The climate of Salem
Located in the heart of country,
Salem,
Virginia, experiences a Humid Subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This entails a notable absence of a dry season with high humidity and substantial rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in winter to a high of 86.5°F (30.3°C) in summer, generating a wide span of temperature conditions that inhabitants and visitors can expect to encounter.
Humidity levels remain quite consistent across the year, with relative humidity ranging between 74% to 76%, indicating a generally moist environment. Rainfall is significant with an approximate of 1.81" (46mm) to 3.31" (84mm) falling per month. While the region sees some snowfall, the winter months of
January,
February, and
March experience the highest volume, with snowfall reaching up to 2.76" (70mm) in March. The average snowfall for rest of the year remains near or at the minimum.
A wide range of sunshine expectancy fluctuates between 5.4 hours to 10.6 hours on a daily basis across the year. In correlation with this, the available daylight varies from 9.9 hours to 14.7 hours, thus affecting the visual weather conditions of the area. Notably, the highest wind speeds recorded are in
November with 8.9mph (14.3km/h), however, the wind activity throughout the rest of the year retains a moderate pace.
The best time to visit Salem
Salem typically experiences the most pleasant weather conditions during the late spring months, specifically
May, and early fall, particularly
October. May brings in favorable conditions with temperatures floating around 74.5°F (23.6°C) and modest rainfall of about 3.31" (84mm). Coupled with 14.2 hours of daylight, this month basks in around 9.3 hours of sunshine daily, making outdoor activities quite enjoyable.
Similarly, October greets the visitors with moderate temperatures of approximately 65.8°F (18.8°C) and a moderate humidity percentage of 76%. With an average rainfall of about 1.81" (46mm), decent daylight of 11.2 hours, and approximately 6 hours of sunshine, the conditions present a comfortable and attractive setting for taking part in various outdoor explorations.
The worst time to visit Salem
In terms of unfavorable conditions, the summer months of
June to
August might pose a challenge for visitors. The highest temperatures, reaching up to 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
July, coupled with comparatively higher humidity of 74%, creates an environment that might feel uncomfortably hot and sticky. Moreover, this period also receives the least amount of rainfall, hitting the low of 1.77" (45mm) in July, further exacerbating the sweltering conditions. Likewise, those not comfortable with cold weather may prefer to avoid
January, where temperatures dip down to 26.1°F (-3.3°C).
Spring weather in Salem
Spring in
Salem witnesses a steady rise in temperatures, from 53.8°F (12.1°C) in
March to a delightful 74.5°F (23.6°C) by
May. Humidity levels during this season slightly vary, between 76% and 77%. Rainfall is exceptionally noticeable in May with 3.31" (84mm), while snowfall quickly declines after March down to negligible levels by
April. Daylight broadens, ranging from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May, providing ample opportunities for strolling under the sun.
Summer weather in Salem
Summers are balmy in
Salem, with temperatures peaking at about 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
July. Although humidity descends marginally, it remains fairly high from 72% to 74%. Rainfall is less frequent, bridging from 2.17" (55mm) in
June to 1.97" (50mm) by the end of
August. A distinct characteristic of this season is the generous sunlight, with sunshine hours hovering around 10.5 to 10.6 hours per day, bolstered by the lengthy daylight hours of around 14.7 hours that peak at the end of June.
Autumn weather in Salem
A gradual cooling down takes place during the autumn months of
Salem, as temperatures decline from 77.7°F (25.4°C) in
September to 53.8°F (12.1°C) by
November. The rainfall decreases from 1.61" (41mm) to 1.85" (47mm), while humidity holds steady. Autumn invites visitors to witness changing foliage under roughly 6 to 8.3 hours of daily sunshine against the backdrop of a steady decline in daylight hours.
Winter weather in Salem
Winter in
Salem brings lower temperatures, bottoming to 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in
January, while humidity varies marginally from 77% to 74%. Precipitation during this season appears both as rainfall and snowfall, with rainfall oscillating from 1.85" (47mm) in
December to 2.17" (55mm), and snowfall peaks in December with 2.72" (69mm). Daylight hours dwindle to their shortest in December at 9.6 hours, with sunshine hours decreasing to 5.5 hours per day. The winter season in Salem offers a relatively mild and manageable climate for those wishing to enjoy winter activities.
Weather in January
January in
Salem,
Virginia, USA, is marked by cold temperatures and consistent humidity. The city welcomes the new year with average temperatures oscillating between 26.1°F (-3.3°C) and 41.2°F (5.1°C). Inclement weather displays itself in the form of snow, offering an average snowfall of 2.64" (67mm) across just a few days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Salem brings a slight increase in temperatures, offering a relief from the cold
January days. The city encounters slight uptick in humidity and precipitation, translating to an average rainfall of 2.36" (60mm) during the 8.8 rainy days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As winter begins to dissipate,
March brings warmer temperatures and longer sunlight hours to
Salem. The city experiences average temperatures ranging from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 53.8°F (12.1°C). Despite these warming conditions, Salem sees more rainfall, with 1.81" (46mm) accumulated over an increased number of rainy days, 12.3 in total.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a transition month in
Salem, bringing the first signs of spring with milder temperatures and a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Salem sees an increase in the average temperatures with lows of 44.4°F (6.9°C) and highs reaching to 65.1°F (18.4°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the threshold to the heat of summer in
Salem, with considerable rise in day time temperatures. The temperature variation for May ranges from lows of 52.3°F (11.3°C) to highs of 74.5°F (23.6°C). This month is also notable for a significant increase in rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The arrival of
June signals the onset of summer in
Salem, coupled with higher temperatures and increased sunshine hours. Average temperatures float from 58.6°F (14.8°C) up to the year’s high of 82.2°F (27.9°C). Peculiarly, the city experiences drier conditions with 2.17" (55mm) of rain falling over 14 days, signifying a decrease from
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of summer in
Salem, attracting vacationers with the year's hottest temperatures and ample sunshine. The city prepares for warmth, with average temperature fluctuations between 62.6°F (17°C) to 86.5°F (30.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the pleasure of summer in
Salem, offering high temperatures and abundant daylight hours. The month sees temperatures taking a slight dip with a range from 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 84.4°F (29.1°C). It’s noteworthy how the rainfall increases to 1.97" (50mm), marking the transition from summer to the rainier season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in autumn in
Salem, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. The month presents a variation in the temperature spectrum, which moves between 56.1°F (13.4°C) and 77.7°F (25.4°C). Come September, rainfall decreases to 1.61" (41mm) signifying the start of a drier phase in Salem.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Salem brings crisp fall colors and colder days. While the temperatures begin to descend with a range from 46.6°F (8.1°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C), rainfall remains almost constant with 1.81" (46mm) over 9.2 rainy days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As winter approaches,
November in
Salem introduces lighter showers and much cooler temperatures. The chill in the air becomes evident with lower temperatures, ranging from 35.6°F (2°C) to 53.8°F (12.1°C). After a notably dry period, the city records a slight increase in rainfall to 1.85" (47mm) across 7.6 days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the arrival of winter in
Salem, evidenced by colder temperatures and frequent snowfall. The city experiences a winter chill with an average temperature swing from 31.8°F (-0.1°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C). Adding to the winter charm is the return of snow, with an average snowfall of 2.72" (69mm).
Weather in December »