The climate of Isle Royale National Park
Positioned in
Michigan, the
Isle Royale National Park is a place where weather fluctuates significantly throughout the year. The climate is classified as Dfb under the Köppen climate scale, indicating a humid continental arrangement with no dry season and a warm summer. The overall weather in this national park experiences variations with each passing month.
Temperatures show a wide-ranging disparity across the year, with elevated peaks from
May to
September, while low records are noticed from
November until
April. During the warmest month in
July, average highest temperature measures reach 75°F (23.9°C). Observing the cooler months,
January brings the lowest average temperatures, commonly dropping to 0°F (-17.8°C).
With respect to precipitation, the Isle Royale National Park receives an average of 31.6" (803mm) per annum. The highest rainfall, approximately 3.4" (86mm), occurs in the month of September. Rainfall counts stay modest in
February and
March, only averaging between 1.5" (38mm) and 1.9" (48mm). The count of rainfall days fluctuates from 8 days in April to 13 days in
June and September.
Sea temperatures also change during the various seasons and observe a rise from 36°F (2.2°C) in the early part of the year to 55°F (12.8°C) in
August. Likewise, the number of daylight hours fluctuates from 8.9 hours in January and climbs to its maximum, 16 hours in June. The park's UV index is also noteworthy, with highest levels measuring 7 in June and July, followed by a decrease to 1 by
December.
The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park
The appropriate time for a visit to
Isle Royale National Park is often determined by the visitor's preferred activities. Typically, the months of
June to
September, promoting pleasant weather, invite a large number of visitors. The park experiences maximum sunshine hours from June until
August, with the longest day being in June, providing 16 hours of daylight. These months also witness a moderate level of rainfall and temperatures ranging from 59°F (15°C) to 75°F (23.9°C).
The worst time to visit Isle Royale National Park
The less favorable period to visit
Isle Royale National Park tends to be the colder months from
December until
February. During these periods, the park witnesses the lowest temperatures of the year dropping to 0°F (-17.8°C). Furthermore, days are shorter during this period with only around 8.9 hours to 10.3 hours of daylight, alongside minimum sunshine hours of 3 to 4.
Spring weather in Isle Royale National Park
The spring season in
Isle Royale National Park, from
March to
May, is marked by an increase in temperatures and daylight hours. Temperatures during this period range from 12°F (-11.1°C) in March to 59°F (15°C) in May. Daylight hours progress from 11.9 hours in March to 15.2 hours in May. Precipitation values stay between 1.7" (43mm) and 2.7" (69mm) throughout these months.
Summer weather in Isle Royale National Park
During the summer months of
June through
August,
Isle Royale National Park showcases peak temperatures, rising from 68°F (20°C) in June to 75°F (23.9°C) in
July, before declining to 72°F (22.2°C) in August. Rainfall shows an increase, peaking at 3.3" (84mm) and 3.4" (86mm) in August and
September, respectively. Daylight hours reach their highest, offering visitors up to 16 hours of daylight in June.
Autumn weather in Isle Royale National Park
Autumn in
Isle Royale National Park, covering
September through
November, witnesses a decline in temperatures. Values descend from 63°F (17.2°C) in September to 36°F (2.2°C) in November. Rainfall sits between 3.4" (86mm) in September and 2.3" (58mm) in November. Meanwhile, daylight hours gradually dwindle from 12.6 hours in September to 9.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Isle Royale National Park
The winter period in
Isle Royale National Park, from
December until
February, offers the coldest conditions of the entire year with temperatures fluctuating between 0°F (-17.8°C) to 21°F (-6.1°C). Precipitation averages around 2.5" (64mm) in December and falls to 1.5" (38mm) in
January. The number of daylight hours remains low and ranges from 8.9 hours in December to 10.3 hours in February.
Weather in January
Weather in February
The frigid weather prevails in
February, following suit from
January. However, a gradual increase in temperature begins to mark the transition towards the warmer months. The weather remains cloudy for substantial periods, indicating the sustained trend of rainfall from the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings in the first whispers of spring as the weather starts shifting from extreme cold. The weather shows a palpable increase from the freezing temperatures of
February. Sunlight becomes more prevalent, heralding longer days and hinting at the upcoming spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Weather in May
May ushers in the true essence of spring with its mild and comfortable climate. It offers a respite from the long, dreary winter. Following
April, May continues the trend of increased daylight hours. Rainfall is expected to be slightly higher than the previous month, making the location greener.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces the early signs of summer with warmer weather. From spring-like weather in
May, June displays a noticeable increase in temperature. Long daylight hours and their added sunshine make this month suitable for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the peak of summer in
Isle Royale National Park,
Michigan. The increase in temperature from
June makes July the warmest month of the year. There's an abundance of sunlight, making this a perfect time for sunbathing. The levels of rainfall exhibit a slight decline compared to the preceding months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the weather begins to mellow down from the peak in
July. However, the summer heat still predominates, although slightly less intense than July. Rainfall shows a marginal increase, retaining moisture within the environment.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
October ensures the full arrival of autumn with its cool and crisp weather. The noticeable decrease in temperature from
September sets the tone for the upcoming winter. Rainfall quantities remain relatively similar, contributing to the moisture in the air.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December
December witnesses the onset of winter, concluding the cycle of the year. Cold weather characterizes this month, increasing from the cool temperatures of
November. Daylight hours are curtailed dramatically, indicating the waning of the Sun.
Weather in December »