Climate and monthly weather forecast
Dover, DE

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The public Archives building in Dover, Delaware, between two large trees
The public Archives building in Dover, Delaware, between two large trees

The climate of Dover

Dover, situated in Delaware, USA, adheres predominantly to a Humid subtropical climate with no dry season, as per the Köppen climate classification. The weather patterns for this area are distinctive mainly because of its geographical position, with no month being dry throughout the year.

Throughout the year, the city of Dover experiences a wide range of temperature variations, with highest recorded temperatures peaking at 84.2°F (29°C) during the summer months and dipping to a chilly 28.8°F (-1.8°C) during the winter. Coupled with this, the climate here also sees fluctuations in relative humidity levels from 74% to as high as 79%, maintaining a relatively high moisture level in the atmosphere all around the year.

Rainfall also varies throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 3.15" (80mm) during the late summer months, while gradually decreasing to as low as 1.46" (37mm) in the cooler months. Interestingly, the city boasts an average of almost 15 days of rain each month, with these numbers peaking around the midst of summer.

Noticeably, Dover also experiences a mild snowfall during the colder months. Typically, snowfall is prevalent during late winter and early spring, showing the diverse patterns of weather this city offers.

The best time to visit Dover

Statistically, the months between June and September prove to be the warmest period in Dover, with temperatures soaring up to a balmy 78.8°F (26°C) to 84.2°F (29°C). This is complemented by the lowest wind speeds of the year, averaging between 6.4mph (10.3km/h) and 7.6mph (12.2km/h). Consequently, it is during these months that the city experiences highest daylight hours, rising to a maximum of 14.9 hours per day.

The summer period is also characterized by high rainfall, making the city lush and green. While it does ensure higher humidity, it also drives a vibrant ecosystem, making this period an excellent time to explore Dover's natural beauty.

The worst time to visit Dover

The months from December to February are particularly harsh in Dover. During this period, temperatures often plunge to a low of 28.8°F (-1.8°C), making outdoor activities less appealing. Moreover, high wind speeds (around 10mph (16.1km/h)) prevail during these months, adding to the chill factor.

Snowfall is also a weather factor during the winter season, although it is usually mild (up to 1.65" (42mm)). Still, it contributes to the overall cold and could cause travel and leisure disruptions.

Spring weather in Dover

During spring, from March to May, Dover experiences rising temperatures, with heights reaching 70.7°F (21.5°C) and lows barely touching 37°F (2.8°C). It's a transitional period when rainfall remains fairly consistent at approximately 2" (51mm) per month, while humidity hovers about 74%. In general, weather conditions during spring are unpredictable, but mild, providing a variety of opportunities for outdoor engagement.

Summer weather in Dover

Dover's summer is the warmest period of the year, witnessing temperatures that fluctuate between a comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C) and a high of 84.2°F (29°C) during the peak months of June to August. Despite the rise in ambient temperature, the number of daylight hours increases significantly to a max of about 14.9 hours a day, allowing ample time and opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.

Autumn weather in Dover

Autumn months in Dover, from September to November, see a gradual drop in temperature from 76.3°F (24.6°C) down to 54.3°F (12.4°C). Rainfall decreases a bit to around 2" (51mm) but the number of rainy days remains relatively high, floating around 11 to 13 days in a month. Simultaneously, wind speed gradually rises and daylight hours begin to shorten, setting the tone for the approaching winter.

Winter weather in Dover

Winter in Dover manages to bring forth a different character of the city. The months from December to February see plummeting temperatures, as low as 28.8°F (-1.8°C) with a maximum reaching up to 46.2°F (7.9°C). Cloud cover percentage increases significantly, bringing with it the possibility of snowfall in late winter. Sunshine hours decrease to as few as 5.2 hours, and wind speeds cap at around 10mph (16.1km/h), making it significantly colder.

Weather in January

The starting month of the year brings damp conditions to Dover, Delaware, with a maximum snowfall of 1.65" (42mm). As air temperatures fluctuate from lows of 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to highs of 39.7°F (4.3°C), it's easy to notice a blend of winter chill and humidity in the city. Weather in January »

Weather in February

With temperature lows intensifying just slightly from January to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and the highs maintaining the low 40s°F, February extends the cold reality of winter in Dover. The actual snow quantity recedes to a mere 0.91" (23mm), reducing the winter wonderland effect somewhat. Weather in February »

Weather in March

A significant change in the climate appears in March as winter slowly gives way to spring. The warm-up results in temperature highs reaching 49.6°F (9.8°C), a stark contrast to the brisk air from previous months. Rainfall is slightly more frequent, as shown by the increase in rainfall days from 9.9 to 12.8. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April sees a striking contrast in Dover's weather, showcasing what spring can truly display in the city. With temperature highs soaring to a pleasant 61°F (16.1°C), this mild warmth is a welcome change from the winter chill. April also records a steady drop in snowfall, with no evidence of snow on the horizon. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May inaugurates the arrival of summer with an increase in temperature, climbing to highs of 70.7°F (21.5°C). As the heat intensifies, so does the humidity, reaching a relative average of 79%. There's no sign of snow in May in Dover, Delaware, as summer predators snowfall trends. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is often revered as the gateway to the hottest part of the year in Dover, with temperature highs spiking to 78.8°F (26°C). The cloud coverage, however, recedes significantly to 32%, allowing the sun to further heat the city. Weather in June »

Weather in July

A highlight of July is the soaring temperature, reaching a peak of 84.2°F (29°C) for the year in Dover, Delaware, which is the highest average high temperature of the year. It's a humid month, as anticipated, with relative humidity at 78%. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August sustains the summer's fervent heat, albeit with a temperature decrease to a high of 81.9°F (27.7°C). The frequency of rainfall days remains at 15.6, contributing to a monthly average rainfall of 3.15" (80mm). As a result, this month is considered to be the year's wettest. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the beginning of autumn, with the weather starting to cool down significantly from the summer high, reaching 76.3°F (24.6°C). Coupled with a decline in daily sunshine hours to 9.2, this shift indicates the changing seasons. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings forth a substantial drop in temperature, with average highs dipping to 65.3°F (18.5°C). Although still relatively humid at 77%, the city experiences increased wind speed at 8.8mph (14.2km/h), offering a pleasant, crisp fall climate. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is a marker of the impending winter season, with a notable temperature plunge to 54.3°F (12.4°C). This month brings significantly less rainfall, registering 1.77" (45mm) on average, and fewer rainfall days at 8.1. Despite the cloud cover being at 35%, daily sunshine hours stay almost constant at 5.8. Weather in November »

Weather in December

By December, Dover, Delaware, fully embraces the winter season, with temperatures settling between lows of 35.6°F (2°C) and highs of 46.2°F (7.9°C). This colder period is coupled with a slight increase in snowfall at 0.51" (13mm) and days of snowfall totaling 1.7 for the month. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Dover?

The month of January sees the average lowest temperatures in Dover, Delaware, reaching 39.7°F (4.3°C) at the peak and 28.8°F (-1.8°C) at the low.

What is the least humid month in Dover?

January, March, April and November, with an average relative humidity of 74%, are the least humid months in Dover, Delaware.

What is the driest month in Dover?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 8.2 days and typically collects 1.46" (37mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Dover?

In Dover, during the entire year, the rain falls for 152.3 days and collects up to 26.3" (668mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Dover?

January through March and December are months with snowfall in Dover, Delaware.

When does it snow the most in Dover?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 3.5 days and accumulates 1.65" (42mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Dover?

In Dover, Delaware, during the entire year, snow falls for 10.1 days and aggregates up to 4.61" (117mm) of snow.

When is the lowest UV index in Dover?

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

What is the month with the least sunshine in Dover?

The month with the least sunshine is February, with an average of 5h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Dover?

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

April through November are months without snowfall.

What is the most humid month in Dover?

The most humid month is May, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Dover?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

When are the longest days in Dover?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest in Dover?

July, with its average high-temperature of 84.2°F (29°C) and an average low-temperature of 70°F (21.1°C), holds the record as the warmest month in Dover.

What month has the most sunshine in Dover?

The month with the most sunshine in Dover, Delaware, is July, with an average of 10.8h of sunshine.

What is the rainiest month in Dover?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 15.6 days and typically aggregates up to 3.15" (80mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Dover?

The month with the shortest days in Dover is December, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.

Average pressure
Dover, DE

Average pressure - Dover, DE

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Dover, DE

Average wind speed - Dover, DE

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (10.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.4mph).

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Average humidity
Dover, DE

Average humidity - Dover, DE

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (79%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, March, April and November (74%).

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Average rainfall
Dover, DE

Average rainfall - Dover, DE

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.15").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.46").

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Average rainfall days
Dover, DE

Average rainfall days - Dover, DE

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.1 days).

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Average snowfall
Dover, DE

Average snowfall - Dover, DE

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.65").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

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Average snowfall days
Dover, DE

Average snowfall days - Dover, DE

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (3.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Dover, DE

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Dover, DE

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 0min).

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Average sunshine days
Dover, DE

Average sunshine days - Dover, DE

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (10.8 days).

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Average UV index
Dover, DE

Average UV index - Dover, DE

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 and December (UV index 2).

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Average visibility
Dover, DE

Average visibility - Dover, DE

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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Dover, Delaware, USA

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