The climate of Eau Claire
Classified under the Köppen climate system as having a humid continental climate with no dry season and a warm summer (usually denoted as Dfb),
Eau Claire, a city in
Wisconsin, USA, experiences significant seasonal variations in weather. Geographically positioned in the upper Midwest, Eau Claire bears the brunt of cold winters, while summers are typically mild to warm.
Temperature variations over a year present a range from an average low of 6.3°F (-14.3°C) in
January to an average high of 78.8°F (26°C) in
July. The significant difference in temperature across the year reflects the city's continental climate. The shift from warmer to colder weather isn't sudden; temperatures decrease steadily from the peak in July to the lowest point in January.
Eau Claire has a moderately high level of humidity throughout the year, with an average monthly relative humidity ranging from 77% in
April to 91% in January and
February. An abundance of cloud cover accompanies this humid air, particularly during winter months when cloud cover peaks at 69% in
December and January, while reaching its lowest value of 34% in
August.
Moreover, Eau Claire's weather involves substantial precipitation year-round. The city is subjected to a notable regular pattern of rainfall and snowfall throughout the year motivated by its specific climatic conditions. Rainfall is relatively even throughout the year, with peaks in
June at 4.29" (109mm) and minimum rainfall in January at 0.83" (21mm). While most of the rainfall is spread evenly, unevenness is apparent when considering snowfall. Snowfall occurs typically between
November to April, with a peak in February at 7.2" (183mm) and no snowfall occurring from
May to
October.
The best time to visit Eau Claire
Visitors to
Eau Claire seeking to experience the best of the city’s climate should opt for a visit between
May and
September. During these months, the city enjoys mild to warm temperatures, ranging from a high of 64.6°F (18.1°C) in May to a high of 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
August. These months are characterized by abundant sunshine, with daily sunshine ranging from 8.3 hours in May to 9.6 hours in August, making it an ideal time frame for outdoor activities. Despite being the wettest period of the year with up to 4.29" (109mm) of rain in
June and an average humidity of 82%, the ample sunshine and warm days tend to mitigate the discomfort of high humidity.
The worst time to visit Eau Claire
Planning a trip to
Eau Claire? It might be best to avoid the months between
November and
March. Cold temperatures dominate during these months, with average highs ranging from 19.4°F (-7°C) in
January to 37.8°F (3.2°C) in March. The cold conditions are backed by frequent snowfalls, with an average of up to 7.2" (183mm) in
February alone. Additionally, days are shorter during this time period, with the sunlight averaging from 3 hours in January to 5 hours in March. The visibility, too, can be reduced to around 4 miles due to higher cloud percentages and snowstorms.
Spring weather in Eau Claire
Spring in
Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, ranging from
March till
May, is a season of transition. From an average high temperature of 37.8°F (3.2°C) in March, it gradually climbs to 51.1°F (10.6°C) in
April and 64.6°F (18.1°C) in May. In contrast, the lowest temperature starts from 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in March, raising to 34.9°F (1.6°C) in April and 46.2°F (7.9°C) in May. This period is characterized by increasing daylight hours and a noticeable rise in rainfall. From 1.57" (40mm) of rainfall in March, it escalates to 2.8" (71mm) and 3.46" (88mm) in April and May, respectively.
Summer weather in Eau Claire
The months from
June through
August are characterized as Summer in
Eau Claire. Peak temperatures during this time range from 73.9°F (23.3°C) in June to 78.8°F (26°C) in
July, with slightly lower values recorded in August at 76.8°F (24.9°C). The average minimum temperatures rarely drop below the 50s with lows of 55.8°F (13.2°C) in June and reaching 59.9°F (15.5°C) in July. While rainfall is still considerable, varying from 2.48" (63mm) in July to 4.29 in June, daylight peaks during this season, providing up to 15.5 hours of light in a day in June.
Autumn weather in Eau Claire
September to
November, widely recognized as the Autumn season in
Eau Claire, is typified by decreasing temperatures and daylight hours. Temperatures drop significantly from a high of 70.2°F (21.2°C) in September to a mere 39.6°F (4.2°C) in November. Daylight hours drop from 14 hours in September to 11 hours in November. Despite these decreases, the rainfall remains fairly constant, around 2.36" (60mm) throughout these months, with November seeing slightly less rainfall with 1.22" (31mm).
Winter weather in Eau Claire
Winter in
Eau Claire, spreading from
December to
February, is marked by freezing temperatures and significant snowfall. Low temperatures bottom out at 6.3°F (-14.3°C) in
January, while high temperatures never go beyond freezing, peaking at 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in February. Snowfall is a common occurrence during this time with the city receiving up to 7.2" (183mm) in February. Furthermore, daylight hours are at their shortest, and cloud cover is at its peak.
Weather in January
January weather in
Eau Claire showcases the chill of a
Wisconsin winter. The air temperatures drop significantly, alternating between 6.3°F (-14.3°C) at night and reaching only 19.4°F (-7°C) during the day. Snowfall is a consistent presence, adding to the striking winter landscapes of the city.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Eau Claire still finds itself in the grip of winter. Despite the continuation of cold weather, a gradual increase in daily sunshine hours hints at the approaching spring. The early signs of the thaw can be deceiving as a significant 7.2" (183mm) of snow is measured in this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a noticeable shift in
Eau Claire's weather. While the extended daylight hours suggest the arrival of spring, occasional snowfall reminds residents that winter has not yet fully receded. However, compared to the previous two months, the snowfall in March is less at 3.5" (89mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Eau Claire in
April is where the transition from winter to spring becomes more conclusive. The increase in temperature is complemented by longer daylight hours, presenting an ideal weather for outdoor activities. The snow disappears completely, replaced by an increased rainfall of 2.8" (71mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May arrives,
Eau Claire embraces the warmth of spring, swelling the number of active residents and tourists enjoying the city's parks. The climate grows comfortably warm, setting the stage for a variety of open-air events. May marks the peak of spring rainfall with a record 3.46" (88mm), keeping the city's flora lush and vibrant.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces the summer season in
Eau Claire, bringing about an uptick in tourism. The comfortable warmth, coupled with longer days, provides ample opportunity for sightseeing and recreational activities. Rainfall of 4.29" (109mm) keeps the surroundings remarkably green despite the ongoing rise in temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is often synonymous with 'peak summer' in
Eau Claire, characterized by warm weather. The comfort of airy nights, combined with warm days, encourages the continuation of outdoor activities. The UV index climbs to its annual maximum of 6, enforcing the need for sun protection.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Eau Claire experiences warm summer days that gradually start to mellow down. The change in climate is subtle, but observant residents can notice signs of the incoming fall season. The weather remains dry with a precipitation of 2.36" (60mm).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Eau Claire. The city starts to transition from the warm summer to a cooler and drier climate. The change is subtle yet significant, with deciduous trees starting to exhibit fiery hues.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Eau Claire is known for its beautiful fall weather. As the temperatures drop, the cityscape is decorated with brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Although the weather remains predominantly dry, a minimal level of 0.47" (12mm) of snow can appear.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November,
Eau Claire witnesses a drastic shift as the city prepares for winter. The fall foliage gives way to bare trees while temperatures witness a steady drop. A mild snowfall of 2.68" (68mm) announces the arrival of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Eau Claire solidifies the arrival of winter with temperatures further plunging and an increase of 4.69" (119mm) in snowfall. The city transforms into a winter wonderland attracting visitors interested in the snowy landscapes.
Weather in December »