Weather in Lake Charles

Planning your day in the city of Lake Charles? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts in this section.

The climate in Lake Charles is characterised as warm and humid, with distinct seasons. Summers here are hot, whilst winters are mild, which is typical for the southern regions of the United States. A distinct feature of the local weather is the relatively low total amount of rainfall in millimetres each month, yet there is a significant number of days with precipitation, particularly during the summer months. This can mean frequent, but not heavy, rain or drizzle.

The summer months, from June to August, are the hottest in Lake Charles, with average temperatures confidently staying above 27°C, and maximum values often exceeding 31°C. It is during the summer that the peak number of days with precipitation occurs, reaching 19 days in July. Winter, covering the period from December to February, is significantly milder, with average temperatures around 12-14°C, making it comfortable. Spring and autumn represent pleasant transitional seasons with moderately warm weather.

When planning a trip to Lake Charles, it is worth preparing for warm weather for most of the year. In summer, expect heat and a high probability of frequent, but generally light, rainfall. In winter, the weather is cooler but still mild, with fewer rainy days compared to summer. The spring and autumn months offer the most balanced and comfortable conditions for a visit.

The climate in Lake Charles is characterised by noticeable seasonal temperature changes. The annual range of average temperatures extends from approximately 12.1°C in January to 28.9°C in August. The hottest month is traditionally August, when the average air temperature is 28.9°C, and daily highs regularly reach the 32.8°C mark. Conversely, January is considered the coolest month, with an average temperature of 12.1°C and average minimum night-time temperatures of around 7.4°C.

The summer period in Lake Charles, covering June, July, and August, is distinguished by consistently hot weather. Average daily temperatures during these months fluctuate between 27.8°C and 28.9°C. During the day, the thermometer often rises above 31°C, while nights remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 24-25°C. This creates conditions for a typical hot summer, characteristic of southern regions.

The winter months, including December, January, and February, pass with mild and cool weather in Lake Charles. Average temperatures during this period vary from 12.1°C to 14.8°C. Daily maximum values are usually within the range of 16.8°C - 19.2°C, whilst night-time lows can drop to 7.4°C - 10.4°C. Throughout the year, there is a noticeable difference between day and night temperatures, averaging from 7°C to 9.5°C, which ensures a perceptible, but not harsh, evening and night-time cooling.

In the city of Lake Charles, precipitation falls throughout the year, and there is no clearly defined dry or rainy season in terms of total volume. The monthly amount of rainfall is quite stable and low, varying from 3 mm to 5 mm. This indicates that heavy downpours are not typical here; rather, precipitation is most often light or moderate.

The highest frequency of rain is observed during the summer months. July stands out as the month with the highest number of rainy days – on average 19 days. August follows closely with 18 rainy days. During these periods, despite frequent precipitation, the total volume remains at the level of 5 mm. In contrast, October is the month with the fewest rainy days – only about 9.

If we consider the months with the maximum volume of precipitation (5 mm), these include January, May, July, August, and September. The minimum amount of precipitation (3 mm) is characteristic of February, March, October, and November. Considering that average monthly temperatures in Lake Charles always remain significantly above freezing, all precipitation falls as rain.

When planning a trip to Lake Charles, it is worth considering its generally mild climate, but with one important feature: despite the low total rainfall, rainy days are not uncommon here throughout the year. Therefore, a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella will become your faithful companions regardless of the season. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking, as there is plenty to see in the city.

During the warm season, which lasts roughly from May to September, when air temperatures can be quite high, give preference to light and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the southern sun. Even in the summer months, especially in July and August when the number of rainy days increases, a light raincoat will not go amiss.

For trips during the cooler months, from November to March, the best solution will be the principle of layering in your clothing. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a warm sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a medium-weight jacket, perhaps a windbreaker to protect against the wind. And, of course, do not forget about possible rain – an umbrella or raincoat will come in handy during this period too. This approach will allow you to feel comfortable in changeable weather and easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.