Climate and monthly weather forecastStanley, ID

The climate of Stanley

Stanley, Idaho, is situated in the subarctic, subalpine region of the United States, categorised as Dsc under the Köppen climate classification. This region's weather significantly fluctuates throughout the year, known for its cold, snowy winters and relatively mild, sunny summers. There's also a noticeable difference in temperature highs and lows, as the readings can vary from an average low of 5.4°F (-14.8°C) in winter to an average high of 72.7°F (22.6°C) in summer.

Rainfall distribution's also uneven throughout the year with the highest volumes recorded from February to May, exceeding 1.8" (46mm) each month. Meanwhile, July and August encounter the least rainfall, registering merely 0.63" (16mm). This pattern is mirrored in the number of rainfall days, seeing more wet days in spring and fewer in the hotter months.

Interestingly, Stanley features a contrasting picture when it comes to snowfall. The coldest months from January to March see the highest snowfall volumes, over 14" (356mm) each. This wanes during the warm months when there is virtually no snowfall. The amount of snowfall is reflective of the number of snow days; more days in the colder months and none in summer.

The best time to visit Stanley

Given its varying weather conditions, the ideal time to visit Stanley highly depends on the preferred activities. For those who relish the warmth and sunshine, summer offers the most favorable conditions. From June to August, temperatures range between a pleasant 60.3°F (15.7°C) and 72.7°F (22.6°C), allowing travelers to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits under a relative humidity of just 44 to 45%. The sunshine hours during these months are the highest in the year, from 14.8 to 15.5 hours daily, with the sun shining for up to 11.8 hours.

The worst time to visit Stanley

While winter offers its unique charm and recreational opportunities like skiing, the harsh climatic conditions might not be appealing to all. Between December and February, Stanley experiences frigid temperatures, from 5.7°F (-14.6°C) to 25.9°F (-3.4°C), combined with heavy snowfall, particularly in January with around 16.26" (413mm). The days are also considerably shorter, with daylight hours ranging only from 8.9 to 10.5 hours, and considerably less sunshine, only 4.4 to 4.8 hours a day.

Spring weather in Stanley

As winter recedes, spring ushers in gradual warmth in Stanley from March till May. During this period, temperatures rise from a low of 12.2°F (-11°C) in March to a high of 48.6°F (9.2°C) by May. Nevertheless, despite this increase in temperatures, spring in Stanley coincides with a rise in rainfall, both in volumes and the number of rainy days. As a result, despite the moderate temperatures, visitors might have to prepare for a wet and damp spring season.

Summer weather in Stanley

Summers in Stanley, from June through August, are relatively mild and favorable for outdoor activities. With the mercury oscillating from 60.3°F (15.7°C) to 72.7°F (22.6°C), these are the warmest months. However, summer is also the driest season in Stanley, recording the least rain, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventurers. Moreover, an average of 15 hours of daily daylight with more than 10 hours of sunshine makes summer an excellent season to explore Stanley.

Autumn weather in Stanley

Autumn presents a cooling trend, as temperatures gradually descend from 62.1°F (16.7°C) in September to 32.7°F (0.4°C) by November. Rainfall begins to increase, reaching a peak of 1.5" (38mm) in October. However, the daylight hours and sunshine continue to diminish progressively in this period, from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours in November.

Winter weather in Stanley

Winters in Stanley, resided between December and February, are dominated by frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and shorter days. Temperatures average between 5.7°F (-14.6°C) and 25.9°F (-3.4°C) while snowfall exceeds 14" (356mm) each month. Additionally, the daylight lasts about 9.6 hours in December and dwindles to 8.9 hours in the shortest days of winter, making it more suited to winter sport enthusiasts who enjoy the snowy conditions.

Weather in January

January greets Stanley with the heart of winter, blanketing the town in heavy snow. The month holds the year's lowest average temperatures, from a chilly 5.7°F (-14.6°C) at night, to daytime high of only 25.9°F (-3.4°C) along with 14.69" (373mm) of snowfall in 17.3 days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As winter continues in February, a slight respite from the chill of January is felt as the mercury inches upwards. February sees the highest snowfall of the year with 16.26" (413mm), spread across 19.9 snowy days. With relative humidity of 91%, conditions remain prime for snow. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The arrival of March brings a notable shift indicating the approach of spring. Although similar to February in terms of temperature and humidity, the amount of snowfall decreases to 15.67" (398mm) over 21.6 days. A noticeable increase in daylight hours and a slight rise in temperatures signal the pendulum swing towards warmer months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April serves as a gateway to the warmer months in Stanley. The snowfall decreases further to 12.2" (310mm) occurring over a span of 17.6 days. A clear surge in temperature is experienced as spring takes hold. Residents witness late-season snowfall dancing around blooming flowers and greening lawns, creating a picturesque scene of simultaneous rebirth and closure to the cold months. The shift into April is characterized by a subtle rise in the average high-temperature, transitioning from March's freezing cold 30.9°F (-0.6°C) to a wintry 36.5°F (2.5°C). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is the month of contrast. As the spring progresses, temperatures continue to climb, reaching up to 48.6°F (9.2°C) in the daytime. While snow continues to fall, the rate drops to a relatively low 4.45" (113mm) over seven days, making it the first snow-free month since winter. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Stanley is a harbinger of summer. Temperatures continue to rise, peaking at 60.3°F (15.7°C) in the daytime. Rainfall replaces snow, maintaining the lush greenery grown in spring. The onset of summer months brings with it longer daylight hours and higher visibility, allowing for splendid views of the vibrant environment unveiled by the receding snow. With the onset of June, Stanley's average high-temperature experiences a rise, moving from May's frosty 48.6°F (9.2°C) to a refreshing 60.3°F (15.7°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is Stanley's sunniest and warmest month, with daytime temperatures averaging a peak of 72.7°F (22.6°C). However, rain is scarce compared to previous months, with just 0.63" (16mm) over only 7.4 days. These long sun-filled days offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, igniting a sense of adventure within all inhabitants and visitors. Stanley records the warmest temperatures in July, averaging a high of 72.7°F (22.6°C) and a low of 43.3°F (6.3°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August almost mirrors July, continuing the trend of warm, sunny days and a sparse rainfall of 0.63" (16mm) across 7.6 days. The weather remains favorable for a variety of outdoor activities that are native to Stanley's summer. A consistent rise in the UV index demands proper sun protection for any adventurers heading outdoors. The onset of August notes an average high-temperature of a still pleasant 71.4°F (21.9°C), subtly shifted from July's 72.7°F (22.6°C). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signifies the commencement of fall in Stanley. The landscape begins to shift its colours as temperatures start to decline, averaging 62.1°F (16.7°C) in the daytime. An increase in rainfall from the summer months rehydrates the environment preparing it for the upcoming cold months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October witnesses a more pronounced drop in temperatures, reaching down to an average nighttime low of 26.1°F (-3.3°C). An increase in the number of rainy days from September to 10.2 days coupled with falling temperatures sets the stage for winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November unfolds, the first signs of winter are sighted. With average high temperatures dipping to 32.7°F (0.4°C), the first layers of snow coat Stanley, with a snowfall of 9.88" (251mm) recorded. The once vibrant landscape starts to adopt a more monochromatic color scheme, and daylight hours shorten significantly, marking the return of the long winters unique to Stanley. As October shifts into November, a slight alteration in temperatures is observed, with average highs reducing from a chilly 45.5°F (7.5°C) to a cold 32.7°F (0.4°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

By December, winter is in full swing in Stanley. In this month, cold temperatures linger between 5.4°F (-14.8°C) during the night to 23.9°F (-4.5°C) during the day. As the year winds down with an average snowfall of 16.77" (426mm) accompanied by the year's highest recorded rainfall of 2.09" (53mm), this snowy spectacle creates an ideal atmosphere for a white Christmas. Weather in December »