The climate of Cheyenne
Cheyenne, the capital of
Wyoming, USA, is located in the mid-latitude steppe zone, classified as BSk by the Köppen climate system. Throughout the year, the city experiences a clear differentiation in seasons, with higher temperatures during the summer months, usually from
May until
September, and colder temperatures during the winter season, typically from
November through
March.
Analysing the temperature variation, the highest temperature in the year reaches up to 82.4°F (28°C), observed in
July, while the lowest temperature drops down to 20.3°F (-6.5°C) in
December. Humidity levels tend to fluctuate modestly, between 43% in
August to 64% in
February, indicating a relatively dry atmosphere, consistent with the city’s mid-latitude steppe climate.
With regards to precipitation, the city faces a distinct wet and dry season. The highest level of rainfall occurs in May, approximating 2.95" (75mm) over 17.5 days, making it the wettest month of the year. In contrast, December sees the lowest level of rainfall, around 0.59" (15mm) during the course of 5.5 days. Intriguingly, Cheyenne also experiences snowfall in some parts of the year, with heavy snowfalls of up to 6.06" (154mm) in seven months, primarily from
October to
April.
Moving on, the amount of sunlight seen by the city also varies from a high of 15.1 hours in
June, to a low of 9.3 hours in December. Similarly, the sunshine hours range from a maximum of 11.6 hours in July and August, to a minimum of 6.5 hours in February.
The best time to visit Cheyenne
Cheyenne offers its most pleasant weather during the summer months of
June,
July, and
August. During these months, the city experiences the highest temperatures, ranging from 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 82.4°F (28°C), making it perfect for outdoor activities. Likewise, these months see the longest daylight durations, approximately 14.8 to 15.1 hours, and maximum sunshine durations, approximately 11.5 to 11.6 hours, providing ample opportunity to explore the city’s beauty in broad daylight.
The worst time to visit Cheyenne
Winter months could be considered less ideal for a visit, specifically from
December to
February. During these months,
Cheyenne experiences lower temperatures, dropping to as low as 20.3°F (-6.5°C). The city also has less daylight during these months, with light durations between 9.3 hours to 10.7 hours, and reduced sunshine hours between 6.5 hours to 6.8 hours.
Spring weather in Cheyenne
The start of spring in
March is accompanied by a rise in temperatures, from 53.8°F (12.1°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C). Rainfall increases significantly from 1.42" (36mm) in March to 2.95" (75mm) in
May, spanning over an increasing number of days from 9.7 to 17.5. However, snowfall levels decline from 5.79" (147mm) in March to zero by the end of the season. Daylight hours lengthen from 12 hours in March to 14.5 hours in May.
Summer weather in Cheyenne
The summer weather remains relatively stable, with temperatures ranging from 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 82.4°F (28°C) and a drop in rainfall levels to 1.5" (38mm) by
July. The length of daylight peaks at 15.1 hours in
June, with sunshine hours also reaching their peak of 11.6 hours in July and
August.
Autumn weather in Cheyenne
Autumn sees a significant drop in temperatures, from 73.8°F (23.2°C) in
September to 45.9°F (7.7°C) in
November. Rainfall levels remain relatively stable, fluctuating from 0.87" (22mm) in September to 0.75" (19mm) in November, spread across decreasing number of days. Daylight hours start to decrease from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours by the end of November.
Winter weather in Cheyenne
Winter brings colder temperatures ranging from 34.7°F (1.5°C) in
December to 36.9°F (2.7°C) in
February. Rainfall sees a slight decrease to 0.59" (15mm) in December and then slightly increases to 0.71" (18mm) in February. Snowfall starts to appear in the weather records, peaking at 6.06" (154mm) in February. The daylight hours remain relatively low, between 9.3 hours and 10.7 hours, throughout the winter.
Weather in January
As the year commences,
Cheyenne,
Wyoming experiences rather cold conditions. Still reeling from the winter chill of
December, contrary to transition expectations, weather patterns do not fluctuate substantially. The most minimal temperatures of the year, dipping from 22.3°F (-5.4°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C), still prevail.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving from
January into
February,
Cheyenne's weather sees minimal changes; days remain on the colder side despite the relatively warmer temperatures. Snug weather continues throughout this month, with common cloud cover casting an overcast hue.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March, winter loosens its grip on
Cheyenne, leading to a gradual shift in the weather. The chilly air slowly starts to warm, with temperatures showing an upward trend. Relative humidity reduces by 7% compared to
January's levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With
April's arrival, the snow recedes further, yielding to sprouting greens as
Cheyenne bids farewell to winter. The city welcomes spring and its quintessential blooms. A striking feature of this month is that the highest rainfall is observed, with averages of up to 2.24" (57mm).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees the weather transition significantly, bringing warmth and higher humidity index which translates into more colorful sceneries. This marked change in climate indicates that the colder days have passed. Sunlight persists for longer, contributing to the blooming flora eagerly basking under it.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Cheyenne ushers in full-blown summer in
June, displaying vibrant hues and higher temperatures, invigorating the city's spirit. The most prolonged daylight hours of the year with up to 15.1 hours dominate this month. As the heat soars to the year's peak of 77.4°F (25.2°C), residents revel in the sunny skies and warm weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds its reputation as the hottest month in
Cheyenne,
Wyoming. The blazing sun remains the central feature of this period, with temperatures rising to 82.4°F (28°C). However, the weather remains pleasant as the humidity is relatively low, promoting agreeable conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August serves as a gentle reminder that summer is not perpetual as the temperature begins to fall slightly, yet it still remains quite warm. In August,
Cheyenne boasts the lowest average cloud cover of 19%, proposing clear skies and extended sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Following the warmth of
August,
September brings a definitive shift in
Cheyenne's weather pattern. A noticeable decrease in daylight and temperature signals the advent of autumn. The slightly cooler weather means that leaves start changing colors, dressing the city in shades of orange, yellow, and red.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October remains painting the town in hues of fall, while the weather gets noticeably colder. The first signs of winter appear, yet the temperatures are still bearable with recorded maximums lingering at 57.2°F (14°C).
Cheyenne steadily transitions towards winter, prompting residents to pull out their winter clothing.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November holds the gateway to winter, with dropping temperature and increasing snowfall. The city experiences an overall slowdown, with colder days and longer nights. The transitioning landscape provides unique beauty, combining the colors of fall with the purity of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the curtain of the year begins to close,
December sets in with its cold winter weather. The days get considerably shorter, and frost embellishes the windows. With a maximum temperature barely making to 34.7°F (1.5°C), the holiday season is consumed in the enveloping chill.
Weather in December »