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Contents
- The climate of Ames
- The best time to visit Ames
- The worst time to visit Ames
- Spring weather in Ames
- Summer weather in Ames
- Autumn weather in Ames
- Winter weather in Ames
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Ames
Positioned in the Midwest region of the United States, the city of Ames, Iowa follows a Dfa or Humid continental climate model as per the Köppen climate classification system, suggesting hot humid summers and cold harsh winters. The area possesses no dry season, with rainfall present in every month. The city comes under scrutiny for its relatively extreme weather patterns influenced by its continental positioning, away from any large water bodies.
The annual temperature range in Ames varies from the chilling low of 13.5°F (-10.3°C) in January to the sweaty high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) in July. The mercury continues this roller coaster ride all year round with cooler temperatures from October to April, and warmer ones from May to September. Humidity remains fairly consistent throughout the year, varying minutely from the driest 70% in October to the highest 84% in January. Snowfall, while being prominent in the winter months from December to March, stays completely absent in the warm months from May to October.
The city experiences rainfall all year round. The amount of annual rainfall varies from the lightest measure of 0.94" (24mm) in January to the heaviest downpour of 4.09" (104mm) recorded in May. Days of rainfall, however, witness a different pattern. March to June sees the highest number of rainy days, gradually decreasing as the year ends.
The annual temperature range in Ames varies from the chilling low of 13.5°F (-10.3°C) in January to the sweaty high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) in July. The mercury continues this roller coaster ride all year round with cooler temperatures from October to April, and warmer ones from May to September. Humidity remains fairly consistent throughout the year, varying minutely from the driest 70% in October to the highest 84% in January. Snowfall, while being prominent in the winter months from December to March, stays completely absent in the warm months from May to October.
The city experiences rainfall all year round. The amount of annual rainfall varies from the lightest measure of 0.94" (24mm) in January to the heaviest downpour of 4.09" (104mm) recorded in May. Days of rainfall, however, witness a different pattern. March to June sees the highest number of rainy days, gradually decreasing as the year ends.
The best time to visit Ames
The best time to visit Ames would unarguably be between the months of May to September. Despite these months experiencing the highest rainfall, the weather remains pleasantly warm with day temperatures between 58.5°F (14.7°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C) and night temperatures between 41.7°F (5.4°C) to 64.6°F (18.1°C) making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Moreover, the city gets ample sunshine during these months, clocking in between 8.4 hours to 10.1 hours per day, further enhancing the charm of a summer visit.
The worst time to visit Ames
From a traveler's perspective, the months from December to February could turn out to be the least friendly, courtesy of its bone-chilling temperatures and abundant snowfall. During this colder spell, the temperature can drop down to 13.5°F (-10.3°C) while the snowfall can measure up to 4.06" (103mm). Visibility reduces to 5 miles, slanting towards challenging winter conditions. Thus, unless snow is part of the itinerary, these months should ideally be avoided.
Spring weather in Ames
Spring in Ames, extending from March to May, unveils a dramatic transition from chilling cold to warm temperatures. The high temperature gradually ascends from 45.7°F (7.6°C) in March to 69.3°F (20.7°C) by May. Nights remain cooler with temperatures ranging from 31.1°F (-0.5°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C). Rainfall indeed marks its presence significantly, especially in May which records the highest rainfall of 4.09" (104mm) for the entire year. Despite this, ample sunlight keeps the spirit of spring alive with sunshine hours ranging from 5.8 hours to 8.4 hours per day.
Summer weather in Ames
Summers spanning from June to August bring about humid, warm, and sunny days. High daytime temperatures typically range from 79.2°F (26.2°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C), and nighttime temperatures remain mild between 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 64.6°F (18.1°C), keeping the season balmy and inviting. While rainfall remains fairly regular (ranging from 2.52" (64mm) to 3.82" (97mm)), it does not stifle the ample sunshine that brings life to the city with daylight lasting from 14.9 hours to 15.2 hours during these radiant months.
Autumn weather in Ames
Autumn, stretching from September to November, brings a cooling trend with daily highs moving from 74.8°F (23.8°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C) and lows following a similar pattern from 55.8°F (13.2°C) down to 32°F (0°C). Rainfall becomes less frequent, ranging from 1.26" (32mm) to 3.03" (77mm) while sunshine hours begin to dwindle from 9.2 hours per day in September to 5.4 hours in November. The colors of fall paint a beautiful picture in Ames during these months.
Winter weather in Ames
Winter in Ames from December to February gets notoriously cold with daytime temperatures scarcely rising above freezing level, marking their epic low at 13.5°F (-10.3°C) in January and barely climbing up to 30.6°F (-0.8°C) by February. Night temperatures can further plummet to an icy low of 17.1°F (-8.3°C). Snowfall is commonplace during this time, particularly peaking in December and January at 4.06" (103mm) and 3.94" (100mm), respectively. Limited daylight becomes a characteristic of these months, with daylight hours ranging between 9.2 hours and 10.6 hours and sunshine dropping to a low of 3.9 hours per day in January. Winters in Ames personify a true, snowy Midwestern freeze.
Weather in January
January ushers in the new year with the promising chill of winter in Ames, Iowa. The city experiences a slight increase in daylight hours from 9.5 to 10.6 hours as one transitions into February. A blanket of snow often covers Ames in January with the city witnessing snowfall of 4.06" (103mm) on an average of 9.1 days. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February in Ames signals the tail end of winter, albeit with persistent cold temperatures. Compared to January, the city experiences lesser snowfall, setting the stage for the incoming spring season. Less precipitation is observed, with the rainfall at 1.02" (26mm) and snowfall reducing substantially to 3.94" (100mm). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March marks a period of gradual transition from winter to spring for Ames, Iowa. The city witnesses a significant increase in temperatures and daylight hours compared to the preceding months. The city gets a well-deserved respite from snowfall, with it easing to 1.69" (43mm) in this month. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Ames is a welcome shift towards mildly warmer weather, the blooming of flowers and clearer skies. The high and low average temperatures hover around the pleasant range of 58.5°F (14.7°C) and 41.7°F (5.4°C). Rainfall takes a leap in April, peaking at 2.99" (76mm) over approximately 14.4 days, making it one of the wettest months of the year. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings the full-fledged arrival of spring in Ames, with temperatures continuing their upward climb. The city enjoys an ample amount of sunshine, an average of 8.4 hours per day. Residents experience more wet days with rainfall hitting the highest mark of 4.09" (104mm) this month. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Ames is synonymous with the joyous arrival of summer. The city basks in the abundance of sunshine and longest daylight hours of the year. In this month, the average temperature hits a high of 79.2°F (26.2°C), offering residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July takes the baton of summer from June and runs with it, making Ames, Iowa a warm city with plenty of sun-soaked days. This month generally witnesses the highest temperature of the year, averaging at a maximum of 81.3°F (27.4°C). Weather in July »
Weather in August
August continues the summer narrative in Ames, albeit with a marked trend towards cooler conditions. A slow and steady downtrend in temperature initiates, preparing the city for the impending fall. The maximum temperature averages at 79.9°F (26.6°C) this month. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September, in Ames, Iowa is characterized by the arrival of the pleasant fall season. The city, at this time, promises wonderful weather conditions with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This month, the rainfall registers a slight increase, measuring at 3.03" (77mm). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Ames is truly a celebration of the fall season, characterized by the aesthetic transformation of foliage and cooler temperatures. The drop in temperature becomes evident, bringing a refreshing contrast to the previous summer months. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November in Ames is a prelude to winter, with the weather experiencing a significant dip in temperature. A remarkable shift in weather conditions is observed as the crispness of fall paves the way for the first signs of winter. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Ames in December turns into a winter wonderland, welcoming the festive season with snow-laden streets and a chill in the air. The weather sees the onset of harsh winter temperatures and a substantial increase in snowfall, with an average of 2.64" (67mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 2, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What part of the year is the coldest?
January, on average, is the coldest month, registering a high temperature of 26.6°F (-3°C) and a low of 13.5°F (-10.3°C).
What is the most humid month?
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 84%.
What is the driest month in Ames?
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 0.94" (24mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain?
In Ames, during the entire year, the rain falls for 130.6 days and collects up to 27.48" (698mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.
What is the snowiest month?
The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 9.1 days and typically aggregates up to 4.06" (103mm) of snow.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 36.2 snowfall days, and 15.43" (392mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.9h of sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
The month with the lowest UV index is January, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
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 rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 17.2 days and typically aggregates up to 4.09" (104mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Ames?
June through September are months without snowfall.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What time of the year is the hottest?
July, noted for its average high-temperature of 81.3°F (27.4°C) and an average low-temperature of 64.6°F (18.1°C), is considered the warmest month.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine in Ames, Iowa, is July, with an average of 10.1h of sunshine.
What is the least humid month?
October is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%.
What is the month with the shortest days?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
Average temperature
Ames, IA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.6°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.5°F).
Average pressure
Ames, IA
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.88"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.12"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).
Average wind speed
Ames, IA
- Average wind speed in January:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.3mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.7mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.1mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.7mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.1mph).
Average humidity
Ames, IA
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).
Average rainfall
Ames, IA
- Average rainfall in January:
0.94" - Average rainfall in February:
1.02" - Average rainfall in March:
1.69" - Average rainfall in April:
2.99" - Average rainfall in May:
4.09" - Average rainfall in June:
3.82"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.52" - Average rainfall in August:
2.68" - Average rainfall in September:
3.03" - Average rainfall in October:
2.09" - Average rainfall in November:
1.26" - Average rainfall in December:
1.34"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.94").
Average rainfall days
Ames, IA
- Average rainfall days in January:
4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
18 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.9 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (18 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.3 days).
Average snowfall
Ames, IA
- Average snowfall in January:
4.06" - Average snowfall in February:
3.94" - Average snowfall in March:
1.69" - Average snowfall in April:
0.75" - Average snowfall in May:
0.35" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.06").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Ames, IA
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
4.9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
1.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.6 days - Average snowfall days in November:
2.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (9.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ames, IA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
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).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 3min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 3min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).
Average sunshine days
Ames, IA
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.4 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
14.7 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.4 days).
Average UV index
Ames, IA
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Ames, IA
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 31).
Average visibility
Ames, IA
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, July and August (5mi).