The climate of Gary
Gary,
West Virginia is characterized by its Cfa climate per the Köppen climate classification, which denotes a humid subtropical climate, devoid of a dry season. Shaped by the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, the weather varies over the seasons, displaying annual changes in temperature, humidity, rainfall, and other climatological elements.
The annual temperatures in Gary range from as low as 25°F (-3.9°C) in the winter months to as high as 83.5°F (28.6°C) during the summer months. The average relative humidity is consistently high throughout the year, reaching cruising levels of between 76% and 82%. The climate here experiences rainfall quite regularly, with a yearly rainfall measuring between 1.54" (39mm) and 3.19" (81mm). Mirroring the rainfall patterns, the number of rainfall days per month sees a variation from 10.1 days to 19.7 days, indicating a wet environment throughout the year.
Gary sees snowfall from
November to
March with peak snowfall in
December and
January measuring 4.41" (112mm) and 4.33" (110mm), respectively. It records the highest snowfall days in December with 7.8 days. Light levels fluctuate with the changing of seasons and daylight hours range from 9.6 hours to 14.7 hours per day whereas sunshine hours vary from 4.2 to 10.1 hours per day. The UV index ranges from 2 to 6 indicating moderate exposure.
The visibility in Gary remains consistent at 5 miles for most of the year except for
April and November when it increases slightly to 6 miles. Cloud cover in this region varies from 36% to 60% with peak cloudiness during the winter months. The atmospheric pressure remains fairly consistent throughout the year, fluctuating between 29.99" (762mm) to 30.16" (766mm).
Wind plays a significant role in the climate of Gary with average wind speeds varying from 4.2mph (6.8km/h) to 7.3mph (11.7km/h). The maximum recorded wind speeds range from 7.8mph (12.6km/h) to 4.7mph (7.6km/h), while the wind gusts have variations from 6.8mph (10.9km/h) to 11.1mph (17.9km/h).
The best time to visit Gary
To fully enjoy the outdoor beauty of
Gary, the best time to visit is from
May to
September. During this period, temperatures range from 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 83.5°F (28.6°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. The highest level of sunshine, up to 10.1 hours a day, is recorded in these months, maximizing daylight activities. Additionally, rainfall quantity is relatively low and steadily spread out throughout these months, meaning even rainy days should not significantly disrupt plans.
The worst time to visit Gary
The winter months from
December to
February are generally not the best time to visit
Gary as the weather can be quite bitter with temperatures ranging from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 44.4°F (6.9°C). These months also witness increased snowfall with up to 4.41" (112mm) of snow in December. Reduced daylight hours, ranging from 9.6 to 10.8 hours and reduced sunshine of only 4.2 to 5.1 hours a day, make outdoor activities less enjoyable. The increased cloud cover and wetness from snowfall can result in slippery and difficult travel conditions.
Spring weather in Gary
The Spring season in
Gary is marked by increasing temperatures, ranging from 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 63.7°F (17.6°C), and relatively stable rainfall, with average rainfall varying from 2.36" (60mm) to 2.68" (68mm). The number of daylight hours steadily increases from 12 hours in
March to 14.2 hours by
May. Despite the increasing warmth, occasional snowfall is observed as late as
April, although it decreases to an insignificant 1.06" (27mm).
Summer weather in Gary
Summer in
Gary is welcoming with the warmest temperatures, ranging from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 83.5°F (28.6°C), and a decline in relative humidity. With up to 14.7 daylight hours in
June, plenty of sunbathing opportunities present themselves. Rainfall is spread consistently throughout the summer months with precipitation varying from 2.28" (58mm) to 2.6" (66mm). However, there is virtually no snowfall, further enhancing the ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Gary
Autumn season in
Gary sees a gradual cool-down with temperatures decreasing from 76.3°F (24.6°C) to 52.5°F (11.4°C). Despite the cooling temperatures, this period sees a relative increase in sunlight hours from 8.4 hours in
September to 11.2 hours in
November. Rainfall varies between 1.54" (39mm) and 2.48" (63mm), while snowfall begins to show up in November, although it remains a rare event at this time with an average snowfall of 1.3" (33mm) in November.
Winter weather in Gary
Winter in
Gary is cold and often grey with temperatures ranging from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 44.4°F (6.9°C). There is a dramatic decrease in daylight hours during these months, from 10.2 hours to a mere 9.6 hours in
December. However, the hours of sunshine also drop, with just 4.7 hours of sunlight per day in December. The most significant aspect of Gary’s winter is the snowfall, peaking at 4.41" (112mm) in December. The weather during these months can be quite challenging for those unprepared for the severe cold and increased snowfall.
Weather in January
January sees the transition from the fresh chill of the end of the year to the harsh winter in
Gary,
West Virginia. Typical of this month are cloudy skies, frequent snowfall and experience rather cold temperatures. The climate data shows that January, with a minimal temperature of 25°F (-3.9°C) and snowfall reaching up to 4.25" (108mm), is the period of peak coldness.
Weather in January » Weather in February
With
Gary still firmly held in winter's grasp,
February continues on the chilly theme initiated in
January. The city encounters more of those days where thick gloves and winter hats are a necessity. Slightly warmer average temperatures do occur, going up to 43.9°F (6.6°C) from January’s colder climate, yet it remains a predominantly cold month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, a changing weather month, symbolizes the beginning of a transition from winter to spring in
Gary. The grip of the cold begins to loosen, giving way to slightly warmer temperatures and decreasing amounts of snowfall. The highest temperature starts to climb towards 51.8°F (11°C), offering relief from the biting winter cold.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings spring in full bloom to
Gary, characterized by milder days and rainfall promoting the growth of new life. The last remnants of winter snow finally melt, and the city begins to warm up noticeably. Surpassing the weather of preceding months, April sees average temperatures rise to 63.7°F (17.6°C), a significant leap towards a warmer climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Come
May, residents of
Gary,
West Virginia start feeling the early whispers of summer. The days gradually extend, setting a fantastic backdrop for the diffusion of vibrant spring hues across the town. Treading on the path of the warmer
April, May records an impressive maximum temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is when
Gary begins to experience the full strength of the summer season. Longer days and higher temperatures signal the arrival of outdoor recreational activities. Although there is a visible rise in humidity, the temperature soars to a comfortable maximum of 80.2°F (26.8°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is at the heart of summer in the city of
Gary. As the warm, sunny days continue, people will find many reasons to enjoy their time outdoors. The city experiences its highest temperature in July, reaching a peak of 83.5°F (28.6°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the warmth of
July in
Gary but starts to hint at the upcoming fall. Mild wind and warm temperature frame serene sunny days, ideal for lazily soaking up the sun in gardens or parks. Although the maximum temperature holds steady at around 82°F (27.8°C), signs of summer dissolving begin to surface.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings about the arrival of fall in
Gary, with a noticeable dip in temperatures and a shift in the landscape’s color palette. As the lush summer green gradually fades, citrine and amber hues take over, casting a beautiful glow over the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a full summation of fall in
Gary, with weather being a blend of temperate and crisp thus, presenting a unique charm. The city truly resembles a painting, dominated by hues of red, orange, and yellow. As per the climate data on record, the highest temperature in October falls to 64.2°F (17.9°C), making the days cooler.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Gary introduces the city to the early chill of the upcoming winter season. The fall foliage starts to disappear, and the crisp, chilly air begins to hold sway. The maximum temperature observed in November doesn’t escalate beyond 52.5°F (11.4°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes the winter season in full swing in
Gary, where snowfall once again becomes a frequent phenomenon. The conclusion of the year sees the landscapes dressed in icy whites, offering picturesque views. Remarkably, December signals the revival of snowfall after summer hiatus, recording 4.41" (112mm).
Weather in December »