The climate of Hartford
Located in the northeastern part of the United States,
Hartford, the capital of
Connecticut, falls under the Humid Continental climate type (indicated by the Köppen classification Dfa) which is characterized by no dry season and hot summers. This framework of climate implies a significant and broad range of atmospheric conditions. Over the cycle of a year, temperatures fluctuate, hitting a peak of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July and dropping to a chilly low of 21.4°F (-5.9°C) in
January. Humidity remains relatively steady, averaging between 70% and 79% throughout the year.
Wind speeds in the city mirror the temperature trends. A more noticeable breeze can be felt in chilly months, with wind speeds peaking at 7.8mph (12.6km/h) to 8.1mph (13km/h) from
November to
March, while the gentler breezes of 5.3mph (8.5km/h) are experienced in the warmer months of July and
August. However, the wind never truly dies down completely, maintaining an ever-present but varying intensity.
Hartford experiences rainfall quite evenly throughout the year, with every month receiving a significant amount.
June and July see the most rain with an average of 1.06" (27mm), while
September receives the least at 0.43" (11mm). The city receives snowfall from November to March, with the heaviest snow of 1.14" (29mm) falling in
February.
The best time to visit Hartford
The best months to enjoy
Hartford are
May through
September, as these months enjoy warm weather with high temperatures averaging from 56.5°F (13.6°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). These months also witness the longest daylight hours, from 13.4 hours to 15.2 hours per day, allowing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, these months offer the most sunshine hours, with
July and
August providing around 10.4 hours of sunshine each day.
The worst time to visit Hartford
December through
February are considered less favorable months for visiting
Hartford, largely due to the colder weather. During this period, temperatures dip to lows of 21.4°F (-5.9°C) to 27.7°F (-2.4°C), making outdoor activities less enjoyable. These months also have the shortest daylight hours, from 9.2 to 9.8 hours per day, limiting the time available for sightseeing. Furthermore, these months see a higher amount of snowfall, particularly in February when an average of 1.14" (29mm) of snow is expected.
Spring weather in Hartford
Spring in
Hartford, occurring from
March to
May, is characterized by steadily rising temperatures and increasing daylight hours. In March, a high temperature of 43.9°F (6.6°C) increases to 68.7°F (20.4°C) by May. Daylight hours similarly extend from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May. Spring also brings a slight increment in rainfall from 0.83" (21mm) in March to 0.98" (25mm) in
April and 0.91" (23mm) in May. Snowfall begins to taper off with only 0.24" (6mm) in April and a scant 0.04" (1mm) in May.
Summer weather in Hartford
Summer in
Hartford spans from
June to
August, bringing peak temperatures and extended sunlight hours. High temperatures range from 76.5°F (24.7°C) in June to a yearly peak of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July, before slightly dropping to 81°F (27.2°C) in August. The summer period is the most humid, with relative humidity at around 74%. Rainfall is at its highest, particularly in June and July with 1.06" (27mm) recorded. Despite the rains, sunshine hours are at a peak with sunny days extending from 9.3 hours in June to 10.4 hours in July and August.
Autumn weather in Hartford
Autumn in
Hartford runs from
September through
November. This season brings falling temperatures, starting with 73.4°F (23°C) in September and cooling down to 48.9°F (9.4°C) by November. Daylight hours get shorter, decreasing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November. Rainfall increases from 0.43" (11mm) in September to 0.94" (24mm) in November; however, the days remain fairly sunny with an average of 5.6 to 8.7 hours of sunshine.
Winter weather in Hartford
Winter in
Hartford, from
December through
February, is defined by cold temperatures and limited daylight. High temperatures fluctuate between 33.1°F (0.6°C) and 38.5°F (3.6°C), while the nighttime temperature can drop as low as 21.4°F (-5.9°C) in
January. Despite December and January having the shortest daylight hours with 9.2 and 9.6 hours respectively, these months also enjoy moderate levels of sunshine, averaging around 4.8 to 5.1 hours a day. Snowfall is mostly concentrated in these months, peaking at 1.14" (29mm) in February.
Weather in January
January in
Hartford,
Connecticut witnesses a subdued winter character, with the mercury often lingering in the low range. Flurries of snow appear, altering the landscape and environment drastically. The propensity towards colder conditions might potentially augment the beauty, but it also accentuates the chills.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the seasonal wheel rotates to
February, weather conditions in
Hartford,
Connecticut remain persistently cold yet develop a slight improvement. Amid the winter cocoon, rare sunny minutes provide a modicum of relief. Despite the average high temperature rising to 35.8°F (2.1°C), the intense winter feel seldom loosens its grip.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving into
March, the city of
Hartford,
Connecticut steps towards the brink of spring. A transformation ensues, with the climate reviving from winter's intense cold. A median high temperature of 43.9°F (6.6°C) signifies the transition into milder weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Hartford weather in
April asserts a full fledged spring statement. The climate overcomes residual winter chills, substituting them with mild, pleasant conditions. A remarkable upswing is observed with temperatures scaling up to an average high of 56.5°F (13.6°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is when
Hartford,
Connecticut enters the threshold of summer. A surge in temperatures reflects the imminent arrival of the hot season. Temperatures, particularly, mark an upward trend, registering an average high of 68.7°F (20.4°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is synonymous with the onset of summer in
Hartford,
Connecticut. The weather becomes warmer warranting the need for summer attire. Following the trend, temperatures notch up further with the highest reaching 76.5°F (24.7°C). However, these temperature hikes do not deter the residents' spirit as they revel in summer activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses
Hartford,
Connecticut at its climatic peak, with the weather turning significantly hot. Summer is in full swing, and city dwellers adapt to the shift. A high temperature of 82.9°F (28.3°C) ranks it as the warmest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Hartford,
Connecticut's summer saga continues, though with a slight respite. The month sustains the warm trend, albeit with a slight retreat in intensity. Despite the mercury reaching 81°F (27.2°C), this period is less severe compared to
July.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With
September arrives the advent of autumn in
Hartford,
Connecticut. The environment begins to respond, embracing gradual climatic shifts. As the weather starts cooling down, the city experiences a high of 73.4°F (23°C). The cityscape gets a new paint job, trading the vibrant green scenery for a deep, rustic orange.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Hartford,
Connecticut heralds a deep dive into autumn. Temperatures fall, presaging the approaching winter. Relief from summer heat is palpable, as the average high temperature dips to 61.2°F (16.2°C). Enwrapped in the warm hues of fall, the city embraces its ultimate autumn spell.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses
Hartford,
Connecticut preparing for the impending winter wave. The mercury continues to drop, reinforcing the chilly atmosphere. The month experiences a conspicuous dropdown in temperatures, with an average high of 48.9°F (9.4°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
As
December rolls in,
Hartford,
Connecticut dons its winter cap. Temperatures continue to plummet, marking a stark departure from the autumn mildness. The descent is evident as temperatures stoop to a low of 27.7°F (-2.4°C). Snowfall dresses the city in a pristine white layer, turning it into a winter wonderland.
Weather in December »