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
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 »