Climate and monthly weather forecast
Galena, IL

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Bright brown and golden trees near a calm river, bridge, and the colorful town of Galena, Illinois,
Bright brown and golden trees near a calm river, bridge, and the colorful town of Galena, Illinois,

The climate of Galena

Galena, a city in northern Illinois, USA, is classified under the Köppen climate system as Dfa. This classification symbolizes a humid continental climate, with no distinct dry season and a hot summer. On an annual basis, Galena experiences a wide range of temperatures from as low as 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C).

This Midwest city receives robust rainfall with an average accumulation ranging from 1.26" (32mm) to 4.29" (109mm) throughout the year. The frequency of rainfall also differs from month to month, peaking in May with an average of 20 rainy days. However, even the driest month, February, still observes a rainfall average of 1.42" (36mm) across 4.8 days.

The city's humidity does not exhibit extreme variations, fluctuating between 76% to 87%. The duration of daylight varies from 9.1 hours in December to a generous 15.2 hours in June, while sunshine hours range from a minimum of 4.1 to a maximum of 9.8 hours a day.

Galena experiences minimal snowfall from May through to October with the numbers climbing from November through February, when it reaches a height of 5.12" (130mm) in January. Winter months also experience fewer sunshine days and the ultraviolet index is at the lowest number during this period.

The best time to visit Galena

If warm weather and long days are preferred, planning a trip to Galena between May and September would be ideal. During these months, the city experiences the maximum temperature hovering around mid-70s°F and more than 14 hours of daylight. Moreover, these are the months when the sunshine hours peak at around 8 to 9 hours a day, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit Galena

For those averse to cold weather, it would be best to sidestep a trip to Galena between December to February. During this time of year, temperatures plummet to the low teens°F and daylight hours are at a year-round low of around 9 hours. Furthermore, these winter months observe substantial snowfall, reaching a maximum of over 5" (127mm) in January, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Galena

Springtime in Galena signals a gradual uptick in temperatures, along with an increase in rainfall. The temperatures during these months (March to May) swing between 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and 67.6°F (19.8°C). Rainfall is frequent, peaking at 4.09" (104mm) in May spread across 20 days.

Summer weather in Galena

Between June and August, Galena experiences warm and comfortable weather. Temperatures during this time remain relatively stable, with lows around 59.4°F (15.2°C) and highs peaking at 79.7°F (26.5°C) in July. Despite the summer season, Galena experiences moderate rainfall, with an average amount of under 4.29" (109mm).

Autumn weather in Galena

Autumn, between September and November, in Galena ushers in a crispness to the air, as temperatures retreat from the highs of summer. The mercury fluctuates between 42.4°F (5.8°C) and 73°F (22.8°C) and is accompanied by differences in daily rainfalls, peaking at 2.72" (69mm) in October.

Winter weather in Galena

Winter in Galena is characterized by cold temperatures, a decrease in daylight hours, and frequent snowfall. A noticeable drop in temperature happens during these months (December to February) with lowest temperatures recorded between 12.4°F (-10.9°C) to 21.4°F (-5.9°C). Snowfall reaches the peak of 5.12" (130mm) in January and daylight hours are notably shortened to about 9 hours. Therefore, this period is well suited to those with a fondness for winter sports or cooler weather.

Weather in January

In January, Galena, Illinois, experiences one of its coldest months of the year. The month of January ushers in an array of snowfall with an average of 5.12" (130mm), making it a picturesque winter season. The weather is characterized by shorter daylight hours and longer nights. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February weather in Galena, takes a shift towards slightly warmer temperatures compared to previous month. However, colder temperatures still dominate the scene, at times dropping to 15.8°F (-9°C). The snow accumulation lessens to some degree, providing breaks between the previous month's frequent snowfalls. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Weather in March brings not only the spring season but also a dramatic increase in daylight hours. The departure from the wintry weather can be observed as snowfall reduces to an average of 2.05" (52mm). This month's weather allows for longer outdoor activities as daylight stretches past the previous winter months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Coming out from the winter, April weather in Galena becomes increasingly warm and wet. Distinct from the cold and dry conditions of March, April receives a dramatic increase in rainfall, averaging 3.35" (85mm). This transformation to warmer weather aids in the blooming of flora and fauna. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is a month where Galena sees a significant peak in temperature, as well as a notable elevation of both rainfall and humidity. It boasts the highest rainfall of the year, with an average of 4.09" (104mm), being an undeniable month of the wet season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Galena's climate in June experiences an increment in temperature, building up the summer's heat. Sunshine dominates the weather during this period, with an average of 9.5 sunshine hours per day. June marks a distinct shift in weather, where warmth becomes prevalent. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, the weather in Galena reaches its peak summertime characteristics. Notably, this is the hottest month of the year with high temperatures scaling to 79.7°F (26.5°C). Coupled with long daylight hours, July invites a range of outdoor activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather in Galena marks the nearing end of the summer season. Although the temperature remains relatively high, a slight decline begins to emerge from the month's peak in July. The rainfall pattern takes a plunge, with a decrease observed from the amount in July. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings noticeable changes in Galena's weather as the fall season settles in. Modest drops in temperature signify the transition from summer's heat. However, the arrival of fall does not mean the end of sun-drenched days, with an average of 9 sunshine hours daily. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is a month of visible weather changes in Galena. The arrival of fall sees a marked decline in temperature, with cold nights becoming more frequent. Rainfall remains a prominent feature, though not at the levels of the summer months. Weather in October »

Weather in November

With November's arrival, winter starts to draw closer in Galena. The cold weather becomes more intense, a sharp contrast to the previous mildness of October. November sees an average maximum wind speed of 10.6mph (17.1km/h), signifying the windy nature of the month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Galena ushers in the full swing of winter, with dropping temperatures and increasing snowfall. The weather can be characterized by its lower visibility, limited to an average of 6 miles. Despite the inclement conditions, the Christmas festivities provide a burst of warmth. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Galena?

Galena's coldest temperatures are experienced in January, with average high temperatures of 25°F (-3.9°C) and lows of 12.4°F (-10.9°C).

What is the most humid month in Galena?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

What is the driest month in Galena?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Galena. Rain falls for 5.4 days and accumulates 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Galena?

In Galena, during the entire year, the rain falls for 153.1 days and collects up to 30.75" (781mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Galena?

Months with snowfall in Galena, Illinois, are January through April, October through December.

When does it snow the most in Galena?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.2 days and accumulates 5.12" (130mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Galena?

In Galena, during the entire year, snow falls for 46.9 days and aggregates up to 17.52" (445mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Galena?

The month with the least sunshine in Galena, Illinois, is January, with an average of 3.7h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Galena?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Galena.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Galena?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Galena, Illinois, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the least humid month in Galena?

The months with the lowest humidity are April and October, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

When it does not snow in Galena?

May through September are months without snowfall.

What is the rainiest month in Galena?

June is the month with the most rainfall in Galena, Illinois. Rain falls for 19.5 days and accumulates 4.29" (109mm) of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Galena?

June has the longest days of the year in Galena, Illinois, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Galena?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the warmest month in Galena?

The warmest temperatures in Galena, Illinois, occur during July, when averages reach a peak of 79.7°F (26.5°C) and a low of 63°F (17.2°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Galena?

With an average of 9.8h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the shortest days in Galena?

With an average of 9h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Galena, Illinois.

Average pressure
Galena, IL

Average pressure - Galena, IL

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.9"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Galena, IL

Average wind speed - Galena, IL

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.6mph).

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Average humidity
Galena, IL

Average humidity - Galena, IL

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and October (76%).

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Average rainfall
Galena, IL

Average rainfall - Galena, IL

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.29").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.26").

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Average rainfall days
Galena, IL

Average rainfall days - Galena, IL

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (20 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.8 days).

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Average snowfall
Galena, IL

Average snowfall - Galena, IL

The month with the highest snowfall is January (5.12").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Galena, IL

Average snowfall days - Galena, IL

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (13.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Galena, IL

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Galena, IL

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).

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Average sunshine days
Galena, IL

Average sunshine days - Galena, IL

The month with the most sunshine days is November (17.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (7.9 days).

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Average visibility
Galena, IL

Average visibility - Galena, IL

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and July (5mi).

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Galena, Illinois, USA

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