The climate of La Crosse
Situated in the midwestern region of the United States,
La Crosse,
Wisconsin, falls under the Köppen climate classification Dfa, signifying a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summers. The geographical position of La Crosse bestows upon it a substantial variation in seasonal weather patterns.
Aside from the distinct seasonal changes, La Crosse witnesses notable fluctuations in most weather parameters throughout the year. One of the more evident modifications is the swing in temperature values from a low of 8.2°F (-13.2°C) in winter months to a toasty high of 79.3°F (26.3°C) during the summer. Humidity levels tend to remain relatively high throughout the year with minute drop-off, ranging from 76% in autumn to 90% in the colder months.
Precipitation in La Crosse takes various forms and volumes over the year. It ranges from light snowfall in winter months hitting a peak of 4.72" (120mm) in
January to substantial rainfall in summer, peaking in
June with 4.61" (117mm). Sunshine duration alters notably with the shift in seasons, from lows of 3.3 hours per day in winter to an ample 9.7 hours in the height of summer.
The best time to visit La Crosse
Taking into account the climate dynamics and variability, the ideal time to visit
La Crosse falls between
May and
September. In these months, the weather maximizes comfort level with average high temperatures fluctuating between 65.3°F (18.5°C) and 79.3°F (26.3°C), coupled with significant sunshine hours, ranging from 8.3 to 9.7 hours per day. Despite being the wettest phase with rainfall topping at 4.61" (117mm), the warm temperatures and plentiful sunshine make for enjoyable outdoor activities and sightseeing, without the surroundings being marred by heavy snowfall.
The worst time to visit La Crosse
Considering weather hardships, the least favorable period to plan a visit to
La Crosse is between
January and
February. These months bring with them severe cold wave with average low temperatures dipping to 8.2°F (-13.2°C), coupled with considerable snowfall levels of up to 4.72" (120mm). The short daylight hours, as low as 9.4 hours in January, and decreased sunshine duration down to 3.3 hours makes the overall atmosphere cold and dark, deterring outdoor exploration and activities.
Spring weather in La Crosse
Spring in
La Crosse, from
March to
May, heralds the arrival of longer daylight hours, from 12 hours to 14.8 hours, and the departure of the winter chill. Temperatures start to rise from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and 53.2°F (11.8°C), making the atmosphere increasingly congenial. Rainfall commences to overshoot the snowfall, seeing a surge from 1.46" (37mm) to 3.43" (87mm). Although spring is relatively wet with rains pouring over half of the month, the season offers a beautiful window to visit before the peak summer heat.
Summer weather in La Crosse
Summer, between
June to
August, is the time of the year when
La Crosse experiences its warmest weather. Average high temperatures oscillate between 74.7°F (23.7°C) and 79.3°F (26.3°C). Rainfall during this season is generally the highest, with June receiving 4.61" (117mm) on average. The longer daylight hours, bearing a peak sunlight of 15.4 hours a day in June, and high UV index make this period desirable for those longing for outdoor summer activities and adventures.
Autumn weather in La Crosse
Fall, extending from
September to
November, witnesses a drastic drop in temperature from 71.1°F (21.7°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). The daylight hours and sunshine duration start to shorten, giving way to earlier nights and latter mornings. This season, however, is somewhat drier than spring and summer, with rainfall dwindling to 2.13" (54mm) per month.
Winter weather in La Crosse
Winter in
La Crosse stretches from
December to
February, characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall. The mercury level fluctuates between a low of 8.2°F (-13.2°C) and a high of 27.5°F (-2.5°C). Snowfall is copious, peaking at 4.72" (120mm) in
January. The atmosphere morphs into a stark winter landscape with daylight hours dwindling to as low as 9 hours and sunshine duration receding to the year's lowest of 3.3 hours.
Weather in January
Beginning the year,
La Crosse,
Wisconsin experiences frosty and snowy conditions in
January. The weather is the coldest with the lowest high temperatures of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and plunging well below the freezing point to lows of 8.2°F (-13.2°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
The spell of cold weather continues in
February in
La Crosse, though the temperatures rise slightly compared to
January. The thermometer sees a gradual shift towards higher temperatures, although still below freezing, hinting at the future spring transition.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in a period of transition in the city's weather. The temperatures begin to ascend, lifting from the freezing lows of winter to a more palatable range, indicating the arrival of spring. March is the month with the most significant temperature shift throughout the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April provides a noticeable warmth in the air, with temperatures displaying a drastic increase from
March. Embracing spring fully, the city's weather becomes more unpredictable with alternating sunny and rainy days. Signaling the end of winter, the snowfall reduces significantly in April, making way for an increase in rainfall with a high of 2.52" (64mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May in
La Crosse bears the full bloom of spring weather. A pronounced warmth sets in with temperatures rising significantly higher than in previous months. With the increase in temperature comes a surge in humidity levels, thereby increasing chances of rainfall and making May the year's wettest month with 3.43" (87mm) of rain.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Arrival of
June marks the beginning of summer in
La Crosse, with temperatures starting to peak. June offers the longest days of the year with up to 15.4 hours of daylight, allowing plenty of time for outdoor pursuits. Despite the discomfort, the high humidity plays a role in increasing the rainfall, a departure from the typical dry summer months seen in other regions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically the warmest month of the year in
La Crosse, featuring peak summer temperatures where highs average around 79.3°F (26.3°C). While the increased heat can be intense, it's balanced by slightly reduced rainfall as compared to the spring months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The heat of summer begins to wane slightly in
August, with a small dip in temperature from
July highs. However, it remains the second-warmest month with the majority of days experiencing predominantly clear skies. The rainfall also tapers off, replicating the trends of a typical summer month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees a marked decline in temperature, signaling the onset of fall in
La Crosse. Although the temperatures remain relatively warm, there's a palpable chill in the air, especially during late evenings and early mornings.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The transition to colder weather becomes more noticeable in
October in
La Crosse. The cool temperatures become a staple of the weather, thereby reducing the city's average temperature significantly. The first hints of impending winter are felt with the presence of occasional snowfall, despite rainfall being the predominant form of precipitation.
Weather in October »Weather in November
By
November, the grip of winter starts to tighten, with temperatures dipping substantially from the previous month.
La Crosse experiences cold temperatures, with highs averaging just 41.9°F (5.5°C) and the onset of more frequent snowfall with 1.81" (46mm) accumulating throughout the month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
La Crosse sees a full return of winter, characterized by low temperatures and frequent snowfall. The average high of 27.5°F (-2.5°C) and low of 17.1°F (-8.3°C) establishes this month as one of the coldest of the year.
Weather in December »