Climate and monthly weather forecastKearney, NE

The climate of Kearney

Kearney, Nebraska, located in the vast plains of the United States, falls under the Humid continental climate zone, according to the Köppen climate classification - labeled as Dfa. This denotes no dry season, with hot summers and considerable variation in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Reviewing the climate patterns, Kearney experiences a significant range in temperatures, from a chilly low of 10°F (-12.2°C) in January to a warm high of 88°F (31.1°C) in July. Rainfall varies across months as well, peaking in May with 4.1" (104mm) and dropping to just 0.4" (10mm) and 0.6" (15mm) in January and December, respectively. The city enjoys ample daylight hours, from a low of 9.3 hours in December to a high of 15.1 hours in June. Sunshine hours also oscillate between 6 hours in the darker months of January and December and a generous 12 hours in July.

Notably, Kearney also has a substantial UV index fluctuation, peaking at 10 in July and dipping to a low of 1 in December, which corresponds to the city's sunlight hours. Lastly, the city experiences rainfall on an almost equal number of days across all months, varying from 5 days in the less rainy months like January and December to 11 days in May.

The best time to visit Kearney

Given Kearney's overall climate, the ideal time to visit would be from May to October when the weather conditions are relatively pleasant. During this period, Kearney experiences its warmest temperatures, from 64°F (17.8°C) to 86°F (30°C), along with increased daylight hours - ranging between 13.3 and 15.1 hours. In these months, rainfall is the most pronounced, yet diversely distributed - spanning from 2.8" (71mm) to 4.1" (104mm) - making for lush scenic views.

The worst time to visit Kearney

Conversely, the least favorable time to visit Kearney is during winter, specifically from November to February. During these months, temperatures drop to a range between 34°F (1.1°C) and 37°F (2.8°C), with low points of 10°F (-12.2°C) to 16°F (-8.9°C), making it unsuitable for outdoor activities. The daylight hours are also minimal, ranging from 9.3 to 10.7 hours, and the shortest sunshine duration of the year at 6 to 7 hours further compounds this.

Spring weather in Kearney

Spring in Kearney, from March to May, ushers in a progressive rise in temperatures, starting from 50°F (10°C) to 73°F (22.8°C), with lows between 25°F (-3.9°C) and 48°F (8.9°C). Meanwhile, the city witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, with an impressive 4.1" (104mm) in May. Daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March to 14.5 hours by May, and the UV index likewise increases, transitioning from a mild 4 to a higher 8.

Summer weather in Kearney

As summer sets in Kearney, from June to August, the city sees the warmest temperatures of the year, balancing between 84°F (28.9°C) and 88°F (31.1°C), with night-time lows from 57°F (13.9°C) to 63°F (17.2°C). Whilst the rainfall decreases slightly compared to Spring, the daylight hours reach their peak at 15.1 hours in June. The sunshine hours are highest at 12 hours in July, but the UV index also peaks at 10, recommending the use of protective measures against sunburn.

Autumn weather in Kearney

The autumn months in Kearney, from September to November, bring a drop in temperatures, ranging from 77°F (25°C) in September to 50°F (10°C) by November. The fall period experiences lower rainfall than summer, varying from 2.6" (66mm) in September to 0.9" (23mm) in November. The fading daylight hours fall between 12.4 and 9.9 hours, while the sunshine duration decreases from 9 to 6 hours.

Winter weather in Kearney

Winter in Kearney, spanning December to February, is marked by the lowest temperatures of the year, from 34°F (1.1°C) to 37°F (2.8°C), with freezing lows from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 14°F (-10°C). The rainfall also hits a minimum at 0.6" (15mm) in December and February. The city counters this with the shortest daylight hours of 9.3 to 10.7 and minimal sunshine at 6 hours. The UV index also reaches its lowest at 1 in December, making this a typical winter period.

Weather in January

Kearney, Nebraska starts its year on a frosty note. January weather exhibits a sudden drop in temperature, with chilly northern winds adding severity to the cold. A stark contrast becomes evident when the lowest temperature reaches 10°F (-12.2°C), whereas the highest remains capped between 34°F (1.1°C) to 41°F (5°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

The city's weather offers a nippy and refreshing ambiance in February. A welcoming change takes place as Kearney's temperature rises gradually, providing modest relief. Charactersitic February rainfall is valued at only 0.6" (15mm) for a duration of five days. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the arrival of March, weather shows signs of resilience against winter's harshness, leading to warmer days. The transition period unveils fluctuating conditions, making this month unpredictable. When looking at rainfall, March stands out with significant precipitation, totaling 1.9" (48mm). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings with it predominately spring weather to Kearney, Nebraska. There's a remarkable upliftment in temperature, setting the stage for invigorating days and calm nights. Out of all the elements, April's rainfall is notably high with a total of 2.2" (56mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May sweeps in, Kearney fully embraces the spring season with temperatures steadily climbing. The month begins a streak of sunny days with brisk breezes, making it ideal for outdoor pursits. An interesting fact is that this month hosts the highest level of chance of rainfall, counting 4.1" (104mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June carries Kearney into the threshold of a warm, sun-bathed summer. Daily temperatures rise significantly, suggesting the onset of the hot season. A highlight of June's weather is the extended daylight time of 15.1 hours, fostering sunlit leisure activities all day. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July marks Kearney's venture into the heat of summer with days turning hotter. The city's weather fluctuates between warm and pleasantly hot days, retaining the summer's allure. As proof of the intensity of solar radiation, the UV index for July stands at its peak level: 10. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August brings some respite, with the city experiencing decreased temperature. It's the time when summers begin to mellow down, paving the way for pleasant weather. Rainfall distribution totals to 2.8" (71mm) over the course of the month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September carries with it an amalgamation of seasonal weather, heralding the onset of fall in Kearney. The temperature recedes further, providing relief from the summer heat. It's noteworthy that the rainfall amount in September, at 2.6" (66mm), significantly contributes to the month's cooling effect. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is indicative of Kearney's embrace of autumn. The weather becomes distinctly cool, with crisp mornings and serene nights. October witnesses the drastic drop in temperature reaching a low of 39°F (3.9°C). The month unfolds with beautiful transitions, from sunlit days to star-studded nights, signaling the end of daylight saving. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November’s arrival in Kearney spells the beginning of the cold season. The weather witnesses a noticeable drop in temperature, with daylight becoming increasingly scarce. The city sees a meager 0.9" (23mm) of rainfall, signaling the onset of the dry season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December wraps up the year for Kearney under the blanket of winter. The weather becomes intensely cold, with freezing temperatures and short days. The month exhibits a colder side with temperatures falling down to 14°F (-10°C). Weather in December »