Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Share
The famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with the deepwater section passage for large water vessels
The famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with the deepwater section passage for large water vessels

The climate of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie enjoys a Dfb Köppen climate classification, resulting in a humid continental climate with no dry season and a warm summer. This Michigan city occupies a geographical position that modifies these conditions to yield a remarkable climate pattern throughout the year.

The city experiences a distinct shift in weather as seasons transition. Monthly average temperatures range from 7.6°F (-13.6°C) to 76.2°F (24.6°C), establishing a clear annual temperature trajectory. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dipping as low as 7.6°F (-13.6°C) to 9.4°F (-12.6°C), while July reigns as the warmest month with a high hovering around 76.2°F (24.6°C).

In Sault Ste. Marie, rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The monthly average records change from 1.3" (33mm) in February to 3.8" (97mm) in both September and October, detailing a mild shift in rainfall patterns. Snowfall is a notable feature of the city, with heavy snowfalls observed from December to February. December tends to be the snowiest month, recording an average of 33.5" (851mm) of snow.

Regarding daylight and sunshine duration, the city sees the longest days in June with an average of 15.8 hours. Sunshine duration also peaks in this month, averaging at 9.4 hours. Other variables such as sea temperature and UV index mirror the annual temperature pattern, peaking in the summer months and dipping in the winter.

The best time to visit Sault Ste. Marie

The ideal time for a trip to Sault Ste. Marie is during the late spring and early summer; from May to June. During this period, the city enjoys a comfortable temperature band, ranging from 62.7°F (17.1°C) to 71.3°F (21.8°C). It is worth noting that this period also features the longest daylight hours, allowing ample time for recreational and sightseeing activities. Moreover, the sea temperature, lying between 37°F (2.8°C) to 41°F (5°C), encourages water-based activities.

The worst time to visit Sault Ste. Marie

Visitors are advised against planning their trip to Sault Ste. Marie from late fall to early winter, specifically from November to December. This period witnesses the harshest weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to lows of 28.1°F (-2.2°C) to 15.8°F (-9°C). Additionally, snowfall is at its highest in December with an average of 33.5" (851mm), forming a challenging environment for outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Sault Ste. Marie

Spring in Sault Ste. Marie is a time of transition. March sees temperatures rise from a low of 17.9°F (-7.8°C) to highs of 34.7°F (1.5°C), while by May, the temperature has escalated to a more comfortable range, from 40.9°F (4.9°C) to 62.7°F (17.1°C). Rainfall in spring fluctuates from 2" (51mm) in March to 2.6" (66mm) in May, indicating a slight increase over the season.

Summer weather in Sault Ste. Marie

Summer in Sault Ste. Marie offers favourable weather conditions. The temperature graphs peak in July, with lows of 54.4°F (12.4°C) and highs touching 76.2°F (24.6°C). Rainfall appears more consistent than in other seasons, primarily lying between 2.7" (69mm) to 3.2" (81mm) from June to August. Moreover, the period boasts the maximum sunshine hours in a day, averaging from 9.4 hours in June to 8 hours in August.

Autumn weather in Sault Ste. Marie

Autumn introduces a downward shift in the climate of Sault Ste. Marie. The temperatures drop dramatically from the highs of 74.7°F (23.7°C) in September, to the cooler 40.1°F (4.5°C) by November. Rainfall during this period records an increase, peaking at 3.8" (97mm) in September and October.

Winter weather in Sault Ste. Marie

Winters are formidable in Sault Ste. Marie, with December to February seeing the most severe conditions. During these winter months, temperatures occasionally dip to 15.8°F (-9°C) and highs rarely cross 34.7°F (1.5°C). Winters also bring significant snowfall, registering a city record of 33.5" (851mm) in December. Sunshine hours reach their minimum during this period, averaging just 2.3 hours in December.

Weather in January

Steady snowfall is a distinctive trait of Sault Ste. Marie's January weather, resulting in a winter wonderland throughout the city. Those who relish the cold will appreciate this period, as the city's winter activities thrive. The highest temperature hits 23°F (-5°C), and the city experiences 31.4" (798mm) of snowfall, making it the second snowiest month of the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As it transitions from January, February in Sault Ste. Marie continues to be dominated by winter conditions. With snow still abundant, winter sports continue unabated, and picturesque sceneries remain. Snowfall decreases to 18.6" (472mm) in February, reflecting a diminishing winter activity. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March signifies the onset of spring in Sault Ste. Marie as temperatures start to increase. This period, while still cold, experiences less snowfall and slightly longer daylight hours. With snowfall down to 13.4" (340mm), winter slowly recedes, leaving behind remnants of its chilly grip. Weather in March »

Weather in April

With noticeably longer days and further rising temperatures, April in Sault Ste. Marie projects clear signs of spring. The snow finally stops piling up, making way for greenery to reclaim the landscape. The remnants of snow melt away, and the city receives only 6.7" (170mm) of snowfall in April, indicating winter's definitive exit. Weather in April »

Weather in May

By May, Sault Ste. Marie embraces the fully formed spring, with the city morphing into a green and vibrant landscape. The snowfall drops to a mere 0.1 inch, hinting at the arrival of summer as the days get warmer. With lush greenery stretching across the city, outdoor activities, from hiking to picnics, become the norm. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June heralds the start of summer in Sault Ste. Marie, with days becoming visibly longer and warmer. With no snowfall, the landscape is dominated by hues of green, imbuing a strong sense of summer in the city's atmosphere. While the weather becomes increasingly warmer, residents and tourists alike bask in the summer sunshine. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Sault Ste. Marie reaches its peak summer period in July, and the city basks in clear, sunny days. With the highest temperature reaching 76.2°F (24.6°C) and an impressive UV index of 8, this month stands as the warmest of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Sault Ste. Marie's temperature starts its gradual retreat from summer's peak. Notably, however, the city records the highest rainfall in August with 3.2" (81mm) of rainfall. Yet, the period continues to promote summer activities, thanks to the warm temperatures persisting. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The transition to fall starts to appear in Sault Ste. Marie by September. The city prepares to don a new robe of vibrant autumn colors, and the gradually dropping temperature allows for pleasant weather. The city experiences 3.8" (97mm) of rainfall, attributing to the vibrancy of the colors in foliage. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, Sault Ste. Marie enters fully into the fall season. The city is adorned with the rich hues of red, orange and gold that demonstrate the beauty of fall. The rainfall remains at 3.8" (97mm), fueling the lustrous fall colors throughout the city. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Compared to the vibrant October, November in Sault Ste. Marie sees nature preparing for the winter. With the temperature continuing to drop, the city receives a significant amount of snowfall as winter approaches. Notably, from 1.6" (41mm) in October, snowfall drastically increases to 15.1" (384mm) in November, preparing the city for its winter makeover. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Sault Ste. Marie transforms into a winter wonderland, with the highest snowfall of 33.5" (851mm) recorded. The year ends with a white blanket covering the city, promising a magical holiday season. Despite the dropping temperature, the holiday spirit fills the air with warmth. Weather in December »
[Resources]

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie's coldest month, January, registers temperatures that range from a high of 23°F (-5°C) to a low of 7.5°F (-13.6°C).

How many days does it rain in Sault Ste. Marie?

In Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, during the entire year, the rain falls for 162.9 days and collects up to 32.95" (837mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Sault Ste. Marie?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie.

How many days does it snow in Sault Ste. Marie?

Throughout the year, in Sault Ste. Marie, there are 79.2 snowfall days, and 120.39" (3058mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Sault Ste. Marie?

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

What is the driest month in Sault Ste. Marie?

February is the month with the least rainfall in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Rain falls for 13 days and accumulates 1.34" (34mm) of precipitation.

What are the months with the coldest ocean in Sault Ste. Marie?

The months with the coldest seawater are February through April, with an average ocean temperature of 35.6°F (2°C).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Sault Ste. Marie?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Sault Ste. Marie, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow in Sault Ste. Marie?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Sault Ste. Marie?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 48min of daylight.

What month is the hottest in Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, reaches its average highest temperatures in July, measuring 76.3°F (24.6°C) at the peak and 54.3°F (12.4°C) at the lowest.

What month has the most sunshine in Sault Ste. Marie?

The month with the most sunshine in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is July, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Sault Ste. Marie?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 8.

When is the ocean warmest in Sault Ste. Marie?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 59°F (15°C).

What is the rainiest month in Sault Ste. Marie?

September is the month with the most rainfall in Sault Ste. Marie. Rain falls for 12.9 days and accumulates 3.82" (97mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Sault Ste. Marie?

With an average of 2.3h of sunshine, November has the least sunshine of the year in Sault Ste. Marie.

When does it snow the most in Sault Ste. Marie?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 18 days and typically aggregates up to 33.5" (851mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Sault Ste. Marie?

December has the shortest days of the year in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.

Average temperature
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average temperature - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (23°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (54.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.6°F).

[Resources]

Average rainfall
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average rainfall - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are September and October (3.8").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.3").

[Resources]

Average rainfall days
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average rainfall days - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (18.8 days).
The months with the least rainy days are April and August (10.9 days).

[Resources]

Average snowfall
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average snowfall - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The month with the highest snowfall is December (33.5").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

[Resources]

Average snowfall days
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average snowfall days - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (19.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

[Resources]

Average sea temperature
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average sea temperature - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (59°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March and April (36°F).

[Resources]

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 2h and 18min).

[Resources]

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location