The climate of Waterloo
Waterloo, sitting within the province of Ontario, portrays a Humid continental climate, commonly classified as Dfb under the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, weather patterns demonstrate substantial seasonal variations, with temperatures ranging from a low of -9.2°C (15.4°F) in
February to a high of 24.8°C (76.6°F) in
July.
Analyzing the monthly humidity data reveals consistent values from 75% to 89%, highlighting a generally humid environment. Rainfall shows a somewhat even distribution over the year, with more than 37mm (1.46") each month, having the highest volume in
October at 71mm (2.8"). Snowfall, on the other hand, predominantly focuses within the colder months from
November through
March, hitting its peak in February at 164mm (6.46").
Weather patterns also indicate an increasing daylight duration from 9 hours in
January to a high of 15.4 hours in
June. In contrast, sunshine hours grow from 2.5 hours in January to a maximum of 9.9 hours in July. Notably, the relative cloud coverage dips during the summer months, moving from a high of 75% in January to 34% in July and
August.
The best time to visit Waterloo
Visitors keen on exploring
Waterloo under the sun should consider visiting between
May and
August when sunshine hours range from 8.7 to 9.9. This period also sees the warmest temperature, with average highs ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), offering a comfortable outdoor condition.
Furthermore, the month of August provides the least rainy days in comparison to the rest of the year, averaging only 14.3 days of rainfall. Coupled with the least snowfall, it provides a conducive environment for various outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Waterloo
The period from
December to
March might be the least appealing to visitors given the harsh weather conditions. In this span, average low temperatures can go down to -9.3°C (15.3°F) in
January and -9.2°C (15.4°F) in
February and coupled with substantial snowfall between 108mm (4.25") and 164mm (6.46").
Moreover, these colder months experience fewer daylight hours, where it reaches the lowest at 9 hours in December and January. Even the number of days with sunshine sinks to a yearly minimum of 6.7 days in February, further deeming this period less suitable for a visit.
Spring weather in Waterloo
The arrival of spring constitutes a vital change in
Waterloo's weather, with a significant increase in temperature from a low of -4.1°C (24.6°F) in
March to a high of 18°C (64.4°F) in
May. Rainfall during this time ranges from 53mm (2.09") to 69mm (2.72") per month, while snowfall reduces dramatically from 108mm (4.25") in March to 3mm (0.12") in May.
Summer weather in Waterloo
Summer in
Waterloo comes with the warmest temperatures, reaching between 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) from
June to
August. This period also holds the maximum daylight and sunshine hours, making it the most sunlit period of the year. Rainfall scales down from 52mm (2.05") in June to 37mm (1.46") in
September, providing dry conditions for tourists.
Autumn weather in Waterloo
Autumn in
Waterloo exhibits a gradual temperature decline from an average high of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
September to 5.8°C (42.4°F) in
November. Rainfall exhibits an upward trend, reaching its yearly peak in
October with 71mm (2.8"). The daylight duration shrinks from 12.5 hours to 9.7 hours, while sunshine hours decrease from 8.3 hours in September to 4.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Waterloo
Winter in
Waterloo is characterized by its cold weather, with average high temperatures staying below freezing point from -3.7°C (25.3°F) in
December to -0.2°C (31.6°F) in
February. The temperature can drop as low as -9.3°C (15.3°F) in
January, making it the coldest month of the year. Snowfall reaches its zenith from December to February with an average snowfall between 122mm (4.8") and 164mm (6.46"). The number of sunshine days is also at its lowest during this period.
Weather in January
Snow is a definitive characteristic of
Waterloo's weather in
January. With an average snowfall measurement of 137mm (5.39") that occurs over 18.3 days, it is the month with the third-highest snowfall. The typically brisk winds, averaging at a speed of 18.1km/h (11.2mph), accentuate the frigid feel.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Although
February in
Waterloo maintains the wintery theme of
January, it experiences more snowfall by a total of 164mm (6.46"). This snowfall occurs over fewer days compared to January. The decrease in humidity, combined with the increased snowfall, often results in a "powdery" type of snow popular with winter sport enthusiasts.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The advent of
March brings about a notable shift in
Waterloo’s weather compared to
February. The city experiences fewer snowfall of 108mm (4.25"), occurring over 10.8 days. An increase in daylight hours marks the beginning of a transition from winter to spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Waterloo presents clearer signs of spring. A significant drop in snowfall occurs with only 37mm (1.46") accumulated over 4.6 days. This noticeable reduction in snowfall indicates the end of the city's snowy period. Consequently, rainfall takes precedence as the main form of precipitation for the rest of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As spring deepens in
May,
Waterloo city witnesses further warming. Rainfall becomes more prevalent, suggesting a shift to a warmer, more humid climate. May serves as a transitional phase between the moderate climate of spring to the warmer summer months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the start of summer in
Waterloo. Humidity increases, demonstrated by an 80% average relative humidity level. This humidity, combined with increased temperatures, makes the air feel warmer. Traditionally, this month kicks off the peak tourism season in the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, considered the hottest month in
Waterloo, experiences the highest average maximum temperature of 24.8°C (76.6°F). The escalation of temperatures combines with a relatively high humidity level to make this month distinctly warm.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Waterloo sustains
July's warmth, with temperatures marginally dipping from the July peak. By this time, the summer's heat has thoroughly seeped into the city, maintaining a warm atmosphere. Visitors and locals continue to enjoy a vibrant outdoor experience.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in autumn in
Waterloo, bringing with it a reduction in temperature to an average high of 20.8°C (69.4°F). This climatic change is matched by alterations in the city's flora, with greenery slowly giving way to shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Waterloo can be described as a truly autumn month. The transition from the warmth of
September to the chillier winter months becomes more apparent as the temperatures continue to drop. A steady reduction in sunlight hours signals shorter days ahead.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Waterloo typically experiences among the first snowfalls of the season, with an 84mm (3.31") accumulation on average. The overall weather is characterized by a blend of lingering autumn remnants mixed with the emerging winter chill.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December signals the onset of winter in
Waterloo, with a measured snowfall of 122mm (4.8") on average. The drop in temperatures, combined with increased snowfall, announces the full arrival of the winter season. The city is adorned in a stunning winter spectacle of snow, making December a visually appealing month despite the cold.
Weather in December » [Resources]