Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ames, IA

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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 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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Ames?

The coldest period tends to be January, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 26.6°F (-3°C) and a low of 13.5°F (-10.3°C).

What is the most humid month in Ames?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 84%.

What is the driest month in Ames?

The month with the least rainfall in Ames, Iowa, is January, when the rain falls for 4 days and typically collects 0.94" (24mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Ames?

Throughout the year, there are 130.6 rainfall days, and 27.48" (698mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Ames?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Ames.

What is the snowiest month in Ames?

The month with the most snowfall in Ames, Iowa, is January, when snow falls for 9.1 days and typically aggregates up to 4.06" (103mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Ames?

In Ames, Iowa, during the entire year, snow falls for 36.2 days and aggregates up to 15.43" (392mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Ames?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.9h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index in Ames?

With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Ames?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Ames, Iowa, 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 wettest month in Ames?

May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.2 days and accumulates 4.09" (104mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Ames?

In Ames, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Ames?

With an average of 15h and 12min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Ames, Iowa.

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

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

What month is the hottest in Ames?

Ames's temperatures peak on average in July, reaching 81.3°F (27.4°C) at their highest and 64.6°F (18.1°C) at their lowest.

What month has the most sunshine in Ames?

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 in Ames?

With an average relative humidity of 70%, October is the least humid month in Ames, Iowa.

What is the month with the shortest days in Ames?

December has the shortest days of the year in Ames, Iowa, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Average temperature
Ames, IA

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).

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Average pressure
Ames, IA

Average pressure - Ames, IA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Ames, IA

Average wind speed - Ames, IA

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).

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Average rainfall
Ames, IA

Average rainfall - Ames, IA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.94").

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Average rainfall days
Ames, IA

Average rainfall days - Ames, IA

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).

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Average snowfall
Ames, IA

Average snowfall - Ames, IA

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.06").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Ames, IA

Average snowfall days - Ames, IA

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).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ames, IA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Ames, IA

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: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).

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Average sunshine days
Ames, IA

Average sunshine days - Ames, IA

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.4 days).

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Average visibility
Ames, IA

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).

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Ames, Iowa, USA

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