Weather in Cedar Rapids

Find out the latest information about the weather in Cedar Rapids. In this section, you will find up-to-date data, forecasts, and visual weather charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Cedar Rapids is characterised as continental, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this type of climate in the United States. Travellers should expect noticeable differences in weather depending on the time of their visit.

Summer, covering the months from June to August, is generally warm and sunny. Average daytime temperatures during this period hover around 22-24°C, while maximums can reach 28-29°C. Winters, on the other hand, are cold, especially in January and February, when average temperatures drop significantly below freezing (around -4°C to -6°C), and night frosts are a common occurrence. Spring and autumn serve as transitional seasons with more moderate but changeable weather conditions.

As for precipitation, it is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, averaging 2-4 mm per month. Although there is no pronounced rainy season, the highest number of wet days (up to 14) and a slightly higher amount of precipitation (4 mm) occurs in May. Overall, weather conditions in Cedar Rapids offer a diverse experience depending on the season, from warm summer days to frosty winter landscapes.

The climate in Cedar Rapids is characterised by significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, residents and visitors to the city can experience both frosty winters and warm summers. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -5.8°C, and nightly lows can reach -9.8°C. In contrast, the peak heat occurs in July, with an average temperature of +24.0°C and daytime highs reaching an average of +28.8°C. Thus, the annual range of average temperatures is quite wide, which is typical for a continental climate.

The summer months in Cedar Rapids, from June to August, bring warm and sometimes hot weather. Daytime temperatures consistently stay above +27°C (June-August), and nights remain quite warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below +17°C during this period. Winter, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by frosty weather. Average daytime temperatures often hover around zero or below, especially in January (average high -1.8°C), and night frosts are common, when the thermometer can show nearly -10°C (average January low -9.8°C). In the transitional seasons, spring and autumn, noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed: for example, in April, the difference between the average daily high (+15.4°C) and the average nightly low (+3.9°C) is more than 10 degrees, requiring readiness for cool mornings and evenings.

In the city of Cedar Rapids, precipitation is observed throughout the year, however, its total amount, according to monthly average data, remains quite moderate. In the winter months, from December to February, when average temperatures consistently stay below freezing, precipitation falls mainly as snow. In transitional months, such as November (average temperature 4.5°C) and March (average temperature 4.2°C), when average temperatures are positive but minimums can drop to zero or slightly below, precipitation most often takes the form of rain or mixed precipitation (rain with snow). In the remaining, warmer months, it is typically rain. It is important to note that even in the "wettest" periods, precipitation volumes remain modest.

The highest average rainfall, amounting to 4 mm per month, is recorded in May, June, and October. May also stands out with the highest frequency of precipitation – on average 14 days with precipitation. April, with 3 mm of precipitation and approximately 12 days with precipitation, can also be classified as a relatively wet period. On the other hand, months such as January, February, March, August, November, and December are the driest in terms of volume, with a total precipitation of just 2 mm per month. November and December are also characterised by the lowest number of days with precipitation – about 7 days. Given such small volumes, precipitation likely presents as light drizzle, brief light showers, or minor snowfall.

Thus, in Cedar Rapids, based on the data provided, there is no pronounced season of heavy rains or prolonged drought in terms of significant precipitation volumes. Rather, the climatic picture is characterised by constant but very moderate moisture throughout the year, with slight fluctuations in the total amount and frequency of precipitation. Travellers should consider the likelihood of light precipitation in almost any month, however, intense downpours or heavy snowfalls, judging by the statistical figures, are not typical for this city.

When planning a trip to Cedar Rapids, it is important to consider the city's changeable climate, which is characterised by four distinct seasons. Winters here are cold, with average temperatures significantly below freezing, especially in January and February, when minimum values can drop to -9.8°C. Summer, conversely, is warm and at times hot, with temperatures reaching nearly 29°C in July. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with a wide range of temperatures. The amount of precipitation is moderate throughout the year, but the number of days with precipitation is quite significant (from 7 to 14 days per month), so being prepared for rain or snow (in winter) would not be amiss.

For the winter months (December-February) and early spring (March), be sure to pack warm winter clothing: a down jacket or insulated coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Thermal underwear and warm socks will not go amiss, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Waterproof footwear will be handy in case of snow. In the summer months (June-August) and early autumn (September), preference should be given to light and breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, and light trousers. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will come in handy. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are your best companion on any journey. Given the variability of the weather, especially in the off-season (April-May and October-November), the principle of layering in clothing will be the most practical. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. A compact umbrella or a light raincoat should also be included in your luggage, as rain is possible at any time of the year. Preparing for various weather conditions will make your stay in Cedar Rapids as comfortable as possible.