Thermal variations reflect the changing seasons, fostering a conducive weather framework.

Rainfall in Sterling follows an interesting pattern. A review of the monthly averages shows slight increments and reductions, giving substantial rainfall throughout the year. The driest month, January reports a rainfall of 2.13" (54mm), whereas August sees the highest precipitation at 3.78" (96mm). On average, rainfall days range from 9.3 to 16.7 days in a month.

Interestingly, snowfall, a less frequent phenomenon, occurs mostly in winter. Maximum snowfall, quantifying at 3.54" (90mm), records in January, with 5.1 snowfall days. It then decreases until it is completely absent from May to November. The longest daylight hours can be enjoyed in June with 14.9 hours, while December has the shortest span of 9.5 hours. Wind speeds stay within a minimum limit of 4.7mph (7.6km/h) and a maximum limit of 7.5mph (12.1km/h) year-round.

The best time to visit Sterling

For tourists aspiring to relish Sterling's pleasant climate, May to September can offer warm days with less snow. These months attract a fair amount of sunshine, between 8.7 hours to 10.7 hours, promising bountiful daylight for outdoor activities. Also, relative humidity levels fluctuate around 72% to 76%, offering comfortable climatic conditions for visitors.

The worst time to visit Sterling

January and February bring temperature lows of 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and 28°F (-2.2°C) respectively. Coupled with snowfall measuring up to 3.54" (90mm) and 3.27" (83mm) in these months, these conditions can prove challenging for those unaccustomed to harsh winters. Therefore, travel plans during the start of the year might require careful consideration.

Spring weather in Sterling

In Sterling, spring presents rising temperatures, moving from 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 64.9°F (18.3°C) between March and April. Corresponding rainfall varies from 2.44" (62mm) to 2.8" (71mm), with rainfall days extending from 13 to 15.4 days. As spring arrives, snow becomes a rare sight and all but disappears by April.

Summer weather in Sterling

Summer in Sterling stages high temperatures ranging from 75°F (23.9°C) up to 87.8°F (31°C) from May to July. The rainfall touches 3.11" (79mm) in May and tops at 3.78" (96mm) in August coupled with reduced wind speed. However, longer daylight hours and abundant sunshine, ranging from 10.1 hours to 10.7 hours, make up for the sultry weather.

Autumn weather in Sterling

Autumn, stretching from September to November, displays an atmospheric transition. It moves from warm to cooler temperatures between 78.3°F (25.7°C) to 53.6°F (12°C). Rainfall fluctuates moderately between 1.93" (49mm) and 2.36" (60mm), with 12.6 to 9.5 rainy days.

Winter weather in Sterling

Winter ushers in Sterling in December with temperature lows of 32°F (0°C). The presence of snow amplifies winter's arrival, with 1.97" (50mm) of snow in December. January, Sterling's coldest month, records a high temperature of 39.7°F (4.3°C) and a low temperature of 25.9°F (-3.4°C). Despite the cold, December offers extended sunshine hours, enabling to enjoy 5 hours of sunshine a day.

Weather in January

January ushers in the New Year with chilly temperatures in Sterling, Virginia. Snowfall is regularly observed, with accumulation reaching as high as 3.54" (90mm), enhancing the picturesque qualities of the city in winter. It signals a slow wind down from the freezing December temperatures, which facilitates a relatively smoother acclimatization for the flora and fauna in the region. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February offers a slight improvement in weather conditions in Sterling, Virginia as compared to January. There is a slight increase in temperatures, thereby hinting towards the upcoming spring. However, snowfall persists, giving the landscape a winter charm. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the shift from winter to spring in Sterling, Virginia. Although the month maintains some of the cold remnants of February, it presents an overall increase in temperature, reaching a high of 52.5°F (11.4°C). The snowfall nearly stops, thus paving the way for the greening of the city’s landscapes due to rainfall. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings in the full bloom of spring in Sterling, Virginia. It is a noticeable depart from the March weather because of the warmer temperatures and the blossoming landscapes. The lack of snowfall, owing to the higher temperatures, gives a desirable boost to outdoor activities. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May typically serves as a transition month in Sterling, Virginia, leading to the summer season. It exhibits a significant rise in temperature from April, as the spring gradually makes way for the upcoming hotter period. The rain showers are frequent, contributing to the lush greening of the cityscape. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June heralds the advent of summer in Sterling, Virginia. Following the mild conditions of May, June brings a noticeable surge in temperatures. The summer skies showcase full exuberance, as this is the period with maximum daylight hours at 14.9 hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the epitome of summer in Sterling, Virginia, boasting the hottest temperatures during the year and hitting a high of 87.8°F (31°C). Despite the relative humidity, the outdoor activity remains quite high, with people enjoying beach trips or pool parties. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August presents the continuation of the summer season in Sterling, Virginia. Temperatures exhibit a slight drop from July, signalling the impending arrival of the fall. The high temperatures combined with reasonable humidity can result in sporadic but usually short-lived downpours, bringing a necessary respite from the heat. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Sterling, Virginia, signifies the smooth transition from the hot summer to the pleasant fall season. The temperatures see a notable dip from August, offering a suitable climate for various outdoor activities. The reduced heat and rainfall allow for the onset of fall and its associated color transformation of the cityscape. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings in the full-fledged charming autumn season in Sterling, Virginia. Departing from the warmer September weather, October provides a beautiful blend of pleasant temperatures, picturesque landscapes, and crisp autumn breeze. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Sterling, Virginia, serves as a bridge between the pleasant autumn and the imminent winter season. A marked drop in temperatures from October signals the arrival of the colder months. Yet, the city continues its charm with the last of the colorful fall foliage being visible. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Sterling, Virginia, marks the full advent of the winter season. A steady reduction of temperature from November transforms the city into a winter wonderland. The first snow of the season graces the city and is usually welcomed with much anticipation and exhilaration. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

Temperature readings reach their annual highs in January, averaging 39.7°F (4.3°C) and a minimum average of 25.9°F (-3.4°C).

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 158.1 rainfall days, and 31.46" (799mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

What is the snowiest month?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.1 days and accumulates 3.54" (90mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow?

In Sterling, during the entire year, snow falls for 16.7 days and aggregates up to 12.28" (312mm) of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Sterling?

The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December, with an average of 5h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow?

May through October are months without snowfall.

When is the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest?

In Sterling, temperatures reach their average annual highs in July, measuring 87.8°F (31°C) and a minimum average of 67.3°F (19.6°C).

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 70%, July is the least humid month.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 16.7 days and typically aggregates up to 3.78" (96mm) of precipitation.

What is the driest month?

September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 12.6 days and accumulates 1.93" (49mm) of precipitation.

What is the most humid month?

December is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 78%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Sterling, VA

Average temperature - Sterling, VA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (39.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.9°F).

Average pressure
Sterling, VA

Average pressure - Sterling, VA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.95"Hg).

Average wind speed
Sterling, VA

Average wind speed - Sterling, VA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.7mph).

Average humidity
Sterling, VA

Average humidity - Sterling, VA

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (78%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (70%).

Average rainfall
Sterling, VA

Average rainfall - Sterling, VA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.78").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.93").

Average rainfall days
Sterling, VA

Average rainfall days - Sterling, VA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (9.3 days).

Average snowfall
Sterling, VA

Average snowfall - Sterling, VA

The month with the highest snowfall is January (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Sterling, VA

Average snowfall days - Sterling, VA

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (5.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sterling, VA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Sterling, VA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Sterling, VA

Average sunshine days - Sterling, VA

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.8 days).

Average UV index
Sterling, VA

Average UV index - Sterling, VA

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Sterling, VA

Average visibility - Sterling, VA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).

Sterling, Virginia, USA

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