Last updated: January 18, 2025
Wyoming's climate is characterized by a diverse range of Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Dfb, BWk, BSk, and Dfc, highlighting its significant temperature variation throughout the year. The state experiences harsh winters, with minimum temperatures plunging to -35°C (-30°F) in October, while summers can bring scorching heat, peaking at 41°C (106°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 6°C (44°F), reflecting the unique climatic conditions that shape Wyoming's landscape and ecosystems.
Wyoming experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, marked by frigid winters and warm summers. January and February are particularly cold, with minimum temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F) and average temperatures barely reaching -6°C (22°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April showing a shift towards milder conditions characterized by daytime highs around 27°C (81°F) in March and 30°C (86°F) in April. The transition to summer brings the highest temperatures, with July and June witnessing maximums of 41°C (106°F), while average temperatures climb to 21°C (71°F) and 17°C (63°F) respectively. August maintains the warmth with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), before a significant drop in September. The onset of autumn sees temperatures plunge again, with October and November returning to the depths of winter, where lows can reach -35°C (-30°F) and average lows hover around -30°C (-21°F), illustrating the dramatic fluctuations that define Wyoming’s climate.
Thermopolis, Cody, and Jackson in Wyoming experience significant temperature variations throughout the year. In Thermopolis, temperatures drop to a chilly -29°C (-20°F) in January and rise to a scorching 40°C (104°F) in July. Explore more about the monthly temperature in Thermopolis. Similarly, Cody sees a minimum of -29°C (-20°F) in January, with July temperatures peaking at 36°C (97°F). Discover more details about the monthly temperature in Cody. Meanwhile, Jackson has its coldest temperatures of -26°C (-14°F) in October and humid summers that reach up to 30°C (86°F) in July. Find out more about the monthly temperature in Jackson.
Precipitation in Wyoming exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with the late spring months receiving the highest rainfall. May typically leads the way with 73 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over an average of 12 days, followed closely by April and March, which receive 61 mm (2.4 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in), respectively. The summer months, particularly June through August, see a drop in rainfall, with June recording 40 mm (1.6 in) and July and August both around 30 mm (1.2 in) to 28 mm (1.1 in). This trend indicates a shift towards drier conditions as summer progresses.
Contrasting the spring and summer months, the fall and winter seasons tend to have lower precipitation levels. January, with 28 mm (1.1 in) and February at 43 mm (1.7 in), marks the onset of winter precipitation, often in the form of snow. Overall, winter months see less frequent, yet significant snowfall events, while late spring peaks in rainfall. Despite the variability, the total annual precipitation remains generally low, defining Wyoming's semi-arid climate and affecting its unique ecosystems and water resources.
In Wyoming, sunshine duration showcases a striking seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter through summer. January begins with 161 hours of sunshine, but as the months progress, there is a noticeable uptick, reaching 205 hours in February. The transition to spring brings a more dramatic rise, culminating in April with 286 hours and peaking in June at 377 hours. July takes the lead with 390 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year, while August maintains high levels with 355 hours. This consistent increase highlights Wyoming's brilliant summer skies, inviting outdoor activities and stunning landscapes.
As fall approaches, the sunshine hours begin to wane, yet they remain significant compared to the winter months. September still enjoys 299 hours of sunshine before tumbling to 255 hours in October. The trend continues into the winter months with November and December recording 221 hours and 205 hours, respectively. While these winter months provide fewer sunny hours, the gradual reduction in daylight is anticipated by the strikingly vibrant spring and summer, making the sunshine hours in Wyoming a defining feature of its climate and an essential factor for residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in Wyoming demonstrates significant seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation experienced throughout the year. During the winter months, January and December show relatively low UV indexes of 4, providing a cushion against harmful UV exposure. As spring approaches, the UV levels begin to rise, with a sharper increase noted in March where the index reaches 9, and reaching its peak in April and May at 12. This upward trend emphasizes the importance of sun protection as outdoor activities increase during this time.
The summer months showcase the highest UV exposure, with June peaking at a UVI of 13, making it essential for individuals to take precautions against sun damage during this period. Following June, the UV Index remains high in July at 12, and slightly decreases to 11 in August. As fall arrives, the UV levels gradually decline, with September at 10 and tapering off further to 7 in October and 5 in November. This seasonal pattern highlights the need for awareness and protective measures against UV radiation, especially during the spring and summer months when the risk is at its highest.
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In Wyoming, the daylight duration exhibits a marked seasonal variation, reflecting the transitional changes throughout the year. January begins with only 9 hours of daylight, a stark reminder of winter's grip, while February sees a slight increase to 10 hours. As spring unfolds, March brings 11 hours, and daylight hours continue to extend rapidly in April with 13 hours. This trend culminates in June, when the state enjoys the longest days of the year at 15 hours, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration during the sunniest months.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours gradually diminish, starting with 14 hours in July and tapering off to 13 hours in August. September experiences a further reduction to 12 hours, as the days shorten in anticipation of winter. By October, daylight duration drops to 10 hours, before settling back to 9 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration influences activities and lifestyle in Wyoming, emphasizing the importance of maximizing outdoor time during the longer days of spring and summer.
Cody, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate marked by cold winters and warm summers. Winter months from December to February see frigid temperatures with averages ranging from -9°C to -6°C (17°F to 21°F), accompanied by modest precipitation between 16 mm and 36 mm (0.6 in to 1.4 in). As spring and summer roll in, temperatures climb significantly, reaching an average of 20°C (67°F) in July, with precipitation peaking at 96 mm (3.8 in) in May. The city enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, particularly from April to August, with July boasting up to 393 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit the Cody climate page.
The climate in Jackson, United States, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Winter months, from December to February, experience low temperatures averaging around -8°C (18°F) and frequent snow with February receiving the highest precipitation at 132 mm (5.2 in). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March showing an average temperature of -2°C (28°F), while precipitation decreases to 76 mm (3.0 in). Summers, particularly in July and August, offer the warmest conditions with average temperatures reaching 17°C (62°F) and minimal rainfall, notably 28 mm (1.1 in) in July. Jackson climate information further highlights the increase in sunshine hours from 116 in January to a peak of 396 hours in July, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities.
Thermopolis, United States, experiences significant seasonal variations in temperature, with winter months reaching lows of -29°C (-20°F) in January and peaking at a warm 40°C (104°F) in July. The region's precipitation is relatively low, but varies throughout the year, with May receiving the most at 67 mm (2.6 in), while the driest month, typically January, only sees about 11 mm (0.4 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking in July at 391 hours, ensuring long sunny days even as temperatures drop significantly during winter months. For more detailed information on the climate in Thermopolis, visit the Thermopolis climate.
In conclusion, Wyoming's climate is characterized by its diverse temperature ranges, varying precipitation patterns, and distinct seasonal changes in sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. These factors collectively shape the state’s unique environmental landscape and influence the lifestyle of its residents. The pronounced transition from frigid winters to warm summers highlights the necessity for appropriate sun protection during peak UV exposure months and emphasizes the value of outdoor activities during longer daylight periods. Understanding these climatic nuances is crucial for residents, visitors, and environmental planners alike, as they navigate the rhythms of life in this stunning, yet varied, part of the United States.