Climate and monthly weather forecastSalem, VA
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Salem
Located in the heart of country, Salem, Virginia, experiences a Humid Subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This entails a notable absence of a dry season with high humidity and substantial rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in winter to a high of 86.5°F (30.3°C) in summer, generating a wide span of temperature conditions that inhabitants and visitors can expect to encounter.Humidity levels remain quite consistent across the year, with relative humidity ranging between 74% to 76%, indicating a generally moist environment. Rainfall is significant with an approximate of 1.81" (46mm) to 3.31" (84mm) falling per month. While the region sees some snowfall, the winter months of January, February, and March experience the highest volume, with snowfall reaching up to 2.76" (70mm) in March. The average snowfall for rest of the year remains near or at the minimum.
A wide range of sunshine expectancy fluctuates between 5.4 hours to 10.6 hours on a daily basis across the year. In correlation with this, the available daylight varies from 9.9 hours to 14.7 hours, thus affecting the visual weather conditions of the area. Notably, the highest wind speeds recorded are in November with 8.9mph (14.3km/h), however, the wind activity throughout the rest of the year retains a moderate pace.
The best time to visit Salem
Salem typically experiences the most pleasant weather conditions during the late spring months, specifically May, and early fall, particularly October. May brings in favorable conditions with temperatures floating around 74.5°F (23.6°C) and modest rainfall of about 3.31" (84mm). Coupled with 14.2 hours of daylight, this month basks in around 9.3 hours of sunshine daily, making outdoor activities quite enjoyable.Similarly, October greets the visitors with moderate temperatures of approximately 65.8°F (18.8°C) and a moderate humidity percentage of 76%. With an average rainfall of about 1.81" (46mm), decent daylight of 11.2 hours, and approximately 6 hours of sunshine, the conditions present a comfortable and attractive setting for taking part in various outdoor explorations.
The worst time to visit Salem
In terms of unfavorable conditions, the summer months of June to August might pose a challenge for visitors. The highest temperatures, reaching up to 86.5°F (30.3°C) in July, coupled with comparatively higher humidity of 74%, creates an environment that might feel uncomfortably hot and sticky. Moreover, this period also receives the least amount of rainfall, hitting the low of 1.77" (45mm) in July, further exacerbating the sweltering conditions. Likewise, those not comfortable with cold weather may prefer to avoid January, where temperatures dip down to 26.1°F (-3.3°C).Spring weather in Salem
Spring in Salem witnesses a steady rise in temperatures, from 53.8°F (12.1°C) in March to a delightful 74.5°F (23.6°C) by May. Humidity levels during this season slightly vary, between 76% and 77%. Rainfall is exceptionally noticeable in May with 3.31" (84mm), while snowfall quickly declines after March down to negligible levels by April. Daylight broadens, ranging from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May, providing ample opportunities for strolling under the sun.Summer weather in Salem
Summers are balmy in Salem, with temperatures peaking at about 86.5°F (30.3°C) in July. Although humidity descends marginally, it remains fairly high from 72% to 74%. Rainfall is less frequent, bridging from 2.17" (55mm) in June to 1.97" (50mm) by the end of August. A distinct characteristic of this season is the generous sunlight, with sunshine hours hovering around 10.5 to 10.6 hours per day, bolstered by the lengthy daylight hours of around 14.7 hours that peak at the end of June.Autumn weather in Salem
A gradual cooling down takes place during the autumn months of Salem, as temperatures decline from 77.7°F (25.4°C) in September to 53.8°F (12.1°C) by November. The rainfall decreases from 1.61" (41mm) to 1.85" (47mm), while humidity holds steady. Autumn invites visitors to witness changing foliage under roughly 6 to 8.3 hours of daily sunshine against the backdrop of a steady decline in daylight hours.Winter weather in Salem
Winter in Salem brings lower temperatures, bottoming to 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in January, while humidity varies marginally from 77% to 74%. Precipitation during this season appears both as rainfall and snowfall, with rainfall oscillating from 1.85" (47mm) in December to 2.17" (55mm), and snowfall peaks in December with 2.72" (69mm). Daylight hours dwindle to their shortest in December at 9.6 hours, with sunshine hours decreasing to 5.5 hours per day. The winter season in Salem offers a relatively mild and manageable climate for those wishing to enjoy winter activities.Weather in January
January in Salem, Virginia, USA, is marked by cold temperatures and consistent humidity. The city welcomes the new year with average temperatures oscillating between 26.1°F (-3.3°C) and 41.2°F (5.1°C). Inclement weather displays itself in the form of snow, offering an average snowfall of 2.64" (67mm) across just a few days. Weather in January »Weather in February
February in Salem brings a slight increase in temperatures, offering a relief from the cold January days. The city encounters slight uptick in humidity and precipitation, translating to an average rainfall of 2.36" (60mm) during the 8.8 rainy days. Weather in February »Weather in March
As winter begins to dissipate, March brings warmer temperatures and longer sunlight hours to Salem. The city experiences average temperatures ranging from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 53.8°F (12.1°C). Despite these warming conditions, Salem sees more rainfall, with 1.81" (46mm) accumulated over an increased number of rainy days, 12.3 in total. Weather in March »Weather in April
April is a transition month in Salem, bringing the first signs of spring with milder temperatures and a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Salem sees an increase in the average temperatures with lows of 44.4°F (6.9°C) and highs reaching to 65.1°F (18.4°C). Weather in April »Weather in May
May is the threshold to the heat of summer in Salem, with considerable rise in day time temperatures. The temperature variation for May ranges from lows of 52.3°F (11.3°C) to highs of 74.5°F (23.6°C). This month is also notable for a significant increase in rainfall. Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of June signals the onset of summer in Salem, coupled with higher temperatures and increased sunshine hours. Average temperatures float from 58.6°F (14.8°C) up to the year’s high of 82.2°F (27.9°C). Peculiarly, the city experiences drier conditions with 2.17" (55mm) of rain falling over 14 days, signifying a decrease from May. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the heart of summer in Salem, attracting vacationers with the year's hottest temperatures and ample sunshine. The city prepares for warmth, with average temperature fluctuations between 62.6°F (17°C) to 86.5°F (30.3°C). Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the pleasure of summer in Salem, offering high temperatures and abundant daylight hours. The month sees temperatures taking a slight dip with a range from 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 84.4°F (29.1°C). It’s noteworthy how the rainfall increases to 1.97" (50mm), marking the transition from summer to the rainier season. Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in autumn in Salem, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. The month presents a variation in the temperature spectrum, which moves between 56.1°F (13.4°C) and 77.7°F (25.4°C). Come September, rainfall decreases to 1.61" (41mm) signifying the start of a drier phase in Salem. Weather in September »Weather in October
October in Salem brings crisp fall colors and colder days. While the temperatures begin to descend with a range from 46.6°F (8.1°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C), rainfall remains almost constant with 1.81" (46mm) over 9.2 rainy days. Weather in October »Weather in November
As winter approaches, November in Salem introduces lighter showers and much cooler temperatures. The chill in the air becomes evident with lower temperatures, ranging from 35.6°F (2°C) to 53.8°F (12.1°C). After a notably dry period, the city records a slight increase in rainfall to 1.85" (47mm) across 7.6 days. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the arrival of winter in Salem, evidenced by colder temperatures and frequent snowfall. The city experiences a winter chill with an average temperature swing from 31.8°F (-0.1°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C). Adding to the winter charm is the return of snow, with an average snowfall of 2.72" (69mm). Weather in December »Updated: Jun 3, 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
Salem's January weather reaches an average high of 41.2°F (5.1°C) and an average low of 26.1°F (-3.3°C), making it the coldest month.
Throughout the year, there are 145.5 rainfall days, and 25.04" (636mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 12.9 snowfall days, and 11.42" (290mm) of snow is accumulated.
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 2.7 days and accumulates 2.76" (70mm) of snow.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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.
The months with the highest humidity are May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 77%.
May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.7 days and accumulates 3.31" (84mm) of precipitation.
In Salem, snow does not fall in May through September.
May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Salem.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 42min of daylight.
Salem registers the average highest temperatures during July, with peaks of 86.5°F (30.3°C) and lows of 62.6°F (17°C).
July is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 72%.
With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 12.9 days and accumulates 1.61" (41mm) of precipitation.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
Average temperature
Salem, VA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (41.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (62.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (26.1°F).
Average pressure
Salem, VA
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.1"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.98"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.14"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).
Average wind speed
Salem, VA
- Average wind speed in January:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
6.4mph - Average wind speed in April:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in June:
4.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
4.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
3.9mph - Average wind speed in September:
4.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
5.9mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (6.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.9mph).
Average humidity
Salem, VA
The months with the highest relative humidity are May, September and December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (72%).
Average rainfall
Salem, VA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.85" - Average rainfall in February:
2.36" - Average rainfall in March:
1.81" - Average rainfall in April:
2.36" - Average rainfall in May:
3.31" - Average rainfall in June:
2.17"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.77" - Average rainfall in August:
1.97" - Average rainfall in September:
1.61" - Average rainfall in October:
1.81" - Average rainfall in November:
1.85" - Average rainfall in December:
2.17"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.31").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.61").
Average rainfall days
Salem, VA
- Average rainfall days in January:
9.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.6 days).
Average snowfall
Salem, VA
The month with the highest snowfall is March (2.76").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Salem, VA
- Average snowfall days in January:
3.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
2.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 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:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
2.2 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Salem, VA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 54min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 48min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 42min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 24min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 12min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 12min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 36min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 24min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 18min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 36min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 6min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 18min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Salem, VA
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.4 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in October:
20.7 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20.9 days - Average sunshine days in December:
20 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11.6 days).
Average UV index
Salem, VA
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Salem, VA
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 45).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 31).
Average visibility
Salem, VA
The months with the highest visibility are June, July and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October and December (5mi).
