Climate and monthly weather forecast
Nebraska, USA

Nebraska has a humid continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) in the east and semi-arid (Köppen BSk) in the west. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and icy. Iowa in the east, Missouri in the southeast, Kansas in the south, Colorado in the southwest, Wyoming in the west and northwest, and South Dakota in the north, border the state. The Rocky Mountains influence the climate profoundly as the windward side of the mountains sucks the moisture from the air masses that pass over them.

Nebraska, the Cornhusker State, is part of the Midwestern United States and lies in the Great Plains region. The average elevation is 790 meters above sea level, and Panorama Point lies at the highest altitude of 1654 meters. The Platte, the Niobrara, and the Republican are the major rivers that flow through the state. Western Nebraska is part of the Great Plains that includes mixed-grass steppe, wetlands, ridges, and canyons. Eastern Nebraska consists of gently rolling prairie of the Dissected Till Plains and composed of sandy loam soils. Numerous small basins, lakes, and valleys are part of the sandhills section of the west.

The best time to visit Nebraska is from September to October in the fall when the temperatures are moderate. The conditions are pleasant with low precipitation, bright sunshine, and fewer instances of stormy weather. The fall season is lovely, with beautiful colors, breezy evenings, and beautiful mornings. April and May have mild temperatures in the spring and are worth a visit. However, spring is prone to thunderstorms and tornadoes, as is summer. Summer is the hottest and wettest part of the year in Nebraska.

The worst time to visit Nebraska is from December to February in the winter when the state is firmly in the grip of cold weather. Cold fronts are standard, and snowfall can begin as early as October. Night temperatures drop dramatically at the peak of winter and even dip below 0°F (-17.8°C). Day high temperatures register below freezing in many places during the peak cold of January. Strong gales blow during the cold season with no barriers in the form of mountains. The days are short, and the weak sunlight rarely lasts above a few hours. Periods of heavy snowfall compound the cold conditions, and an occasional blizzard may stall everyday life.

Spring in Nebraska presents moderate temperatures, making it a relatively pleasant season. However, this period is known for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Temperatures vary from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), and the state records precipitation between 3" (76mm) to 4" (102mm) in most regions. The appearance of blooming flowers and rejuvenation of green landscapes adds to the beauty of the state, although the unpredictable weather can bring surprises.

Summers in Nebraska are hot and humid, with daytime highs in the range of 85°F (29.4°C) to 90°F (32.2°C) during July. Temperatures may cross 100°F (37.8°C), particularly at the height of summer. The rainfall varies across the state, but the wettest period occurs from May to September, with June and July being the peak months. The eastern portion of Nebraska is significantly more humid, and the sunshine is ample, with 210 to 230 sunny days in the year.

Autumn brings the best weather to Nebraska with moderate rain and heat. The temperature varies between 45°F (7.2°C) to 75°F (23.9°C) and the state witnesses occasional storms in September. October often showcases pleasant conditions, with low precipitation and bright sunshine. The fall season is adorned with beautiful colors, making it an attractive time for outdoor exploration.

Winter in Nebraska is characterized by harsh conditions with average low temperatures in the range of 10°F (-12.2°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C) in January. The snowfall ranges from 21" (533mm) in the south to 45" (1143mm) in the northwest and can last from October to April. Strong winds without barriers from mountains exacerbate the cold, and periods of heavy snowfall compound these conditions. Chinook winds have a limited warming effect on the western portion of the state, but weather changes remain frequent and sharp, often affecting daily life.

January is the coldest month of the year in Nebraska, with the northeast typically being the coldest region of the state. The western panhandle generally has lower average temperatures during the rest of the year, but in January, the entire state experiences a firm grip of cold weather. Weather in January »

February continues the trend of cold weather in Nebraska, although it often presents a slight rise in temperatures compared to January. The minimum temperatures for February generally range from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C), while the maximum temperatures can vary between 32°F (0°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). Snowfall continues to be a prominent feature, particularly in the northwest, where it can reach up to 45" (1143mm), while the southern parts usually experience around 21" (533mm). Weather in February »

March marks a transitional period in Nebraska, with temperatures beginning to rise, signaling the approach of spring. Minimum temperatures in March generally vary from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 35°F (1.7°C), while maximum temperatures are between 45°F (7.2°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). The snowfall begins to decrease, particularly in the southern parts, but the northwest region can still experience up to 30" (762mm) of snow. Weather in March »

April in Nebraska signifies a more definitive shift into the spring season. The temperatures continue to rise, with minimum values ranging from 35°F (1.7°C) to 45°F (7.2°C), and maximum temperatures between 55°F (12.8°C) to 65°F (18.3°C). Snowfall becomes even less common, particularly in the southern regions, and the northwest also sees a significant reduction, with snow largely replaced by moderate rain. Weather in April »

May marks the beginning of the wettest period in Nebraska, with the average precipitation increasing significantly. This month exhibits minimum temperatures from 45°F (7.2°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), and maximum temperatures ranging from 65°F (18.3°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). The snowfall that characterized the earlier months has now completely receded, and the weather is dominated by rain. Weather in May »

June ushers in the summer season in Nebraska and is part of the peak of the wettest period in the state. Minimum temperatures during this month range from 55°F (12.8°C) to 65°F (18.3°C), while maximum temperatures can be between 75°F (23.9°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). Rainfall continues to be a significant factor, especially in the east, where it can reach up to 32" (813mm). Weather in June »

July stands as the peak of summer in Nebraska, displaying the hottest temperatures of the year. Minimum temperatures during this month are between 60°F (15.6°C) and 70°F (21.1°C), while maximum temperatures can reach from 85°F (29.4°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in July »

August continues the warm trend in Nebraska, though there is a slight decrease in temperatures compared to July. Minimum temperatures for this month range from 60°F (15.6°C) to 65°F (18.3°C), while maximum temperatures are between 80°F (26.7°C) and 85°F (29.4°C). August still retains its connection to the wettest period in Nebraska, but the rainfall begins to moderate, and the storms of earlier summer months become less frequent. Weather in August »

September heralds the arrival of autumn in Nebraska, characterized by moderate temperatures and decreased precipitation. Minimum temperatures during this month range from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), and maximum temperatures vary between 70°F (21.1°C) and 80°F (26.7°C). The wet conditions of the summer months gradually give way to drier weather. Weather in September »

October continues the progression into autumn in Nebraska, with a further decrease in temperatures and the onset of more stable weather conditions. Minimum temperatures during this month range from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C), while maximum temperatures are typically between 60°F (15.6°C) and 70°F (21.1°C). Precipitation further declines, and the likelihood of thunderstorms becomes even more infrequent. Weather in October »

November in Nebraska is a transitional month that bridges autumn and winter, with temperatures dropping significantly and precipitation patterns shifting. Minimum temperatures during November range from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 40°F (4.4°C), and maximum temperatures are generally between 45°F (7.2°C) and 60°F (15.6°C). As the month progresses, rain begins to give way to snow in parts of the state, particularly in the northwest. Weather in November »

December marks the onset of winter in Nebraska, characterized by cold temperatures and the increasing likelihood of snowfall. Minimum temperatures during this month generally range from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C), while maximum temperatures are typically between 35°F (1.7°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). Snow becomes a more common occurrence across the state, ranging from 21" (533mm) in the south to 45" (1143mm) in the northwest. Weather in December »