The climate of Gelsenkirchen
Positioned in the heart of
Germany,
Gelsenkirchen's weather classification falls predominantly within a Cfb zone according to the Köppen climate classification. This points to a marine west coast climate with warm summers. The yearly climate overview highlights stable and predictable patterns.
Temperature alterations are at their peak between the coldest month, which is
January with a low of 0.5°C (32.9°F), and the hottest month, the twin months of
July and
August, topping at 23.5°C (74.3°F). Days in Gelsenkirchen are shortest in
December with just 7.9 hours of daylight, while the longest day falls in
June with 16.5 hours. Fluctuation in relative humidity transpires from the highest of 87% in December to the lowest of 70%, experienced in August. Maximum rainfall touches 17mm (0.67") in December while the least rainfall happens to be 6mm (0.24"), witnessed in
April.
Snowfall, although lesser compared to many of its European counterparts, is observed primarily in January and December with around 7mm (0.28") each, whereas snow-free conditions prevail from
March to
November. Sunshine averages hover between a minimum of 3.3 hours per day in December to a maximum of 9.4 hours per day in August. Wind speed is the lowest in July and August at 10.9km/h (6.8mph) and at its peak in
February at 16.5km/h (10.3mph).
The best time to visit Gelsenkirchen
Evidently, an optimal time for visiting
Gelsenkirchen is from
May to
September when temperatures are warm, averaging between 17.9°C (64.2°F) and 23.5°C (74.3°F). This season also provides ample daylight, with days lasting from 15.6 to 16.5 hours, and an abundant dose of sunshine, between 8.4 to 9.4 hours daily. Rainfall during this period remains moderate, fluctuating from 10mm (0.39") to 15mm (0.59"). Therefore, visitors can take advantage of this period to explore the city's attractions at leisure.
The worst time to visit Gelsenkirchen
While the charm of
Gelsenkirchen is enduring, the time between
November and
March might not be desirable for a visit. The mercury drops to an uncomfortable range for many, averaging between a low of 0.5°C (32.9°F) and a high of 9.9°C (49.8°F). This period also witnesses shorter daylight hours varying from 7.9 to 11.9 hours, coupled with low sunshine hours in the range of 3.3 to 5.7 hours daily. Moreover, these months experience higher chances of snowfall with peaks in
January and
December.
Spring weather in Gelsenkirchen
Spring ushers in a mild climate in
Gelsenkirchen. Average temperatures rise visually from 9.9°C (49.8°F) in
March to 15.3°C (59.5°F) by
May. Daylight begins to lengthen, increasing from 11.9 hours in March to 15.6 hours in May. With a tolerable amount of rainfall between 6mm (0.24") and 15mm (0.59") and longer sunshine hours averaging from 5.7 to 8.4 hours, it can be a pleasant time to visit.
Summer weather in Gelsenkirchen
Summer in
Gelsenkirchen is characterized by warm temperatures, with averages between 21.2°C (70.2°F) and 23.5°C (74.3°F) from
June to
August. This season also brings the longest daylight hours, varying from 16.5 hours in June to 14.6 hours towards the end of August. Despite occasional rainfall around 15mm (0.59"), the summer season is enriched by an average of 8.6 to 9.4 sunshine hours, adding a pleasant touch to the city's overall ambience.
Autumn weather in Gelsenkirchen
Autumn sees a gradual decline in temperature with averages of 19.2°C (66.6°F) in
September, cooling down to 9.2°C (48.6°F) in
November. Daylight hours also shrink from 12.6 hours in September to 8.9 hours by November. Although there is a moderate level of rain with averages from 9mm (0.35") in September to 10mm (0.39") in November, these months greet visitors with an average of 4.1 to 7.9 hours of daily sunshine.
Winter weather in Gelsenkirchen
Winter months of
December,
January, and
February in
Gelsenkirchen are quite cold with average temperatures dropping to 0.5°C (32.9°F) in January, the coldest month. Days tend to be considerably shorter with daylight hours confined between 7.9 and 10 hours. Despite the chill, the city receives a humble dole of snow averaging between 7mm (0.28") and 8mm (0.31") in December and January. Sunshine is at its lowest, between 3.3 hours and 3.9 hours, and rain touches its peak at 17mm (0.67") in December. Thus, winter paints an image of a serene snow-laden city under a cloudy sky.
Weather in January
Characterized by its chilly winter gusts,
January in
Gelsenkirchen,
Germany, offers the typical cold German winters. A distinctive attribute of the month is the reduced amount of daylight received, limiting the amount of sunshine to just 3.5 hours a day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Despite the progression of the year,
February proves to be another challenging month for those averse to cold weather. Compared to
January, February experiences slightly improved weather conditions, but the essential winter character maintains its position.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the beginning of change in
Gelsenkirchen's weather as the harsh winter slowly transitions into the pleasant spring. There's a noticeable increase in temperature and length of days, bringing a sense of relief among the residents.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes a refreshing spring breeze into
Gelsenkirchen, initiating a season full of bloom and life. Compared to
March, the month experiences a considerable rise in temperature, resulting in thawing landscapes and sprouting flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, residents of
Gelsenkirchen enjoy warm weather with extended daylight hours. The drastic change from the winter months of
January and
February is quite apparent, inviting outdoor activities and picnics in lush green parks. The mild spring breeze makes both day and evening outings a delightful experience.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces the onset of the warm and lively summer in
Gelsenkirchen. Compared to
May, there's an evident rise in the temperature range and daylight hours, promoting greater outdoor activities amongst residents. The skies remain clear for the most part, enhancing visibility within the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Gelsenkirchen, offering extended daylight and high UV index. The city summers display a favourable blend of temperatures, long hours of sunlight, and less rainfall, making it a popular time for tourism.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a continuation of the warm summer weather, although noticeably cooling down towards the end of the month. Whilst maintaining the essence of summer, the city witnesses a dip in its soaring temperatures compared to
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the start of autumn in
Gelsenkirchen, providing a soft transition from summer to winter. The leafy city is enveloped in beautiful hues ranging from bright yellow to deep orange, complementing the pleasant weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October sets in,
Gelsenkirchen witnesses chilly winds hinting at the approaching winter. The transition from autumn to winter is marked by a further drop in temperatures compared to
September. With an array of colours painting the city, this is the time when leaves start to descend upon the sidewalks.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November stands on the precipice of winter, showing clear signs of dipping temperatures and shorter daylight hours. While a strong chill sets into the mornings and nights, mid-afternoon weather can be pleasantly mild. As compared to
October, November tends to be significantly more cloudy, casting an overall gloomy aesthetics over the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the winter season in
Gelsenkirchen, reminiscent of the early
January weather. The transitioning landscapes transform into winter wonderlands, and snowfall greets the city again after a long break. The shorter daylight hours are coupled with cold winds and high humidity levels.
Weather in December »