Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Jura, Switzerland, is classified as Cfb according to the Köppen-Geiger system, highlighting its oceanic characteristics. This region experiences a diverse temperature range, with a minimum recorded temperature of -16°C (4°F) in February, showcasing the chill of winter. On average, the yearly temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F), while peak summer months can soar to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July. This variation underscores the unique climatic conditions that define Jura, making it a captivating area for climatological studies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the year, Jura, Switzerland, experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its diverse climate. Winter months from January to February see minimum values dropping as low as -16°C (4°F), with average highs slowly rising from 1°C (34°F) in January to 3°C (38°F) in February. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually increase, with averages climbing to 9°C (49°F) by April, showcasing a trend towards milder conditions. The transition to summer from May to July introduces some of the warmest temperatures, peaking at an impressive 36°C (97°F) in July, while average monthly temperatures hover between 13°C (55°F) and 19°C (67°F). As summer fades into autumn, temperatures begin to decline, averaging around 15°C (59°F) in September before dropping to 5°C (41°F) in November, indicating a return to cooler conditions. By December, winter reestablishes itself with temperatures once again falling below freezing, setting the stage for another cycle of seasonal variation.
Porrentruy experiences a temperature range from a chilly minimum of -13°C (8°F) in January to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Porrentruy. In comparison, Saint-Ursanne endures slightly cooler winter temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) in January, while achieving a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in July, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Saint-Ursanne.
The precipitation patterns in Jura, Switzerland, exhibit significant variability throughout the year, with notable peaks during the warmer months. Winter months like January and February receive considerable rainfall, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) and 87 mm (3.4 in) respectively, contributing to the region's snow cover. As spring arrives, March witnesses a slight increase in precipitation again, reaching 102 mm (4.0 in), while April sees a reduction to 65 mm (2.6 in). The spring months gradually transition into summer, which is characterized by the highest precipitation levels, particularly in May, where a notable 151 mm (5.9 in) is recorded, followed closely by consistent rainfall in June and July.
Throughout the summer, precipitation remains steady, averaging around 135 mm (5.3 in) for both July and August, often interspersed with short but intense storms. The autumn months show a decline in rainfall, with September experiencing 77 mm (3.1 in) and October returning to 102 mm (4.0 in). Notably, December closes the year with a spike in precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in), which corresponds to an increase in rainy days as the region prepares for winter. This annual precipitation cycle, marked by its peaks and troughs, plays a crucial role in shaping the local ecosystem and hydrology of Jura.
Sunshine duration in Jura, Switzerland, exhibits a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by a gradual increase as winter yields to spring and summer. In the coldest months, January and February capture only 147 hours and 218 hours of sunshine respectively, reflecting the limited daylight typical of this period. The transition into spring sees a marked rise; by March, sunshine hours climb to 290 hours, culminating in a robust 355 hours in April. This upward trend continues into May, where sunlight reaches 369 hours, setting the stage for the sunniest months.
The height of summer, particularly in July, witnesses the peak sunshine duration at 417 hours, showcasing nearly 14 hours of daylight per day. Although August slightly tapers with 389 hours, sunshine remains plentiful, ensuring a continuation of warm, bright days. As autumn arrives, sunshine hours diminish, with September yielding 329 hours and further declining to 273 hours in October. The decline continues through November and December, where only 209 hours and 171 hours of sunlight are observed, marking the return of shorter days. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region's seasonal diversity, where the long, sun-drenched summers contrast sharply with the dimmer winter months, profoundly affecting the local climate and lifestyle.
The UV Index in Jura, Switzerland, demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February experience a relatively low UV Index of 2 and 3, categorized as low to moderate. This corresponds to a burn time of 45 minutes in January and 30 minutes in February, making sun protection less critical during this period. As spring approaches, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking at 6 in April, which indicates high exposure levels and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. March shows a moderate level of 5, suggesting that while still relatively manageable, sun exposure warrants attention.
The summer months present the most significant concerns for UV exposure. May opens with a UV Index of 8, categorized as very high, leading to a burn time of just 15 minutes. This intensity persists, with both June and July reaching a maximum of 9, maintaining the very high category and the same brief burn time. August slightly decreases to 8, but sun safety remains a priority. As the season transitions to autumn, the index declines to 6 in September, returning to high exposure levels. By October, the UV Index falls back to moderate at 4, and winter returns with a low index of 2 in November and December. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of UV safety, particularly during the sunnier months, when exposure can pose greater risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Jura, Switzerland, daylight duration reveals a profound seasonal rhythm, reflecting the region's transition from winter to summer and back again. In January, the days are short, with only 8 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours by February as spring approaches. March continues this trend, with daylight extending to 11 hours, while April brings a more substantial jump to 13 hours. As the days lengthen into May, Jura basks in 15 hours of daylight, a duration that persists into June, indicating the onset of the sunniest season.
The peak of summer sees a consistent 15 hours of daylight in both July and August, creating an ideal environment for outdoor activities. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off; September offers 12 hours, while October sees a further decline to 10 hours. The days continue to shorten through November, dropping to 9 hours, and return to 8 hours in December, marking the return of winter's short days. This cyclical change in daylight duration not only influences daily life in Jura but also plays a significant role in local ecosystems and seasonal activities.
Porrentruy, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures as low as -13°C (8°F) with substantial precipitation averaging 113 mm. As spring approaches, temperatures rise, peaking in July at a maximum of 36°C (97°F) with July also receiving moderate rainfall of 115 mm. The region enjoys impressive sunshine hours, particularly in July with 416 hours, contributing to its vibrant summers. For more detailed information, visit Porrentruy climate.
Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -14°C to 15°C, with winter precipitation peaking at 100 mm. As the year progresses, warmer months like July and August record averages of 19°C and maximums of 35°C, accompanied by considerable rainfall, with up to 152 mm in August. The area enjoys significant sunshine, notably in July with 418 hours, enhancing the summer experience. For more detailed insights, visit Saint-Ursanne climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental conditions in Jura, Switzerland, present a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences a dramatic transformation from cold, shorter days in winter to warm, sun-drenched summers, characterized by increased temperature and significant sunlight. This seasonal variability necessitates awareness of varying UV exposure levels, particularly during the peak summer months, when sun safety becomes vital. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enriches our appreciation of Jura's natural beauty but also underscores the importance of adapting outdoor activities and lifestyle choices in harmony with the region’s distinctive seasonal rhythms.