The climate of Markham
Markham, nestled in
Canada, falls under the category of a Humid Continental climate according to the Köppen climate classification. The climate here is distinguished by no dry season and warm summers. Weather throughout the year remains distinct with considerable variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
The annual temperature swings dramatically from -8.8°C (16.2°F) in winter to peaks as high as 24.8°C (76.6°F) in the warmer months. Rainfall in Markham is quite evenly distributed throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from 30mm (1.18") to a maximum of 78mm (3.07"). Most precipitation falls in
July, while the driest months are typically
February and
November. The city also experiences snowfall, with the heaviest accumulations occurring between
December and February, averaging about 113mm (4.45") per month.
Markham experiences a high level of humidity, averaging around 78% annually. It peaks from
January to February, at 86%, and lowers to about 75% in
April and
May. The city experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with the highest number of sunlight hours in July and the least in December. Despite high humidity levels, the city generally maintains good visibility at 9km (5.6mi) all year round. The cloud cover in Markham is above average, particularly from November to January when the cloud percentage soars to over 65%.
The best time to visit Markham
Taking into account the weather conditions throughout the year, the best time to visit
Markham would be between
May and
September. During this period, the city experiences its warmest temperatures, ranging from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). These months also offer the longest daylight hours, which peaks at 15.4 hours in
June. Despite being the wettest months, with rainfall ranging from 65mm (2.56") to 78mm (3.07"), the pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours make this period ideal for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Markham
The period from
December to
February can be considered the least favorable time to visit
Markham owing to the severe cold and heavy snowfall. The temperatures during these months dip as low as -8.8°C (16.2°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F). Additionally, daylight hours are at their shortest, averaging only about 9.4 to 10.5 hours. The heavy snowfall, which can reach up to 118mm (4.65") in December, also restricts outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Markham
Spring in
Markham is characterized by a gradual warming of temperatures and an increase in rain. From
March to
May, the city experiences average high temperatures ranging from 2.8°C (37°F) to 16.4°C (61.5°F). Rainfall averages increase from 36mm (1.42") in March to 65mm (2.56") in May. The daylight hours also see a significant increase during this time, with May experiencing approximately 14.8 hours of daylight.
Summer weather in Markham
The summer months, from
June to
August, offer the most comfortable weather conditions in
Markham. High temperatures during these months range from 21.1°C (70°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) and low temperatures from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 16.6°C (61.9°F). Even though these are also the wettest months, with rainfall between 67mm (2.64") and 78mm (3.07"), the ample sunlight hours averaging around 15 hours with UV indices of 5 to 6, allow for a range of outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Markham
The autumn season in
Markham, from
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in temperature and daylight hours. High temperatures fall from 20.6°C (69.1°F) in September to 6.1°C (43°F) in November. Despite this, rainfall remains quite steady, with averages from 49mm (1.93") to 68mm (2.68"). Daylight hours decrease significantly during this period, diminishing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Markham
Winters in
Markham, spanning
December to
February, are characterized by low temperatures, snowfall, and limited daylight. High temperatures plummet to below freezing, ranging from -3.2°C (26.2°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F), while low temperatures fall between -8.8°C (16.2°F) and -4.1°C (24.6°F). Snowfall is highest during these months, averaging between 81mm (3.19") and 118mm (4.65"). Daylight hours are the shortest of the year, with December witnessing only 9 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
Markham experiences a fairly cold start to the new year, with
January being characterized by frigid temperatures, substantial snowfall, and high humidity. In comparison to the following month, January’s temperatures are similar and the volume of snow is more significant.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the trend of cold weather witnessed in the preceding month. While there is still a considerable amount of snowfall, the temperatures begin to slightly warm up with the end of the winter drawing near. Average snowfall sees a decline, with 89mm (3.5") precipitation spread over an average of 11.4 snowfall days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March,
Markham starts to see indications of spring as temperatures begin to rise and snowfall decreases. The rise in temperature happens gradually, not enough to bring about a major change from the winter months but certainly a respite from the colder days of
January and
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a distinct month in
Markham's annual weather cycle. The city starts to see warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, presenting a sharp contrast to the frigid, shorter days of winter. Temperatures are on a noticeable rise with minimum values up to 2.1°C (35.8°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Markham brings further warmth, longer days and spring in full bloom. Daylight hours continue to increase making the days much longer than the winter months. It's a pleasant time of the year and is characterized by moderate temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the beginning of summer in
Markham, a season noted for its warmth and extended daylight hours. When compared to
May, both temperature and humidity ascend further, evolving June into an unmistakably sunny period. With an average maximum temperature of 21.1°C (70°F), June brings the warmest days so far.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the hottest days of the year to
Markham, thanks to its peak summer temperatures. This also results in extended daylight hours facilitating various outdoor activities. However, the city faces its highest rainfall during this period with an average of 78mm (3.07"), but temperature peaks at 24.8°C (76.6°F) keeps the weather warm.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August offers no respite from the summer temperatures of
July, continuing the trend of warm days. However, there's a slight fall in the maximum temperatures compared to July. The city experiences an average rainfall of 75mm (2.95"), a little less than that of July.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September symbolizes the end of summer and the initial hints of the fall season. The weather is beginning to cool down and the daylight hours start to decrease. A significant fall in the maximum temperature to 20.6°C (69.1°F) and a decrease in average rainfall to 49mm (1.93") strongly suggest this transition.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Markham witnesses a notable shift in weather as autumn truly sets in with temperatures continuing their downward trend. From
September’s mild warmth, October brings a crisper chill. With the temperatures now dipping further to 13.2°C (55.8°F), it becomes more noticeable that the year is heading towards its colder months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of winter season in
Markham with days becoming considerably colder. It's a continuation of the
October’s decline in temperatures, and drops even further. A considerable increase in snowfall from 5mm (0.2") to 55mm (2.17") gives an early indication of the impending winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is one of the coldest months in
Markham, marking the end of the year with freezing temperatures. Following
November’s trend, there's another decrease in temperature, and snowfall increases as winter begins in earnest.
Weather in December »