Climate and monthly weather forecast
Lincoln, NE

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A water fountain in front of the State Capital building in Lincoln, Nebraska
A water fountain in front of the State Capital building in Lincoln, Nebraska

The climate of Lincoln

Located within the Humid Continental Zone according to the Köppen climate classification system, Lincoln, Nebraska experiences a wide range of weather conditions. This climate type is characterized by large temperature swings throughout the year, hot summers, and no distinctive dry season.

A notably salient feature of Lincoln's climate profile is the dramatic temperature fluctuation from summer to winter. Summertime highs peak at 86°F (30°C) in July, while the city's winter lows plummet to a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C) in January. Such significant temperature vacillations indeed characterize the unpredictable nature of the dfa climate type.

Rainfall distribution in Lincoln displays an irregular pattern, with peak levels occurring during May and June, reaching 1.18" (30mm) and 1.3" (33mm), respectively. Throughout the remaining months, rainfall levels fluctuate, though not significantly, with the lowest rainfall readings around 0.16" (4mm) in February.

Snowfall can be expected from November to April, although predominantly in the cooler months of January and February. Sunshine dwindles during the winter months, dropping to 5.3 hours in December, while the summer days of June and July enjoy the most daylight, with up to 15.1 hours per day.

The best time to visit Lincoln

Taking into account weather, temperature, and overall conditions, the optimal period to visit Lincoln is generally from May to September. The city provides comfortable warmth during this time with high temperatures hovering around 71.1°F (21.7°C) to 86°F (30°C), coupled with amplified daylight hours, ranging from 14.5 hours to 15.1 hours. This ample elasticity in daylight accommodates prolonged exploration of local attractions without the impediment of precipitation, as the lowest rainfall numbers occur in September at 0.47" (12mm).

The worst time to visit Lincoln

The less desirable period for travel transpires from November to March. This season exposes the harsher side of Lincoln's climate with low temperatures dropping between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C). Days are noticeably shorter with daylight duration slimming down to between 9.3 hours to 12 hours. Snowfall is also prevalent with January experiencing 5.1 snowfall days and February 4.6 days.

Spring weather in Lincoln

Spring in Lincoln, occurring from March through May, observes a gradual increase in temperatures, shifting from a low of 34.2°F (1.2°C) to a high of 71.1°F (21.7°C). This season also witnesses the beginning of increased rainfall, culminating in May at 1.18" (30mm). Duration of daylight extends, providing 12 hours in March to a generous 14.5 hours in May.

Summer weather in Lincoln

Summer months from June through August are noted for their pronounced heat, with temperatures peaking at 86°F (30°C) in July. This season also presents the highest rates of rainfall, hitting 1.3" (33mm) during June. The lengthiest daylight hours prevail in this season, reaching a maximum of 15.1 hours in June.

Autumn weather in Lincoln

Autumn in Lincoln, encompassing September through November, experiences a decline in temperatures, descending from a high of 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 49.8°F (9.9°C). Rainfall during these months also sees a reduction, trending downwards from 0.47" (12mm) in September to 0.28" (7mm) in November. Daylight hours contract during this season, minimizing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours in November.

Winter weather in Lincoln

Winter months encompassing December through February, induce the coldest temperatures, dwindling to an absolute low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in January. Snowfall days surge during these months, especially in January with 5.1 snowfall days. The shortest daylight durations of the year proceed during winter, reducing to a minimum of 9.3 hours in December.

Weather in January

The year begins with a cool, crisp January in Lincoln, Nebraska. Typically, the city witnesses lower than usual temperatures coupled with relatively high humidity, paving way for it to be one of the coldest months of the year. A notable feature is the average snowfall of about 0.83" (21mm), pretty much making it the month with the second highest snowfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Lincoln, Nebraska, sees a slight rise in temperature; however, the weather remains predominantly cold. The city experiences visible sun for about 6 hours per day, hinting at the forthcoming spring. Due to slightly improved temperatures, the city witnesses a reduction in snowfall to an average of 0.55" (14mm), yet it is advisable to stay warm. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As the herald of the spring season, March brings along warming temperatures to Lincoln, Nebraska. Residents begin to feel an ease in the cold as the city shifts toward a moister environment, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures and a gradual decrease in humidity. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Lincoln, Nebraska boasts of a full-blown spring season. The city witnesses a further warm-up in terms of temperature, and contrary to the decrease in rainfall from winter to spring, April receives the second most rainfall of the year amounting to 0.55" (14mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May heralds the transition from spring to early summer in Lincoln, Nebraska. The month experiences a significant jump in temperature, lighting up the city in the full spectrum of spring shades. It is when the rain starts getting serious, with an average rainfall at 1.18" (30mm), the highest throughout the year. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces summer in all its glory to Lincoln, Nebraska. The weather turns considerably warmer and the days become longer, allowing a greater deal of daylight to be experienced. Despite being one of the warmest months of the year, an average rainfall of around 1.3" (33mm) ensures a balance in the ecosystem. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July primes summer in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the month records the highest temperatures of the year. The skyrocketing temperatures, coupled with relatively lower levels of precipitation, make it the most arid period of the year. The festive season gives way to numerous outdoor events that take advantage of the 14.8 hours of average daylight. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As summer progresses, August in Lincoln, Nebraska remains in the grip of high temperatures. The city experiences a slight drop in average temperatures around this season, giving residents a slight respite after the scorching heat of July. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The arrival of September brings the first taste of autumn to Lincoln, Nebraska. Temperatures reduce significantly, marking relief from the high heat of summer months. September records an average of 0.47" (12mm) of rainfall, pointing towards the drier weather typical of autumn. Weather in September »

Weather in October

With October, autumn solidifies its place in Lincoln, Nebraska. The city dresses down for a cooler season, the temperature dropping sharply from the heat of summer, and the rainfall slightly increasing to 0.51" (13mm) of average rainfall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks the transition from autumn to early winter in Lincoln, Nebraska. The dropping temperatures foreshadow the cold winter that is about to set in and the city begins to brace itself for the transition. The average snowfall makes a return during November with 0.16" (4mm) on record, indicating that winter is not far off. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings winter in full swing to Lincoln, Nebraska. The temperatures dramatically drop from November’s, and snow begins to blanket Lincoln city with an average of 0.28" (7mm) of snowfall. Along with the chill, it is the season with the highest relative humidity. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Lincoln?

Lincoln's coldest month, January, registers temperatures that range from a high of 32°F (0°C) to a low of 18°F (-7.8°C).

What is the most humid month in Lincoln?

The most humid month in Lincoln, Nebraska, is January, with an average relative humidity of 78%.

How many days does it rain in Lincoln?

In Lincoln, during the entire year, the rain falls for 84.8 days and collects up to 7.44" (189mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Lincoln?

Months with snowfall in Lincoln, Nebraska, are January through May, October through December.

When does it snow the most in Lincoln?

The month with the most snowfall in Lincoln is January, when snow falls for 5.1 days and typically aggregates up to 0.83" (21mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Lincoln?

In Lincoln, Nebraska, during the entire year, snow falls for 18.2 days and aggregates up to 3.11" (79mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Lincoln?

With an average of 5.1h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.

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

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the driest month in Lincoln?

The month with the least rainfall in Lincoln is February, when the rain falls for 1.6 days and typically collects 0.16" (4mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Lincoln?

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

June is the month with the most rainfall in Lincoln. Rain falls for 11.7 days and accumulates 1.3" (33mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Lincoln?

In Lincoln, Nebraska, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Lincoln?

With an average of 15h and 6min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Lincoln.

When is the highest UV index in Lincoln?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Lincoln, Nebraska.

What time of the year is the hottest in Lincoln?

In Lincoln, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 86°F (30°C) and a low of 66.7°F (19.3°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Lincoln?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month in Lincoln?

October is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 65%.

What is the month with the shortest days in Lincoln?

With an average of 9h and 18min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average pressure
Lincoln, NE

Average pressure - Lincoln, NE

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Lincoln, NE

Average wind speed - Lincoln, NE

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.5mph).

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Average rainfall
Lincoln, NE

Average rainfall - Lincoln, NE

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.3").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.16").

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Average rainfall days
Lincoln, NE

Average rainfall days - Lincoln, NE

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (11.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (1.6 days).

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Average snowfall
Lincoln, NE

Average snowfall - Lincoln, NE

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.83").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Lincoln, NE

Average snowfall days - Lincoln, NE

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (5.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Lincoln, NE

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Lincoln, NE

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 18min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Lincoln, NE

Average sunshine days - Lincoln, NE

The months with the most sunshine days are January and November (25.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (15 days).

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Average UV index
Lincoln, NE

Average UV index - Lincoln, NE

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

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Average visibility
Lincoln, NE

Average visibility - Lincoln, NE

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

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Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

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