The climate of Laurel
As for
Laurel,
Montana, it is found positioned within the Mid-latitude steppe climate according to the Koppen Climate Classification, also coded as BSk. Occupying this category of climate implies its residents experience a variation of temperatures within an annual cycle, occasional precipitation events, and a prevalent dry weather type.
Examining the climate data gathered over several years, it is identified that temperatures in Laurel reflect a pattern. It starts with cold averages in
January, 19.4°F (-7°C) on the lower end and 32.5°F (0.3°C) on the upper, and gradually improve to reach peak heat in
July with averaging values ranging from 59.4°F (15.2°C) to 85.1°F (29.5°C). After that, a progressive decrease is evident until temperatures revert to the colder side by
December again, commonly seeing lows of 18.5°F (-7.5°C) and highs of 31.3°F (-0.4°C).
Accompanying the temperature, rainfall in Laurel tends to show its spike in
May, receiving about 1.54" (39mm), while the least precipitation is seen in December, with only about 0.31" (8mm) received. As for snowfall, a trend similar to rainfall is identified, whereby most snow hits the ground in
March, reaching an average of 2.68" (68mm), and the least in July and
August recording zero inches of snowfall on average.
The sky above Laurel also has its characteristics. Daylight hours peak in
June reaching up to 15.7 hours per day, and shrink to an annual minimum of 8.8 hours in December. Similarly, the average number of sunshine hours is the longest in June totaling 11.5 hours per day, and the shortest in December with around 5.8 hours.
The best time to visit Laurel
Considering the climate patterns in
Laurel, the pleasant time to visit would seemingly fall from
May to
September. The weather during these months is relatively warm with averages between 63.5°F (17.5°C) to 85.1°F (29.5°C) and rainfall levels remain considerably lower, especially in
July recording 0.67" (17mm). Additionally, the level of daylight received is maximum, offering plenty of hours to explore the region unfettered by darkness or extreme conditions.
The worst time to visit Laurel
Conversely, if comfort and optimal weather are prioritized when planning a visit, the colder months from
November to
March may not be the best choice. During this period, temperatures in
Laurel can be uncomfortably low, sometimes dropping to 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in the case of
December. The high occurrence of snowfall, particularly in March with its 2.68" (68mm), could also potentially disrupt outdoor and travel activities.
Spring weather in Laurel
Spring in
Laurel from
March to
May brings a noticeable change in the weather as temperatures gradually move from chilly to relatively mild. The daytime highs are between 45.3°F (7.4°C) to 63.5°F (17.5°C), and the nights can be as cold as 28.6°F (-1.9°C) in March and as warm as 43°F (6.1°C) in May. Spring also indicates the start of the rainy season as the amount of showers increase in
April and peaks in May with 1.54" (39mm).
Summer weather in Laurel
Summertime, from
June to
August, in
Laurel is generally warm to hot with temperatures peaking at an average of 85.1°F (29.5°C). The lows, albeit cooling, hold warm averages of up to 59.4°F (15.2°C). Rainfall recedes after its spring peak, with
July having the least average of 0.67" (17mm).
Autumn weather in Laurel
The autumn months of
September to
November bring a drop in temperatures with highs ranging from 73.4°F (23°C) to 43.3°F (6.3°C) and lows from 52°F (11.1°C) to 28°F (-2.2°C). November sees a significant decrease in temperatures, marking the approaching winter. Rainfall during these months moderately fluctuate, peaking in
October with an average of 0.79" (20mm).
Winter weather in Laurel
Winter in
Laurel runs from
December to
February, characterized by cold temperatures that can reach as low as 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in December and climb as high as 32.9°F (0.5°C) in February. Given these conditions, snowfall is prevalent, particularly in December and
January, with averages measuring as high as 2.36 and 2.01" (51mm) respectively. Clear, sunny days reduce in number and daytime hours are few, the shortest being in December at 8.8 hours.
Weather in January
On the coldest month of the year,
Laurel,
Montana has a high average temperature of 32.5°F (0.3°C) and its lowest at 19.4°F (-7°C), with the humidity at its peak, the highest throughout the year at 76%. Although the temperatures are low, it also brings clear skies, with a cloud cover of only 38%, leading to longer sunshine hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Bidding farewell to the year's coldest month,
February in
Laurel,
Montana marks the continuation of the winter season. Not far removed from
January, the temperature ranges remain below freezing. It also experiences high winds and significant snowfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring approaches,
March brings a noticeable change in
Laurel,
Montana’s weather pattern. The slight elevation in temperatures makes it more comfortable than the previous winter months. The onset of spring is further signaled by an increase in rainfall to 0.55" (14mm), making it a wetter month than either
January or
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies a distinct shift in weather with
Laurel,
Montana fully transitioning into the spring season. April offers the most significant increase in average temperatures from the preceding months. Correspondingly, the rainfall increases quite significantly reaching 1.02" (26mm), signaling the peak of the spring showers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Laurel,
Montana is characterized by the thriving spring weather making way for early summer. Temperatures rise steadily, but still hover in a comfortable range. Longer hours of daylight become apparent allowing more time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer officially begins,
June in
Laurel,
Montana exhibits a prominent rise in temperatures. The shift from spring to summer brings longer days with the maximum hours of sunshine at 15.7. Nonetheless, rainfall persists, and this month records 1.46" (37mm).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the essence of summer in
Laurel,
Montana. The city experiences its highest average temperatures with 85.1°F (29.5°C) as the highest and 59.4°F (15.2°C) the lowest. Simultaneously, spectators can enjoy the longest sunshine hours per day, averaging 11.9.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues
Laurel,
Montana’s summer streak with high temperatures, although slightly dipping as compared to
July. An abundance of sunshine continues, consoling the slight dip in temperatures. It's also one of the driest months, despite experiencing 0.75" (19mm) of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The transition month of
September denotes the beginning of autumn in
Laurel,
Montana. As summer slowly releases its hold, temperatures start to decline. However, the weather remains sufficiently warm to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes the full autumn season in
Laurel,
Montana with a noticeable drop in temperatures. The cooler winds are a refreshing change from the summer heat, introducing a crispness to the air. Rainfall remains relatively stable, yet it's less than the yearly average.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Laurel,
Montana heads towards the end of the year,
November brings a considerable drop in temperature. Indicative of late fall, this month prepares the city for the forthcoming winter. Snow starts to make an appearance with an increase in snowfall days as well.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Laurel,
Montana marks the beginning of winter with temperatures dropping to the lowest since
March. The wintery chill is augmented by snowfall reaching 2.36" (60mm), accompanying its regular rainfall of 0.31" (8mm).
Weather in December »