The climate of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, located in the state of
Utah, USA, experiences a Humid continental climate, classed as Dfb under the Köppen climate classification. This indicates a strong presence of four distinct seasons throughout the year, with warm summers and cold winters, where no dry season is experienced.
Analysis of the climatological parameters reveals that throughout the annual cycle, temperatures fluctuate between 21°F (-6.1°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), the cold being in the winter months of
December to
February, and summer time (
June to
August) offering the highest temperatures. Humidity takes a downward dip during the summer, decreasing to around 37%, while the relative humidity reaches at its utmost, 83% at the coldest months.
Rainfall throughout the year is relatively constant, with the maximum monthly average rainfall hitting at 0.51" (13mm). Interesting patterns emerge in the form of snowfall, where December records an average snowfall of 1.67" (42mm) over a period of approximately 6.2 days. In contrast, the warmer months from
May to
September register no snowfall. In terms of daylight, June witnesses the longest sunlight hours, stretching up to 15.1 hours, while December provides the shortest, around 9.3 daylight hours.
Cloud cover is minimal during the sunny days of summer, with just around 9-13% cloud cover from June to August. In contrast, winter days in Salt Lake City are cloudier with an average of 38% cloud cover in December and
January. The region experiences a slightly breezy air current throughout the year, with wind speeds reaching up to 6.6mph (10.6km/h) on average.
The best time to visit Salt Lake City
Individual preferences may dictate the best time for visits. However, considering climatic circumstances and catering to a general audience, late spring and early autumn stand out as the optimum times to visit
Salt Lake City. During these periods, the average temperatures sit comfortably between 53.6 to 73.2°F (22.9°C), with humidity levels from 50% in
May to 43% in
September. The rainfall is relatively lower, averaging from 0.28" (7mm) to 0.31" (8mm) in these months providing ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Salt Lake City
Again, personal preferences may vary; however, visitors who are not fond of cold weather conditions may find the winter months less appealing. During these months,
Salt Lake City experiences lower temperatures ranging from 21°F (-6.1°C) to 34°F (1.1°C), coupled with high humidity levels from 77% to 83%. Moreover,
December has the highest average snowfall of 1.65" (42mm), making these conditions less suitable for visitors unaccustomed to cold weather.
Spring weather in Salt Lake City
Spring in
Salt Lake City, across
March to
May, is characterized by moderate climate conditions. Temperature averages move from 32.5°F (0.3°C) in the early spring to 64.2°F (17.9°C) by the end of May, setting the stage for pleasant weather. Monthly average rainfall sees a slight decrease going from 0.51" (13mm) in March to 0.31" (8mm) in May. The spring season also witnesses an increase in daylight hours, with May enjoying up to 14.5 hrs of daylight.
Summer weather in Salt Lake City
The summer months in
Salt Lake City,
June to
August, are typically warm with temperatures averaging from 75.9°F (24.4°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C). Regardless of the heat, the relative humidity during these months decreases to a comfortable 37-38%, providing relief. This period is the driest, with an average rainfall of 0.28" (7mm) per month. The longest day of the year falls on June, with daylight hours reaching up to 15.1 hours.
Autumn weather in Salt Lake City
Autumn in
Salt Lake City offers cool weather conditions with average temperatures decreasing from 73.2°F (22.9°C) in
September to 46.2°F (7.9°C) in
November. Humidity levels slightly increase during this period, which also sees an increase in rainfall, subtly enhancing the foliage of autumn. The daylight hours lessen gradually, falling to 9.9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Salt Lake City
Winter in
Salt Lake City brings a chilly climate from
December to
February, as average temperatures plunge from 34.3°F (1.3°C) to 21°F (-6.1°C). The level of humidity rises during these months, reaching 83% in December, coupled with the highest snowfall, averaging at 2.68" (68mm) in December. Daylight is far less compared with other seasons, with December offering only around 9.3 hours of daytime.
Weather in January
As the calendar transitions into a new year, the norm in
Salt Lake City,
Utah is cold and snowy
January weather. The landscape is blanketed in snow, with January having the most snowfall days with 6.6 days, and reaching up to 2.68" (68mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Salt Lake City enters
February with an improvement in weather conditions as compared to
January. The subtle rise in temperatures hints at the incoming spring season, making February comparatively warmer.
March takes this trend further with more sunshine and less snowfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is the gateway to spring in
Salt Lake City,
Utah with ascending temperatures making it noticeably warmer than its predecessor,
February. Despite the remaining chill in the evenings, the overall temperature begins to feel more comfortable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes spring in
Salt Lake City,
Utah with increased temperatures and fewer rainy days. The landscape starts to blossom, making it great for exploring the outdoors.
May continues this pattern of warm and relatively dry weather, becoming even more inviting for outside activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Salt Lake City,
Utah is a showcase of perfect spring weather. The temperature continues to rise from
April, offering a delightful blend of warmth and freshness. Residents can look forward to even sunnier days in
June, although the increase in temperature will also bring less rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in
Salt Lake City,
Utah. This is when the city experiences significantly warmer temperatures. The weather takes a slightly cooler turn in
July, but the city remains predominantly sunny and warm. Outdoor activities, mainly water-based, are in full swing, with many flocking to local lakes and rivers to stay cool.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of the summer season in
Salt Lake City,
Utah, characterized by the highest temperatures of the year from 75.9°F (24.4°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C).
August sees quite similar weather patterns, with high temperatures and longer sunshine hours continuing.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Hot summer weather persists in
Salt Lake City,
Utah throughout
August. The temperatures drop slightly in
September, marking a gentle transition into the autumn season. Even though the humidity rises slightly as compared to
July, the heat index remains high, urging the residents to stay hydrated.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
October unfolds the genuine autumn capture in
Salt Lake City,
Utah. The month sees a notable decrease in temperatures, preparing the city for the winter to come.
November introduces colder days and nights, as the city moves steadily towards winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December
In
December, winter completely sets in
Salt Lake City,
Utah. The city experiences cold temperatures similar to
January, indicating the full circle of the year's weather pattern. The blanket of snow combined with festive decorations create a magical ambiance.
Weather in December »