Climate and monthly weather forecast
Rockford, IL

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The clear cityscape of the city of Rockford in Illinois
The clear cityscape of the city of Rockford in Illinois

The climate of Rockford

Located in the region that experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa), Rockford, Illinois, USA, witnesses a wide range of weather patterns throughout the year. This type of climate is characterized by no dry season and hot summers.

Temperature variations throughout the year are substantial, with the warmest month being July showing an average high of 79.9°F (26.6°C) and the cool winter months seeing the mercury drop to as low as 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in January. Humidity levels remain evenly spread throughout the year however, slightly peak during the summer months of June, July, and August with an average of 85%, 85%, and 84% respectively.

Rainfall patterns also display noticeable changes over each month. The highest monthly rainfall of 4.02" (102mm) can be noticed around June while the lowest drops to 1.26" (32mm) in February. In relation to the average number of rainfall days, May reports the highest with 19 days of precipitation. On the contrary, February witnesses the least with only 4.3 rainfall days.

In terms of sunshine, the city soaks up the most sun in July with an average of 9.7 hours of sunlight per day. It is also worthy to note that there is no snowfall from May to October. However, the most significant amounts of snowfall occur in January and December with 4.88" (124mm) and 2.68" (68mm) respectively.

The best time to visit Rockford

Judging by the weather conditions, the best time to visit Rockford would be from May to September. During this period, the city experiences warmer temperatures ranging from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 77.2°F (25.1°C). Days are longer too, providing more daylight between 13.4 hours to as much as 14.9 hours in July, coupled with modest rainfall levels making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Rockford

In contrast, the least favourable time to visit Rockford is during the winter months from December to February. The temperatures show a notable dip during this period, falling down to 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in January. Snowfall is also high in these months, amounting to as much as 4.88" (124mm) in January, thus making travel and outdoor activities challenging.

Spring weather in Rockford

Spring weather in Rockford arrives with a welcome warming in temperature. From March through May, temperatures rise progressively from an average high of 44.2°F (6.8°C) to 68.5°F (20.3°C). Rainfall shows a significant increase during this period, climaxing in May with a measure of 3.86" (98mm). The higher frequency of rainy days, averaging 16.4 days in April, along with increasing daylight hours make it a scenic time for springtime explorers.

Summer weather in Rockford

Summers in Rockford, from June to August, are marked by warm and generally humid conditions. The mercury often rises to an average maximum of 77.2°F (25.1°C) in June and 79.9°F (26.6°C) in July. Daylight hours are plentiful, with an average of 15.2 hours in June, providing ample light for exploring the city.

Autumn weather in Rockford

Autumn sees mild weather in Rockford, with temperatures gently retreating from a high of 72.7°F (22.6°C) in September to 44.8°F (7.1°C) in November. Rainfall averages between 2.13" (54mm) to 1.54" (39mm), with the frequency of rainy days falling below those of spring and summer.

Winter weather in Rockford

Winter in Rockford is typified by colder temperatures and significant snowfall. Low temperatures average around 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in January while the high is 32.4°F (0.2°C) in December. Snowfall days are higher, peaking at 13 days in January. This coincides with the shortest daylight hours of the year, averaging just 9.1 hours in December.

Weather in January

The year in Rockford, Illinois, USA starts off with January, which is generally characterized by snowy, windy, and cold conditions. With high temperatures averaging at 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and lows falling to 13.8°F (-10.1°C), January is indeed the coldest month of the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Rockford transitions towards the end of winter, February marks a slight rise in temperatures. Notably, the average high in February is a bit warmer at 30.2°F (-1°C), while the low temperature averages around 17.1°F (-8.3°C). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March signifies the beginning of the transition from winter to spring in Rockford, yet the weather remains cool. With an average high temperature of 44.2°F (6.8°C), the city starts to thaw out from the extremely cold winter conditions of January and February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings about a noticeable departure from the cold weather, indicating the full swing of spring and longer daylight hours of 13.4 on average. Rockford sees the most noticeable temperature increase, with April averaging between a high of 55.9°F (13.3°C) to a low of 39.7°F (4.3°C), a considerable rise from the colder early months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May experiences another jump in temperatures, heralding the arrival of the warmer seasons in Rockford. The conditions shift noticeably from spring towards early summer vibes, with an average high of 68.5°F (20.3°C) and a low of 50.9°F (10.5°C). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June sees Rockford fully entrenched in the summer season with warmer temperatures and the longest days of the year. The high temperature averages at 77.2°F (25.1°C) during the day, offering a pleasant summer vibe with ample sunlight. Weather in June »

Weather in July

As mid-summer arrives in Rockford, July becomes the warmest month of the year with the highest monthly average maximum temperature coming in at 79.9°F (26.6°C). The long, sunny days have also resulted in the highest UV index of the year at 5, signalling the need for sun protection during outdoor activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August carries on the warm summer trend in Rockford, with just slight drops in the average high and low temperatures compared to July, standing at 78.1°F (25.6°C) and 60.6°F (15.9°C) respectively. The weather remains relatively calm and stable. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September ushers in the arrival of fall to Rockford, bringing about a gradual decrease in temperatures and daylight hours. While the average high remains at a pleasant 72.7°F (22.6°C), the cooler evenings offer an early indication of the approaching fall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October showcases true fall weather in Rockford as temperatures continue to drop and daylight hours diminish further. With temperatures dipping to 59.4°F (15.2°C) in the daytime and 43.5°F (6.4°C) in the nighttime, autumn fully takes over, painting the city in a kaleidoscope of fall colors. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As Rockford moves toward the end of the year, November brings about the city's transition from the vibrant fall towards the robust winter. The arrival of winter is heralded by rapidly dropping temperatures, now averaging 44.8°F (7.1°C) during the day and 31.8°F (-0.1°C) at night. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Rockford, the final month of the year, characteristically sees a decrease in temperatures, an increase in snowfall, and the shortest daylight hours. The high temperature drops to 32.4°F (0.2°C) and the low climbs down to 22.5°F (-5.3°C), setting the stage for the holiday season and the approach of a new year. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Rockford?

With average high temperatures of 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and lows of 13.8°F (-10.1°C), January is the coldest month in Rockford, Illinois.

What is the most humid month in Rockford?

January is the most humid month in Rockford, Illinois, with an average relative humidity of 86%.

How many days does it rain in Rockford?

In Rockford, during the entire year, the rain falls for 148.1 days and collects up to 28.39" (721mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Rockford?

Months with snowfall are January through April, October through December.

When does it snow the most in Rockford?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13 days and accumulates 4.88" (124mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Rockford?

In Rockford, during the entire year, snow falls for 45.9 days and aggregates up to 15.67" (398mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Rockford?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.6h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Rockford?

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

What is the driest month in Rockford?

The month with the least rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 4.3 days and typically collects 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Rockford?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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 Rockford?

The months with the lowest humidity in Rockford are April and October, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

When it does not snow in Rockford?

May through September are months without snowfall.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Rockford?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Rockford, Illinois.

What is the rainiest month in Rockford?

June is the month with the most rainfall in Rockford, Illinois. Rain falls for 18.1 days and accumulates 4.02" (102mm) of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Rockford?

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

What time of the year is the hottest in Rockford?

The temperatures reach their highest averages in July, with highs of 79.9°F (26.6°C) and lows of 63°F (17.2°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Rockford?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Rockford, with an average of 9.7h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in Rockford?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Average temperature
Rockford, IL

Average temperature - Rockford, IL

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.8°F).

Average pressure
Rockford, IL

Average pressure - Rockford, IL

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).

Average wind speed
Rockford, IL

Average wind speed - Rockford, IL

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.3mph).

Average humidity
Rockford, IL

Average humidity - Rockford, IL

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (86%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and October (75%).

Average rainfall
Rockford, IL

Average rainfall - Rockford, IL

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.02").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.26").

Average rainfall days
Rockford, IL

Average rainfall days - Rockford, IL

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.3 days).

Average snowfall
Rockford, IL

Average snowfall - Rockford, IL

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.88").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Rockford, IL

Average snowfall days - Rockford, IL

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (13 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Rockford, IL

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Rockford, 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 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Rockford, IL

Average sunshine days - Rockford, IL

The month with the most sunshine days is November (17.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.8 days).

Average UV index
Rockford, IL

Average UV index - Rockford, IL

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Rockford, IL

Average visibility - Rockford, IL

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

Rockford, Illinois, USA

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