Weather in Lincoln

Planning a trip to Lincoln? Check out the most up-to-date weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Lincoln, Nebraska, is characterized as continental with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for the central USA. Winters here are cold, while summers are hot, with low precipitation distributed relatively evenly, though with a slight peak in late spring.

Summer in Lincoln (June-August) is usually hot, with average temperatures reaching 25-26°C (for example, the average temperature in July is 26.2°C), and maximum values often exceeding 30°C. Winters (December-February) are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C to 1°C (the average temperature in January is about -2.8°C, February -1.4°C, and December 0.8°C), and minimums dropping significantly below freezing. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures, but they can also be changeable.

Precipitation in Lincoln is not overly abundant. The highest amount of rainfall and rainy days occurs in May (an average of 4 mm of precipitation and 15 rainy days), which can be considered the wettest period. During the rest of the year, precipitation amounts are low, amounting to 1-3 mm per month. This indicates a relatively dry climate overall, especially during the winter months when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls monthly.

The climate in Lincoln is characterized by distinct seasonal changes and a significant annual temperature range. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature drops to -2.8°C, and minimum values can reach -7.2°C. Conversely, July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of +26.2°C and maximum readings rising to +31.5°C. Thus, residents and visitors to the city can expect both frosty winters and hot summers.

The summer months in Lincoln, especially June, July, and August, bring real heat. Daytime temperatures often exceed +30°C, creating conditions for sultry weather. The average temperature in July is +26.2°C, while in June and August, it holds at around +25°C. Nights bring some relief, as the air temperature usually drops to +19°C - +21°C. This difference between daily highs and nightly lows, amounting to about 10-11°C, makes the evenings and nights more comfortable.

Winter in Lincoln is quite cold. From December to February, average temperatures fluctuate from -2.8°C in January to +0.8°C in December. Night frosts are a common occurrence, with minimum temperatures regularly dropping below -7°C in January and February. During the day, the thermometer may rise to +1.7°C - +5.6°C, but often remains around zero or lower. As in summer, noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations reaching 8-11°C are observed in winter, meaning that even if it warms up slightly during the day, the nights remain freezing.

Precipitation distribution in Lincoln shows noticeable seasonal fluctuations in both volume and frequency. Late spring, especially May, stands out with peak rainfall (averaging 4 mm) and the maximum number of days with precipitation — about 15. This is more than one and a half times the number of wet days in April (9 days, 2 mm of precipitation). The winter months — January, February, November, and December — are characterized by minimal precipitation volume, just 1 mm each, with the number of days with precipitation also being low, varying from 4 in December to 6 in February. This indicates predominantly dry weather during the winter period.

The nature of precipitation in Lincoln changes depending on the season. In the cold season, especially in January and February, when average temperatures drop significantly below freezing (to -2.8°C and -1.4°C respectively), precipitation falls mainly as snow. In transitional months, such as November (average temperature 6.4°C, minimum 1.3°C) and March (average temperature 6.3°C, minimum 0.5°C), snow is sometimes possible, especially at the beginning or end of these months when temperatures drop. With the arrival of consistent warmth in spring, precipitation turns into rain. Summer months, such as June, July, and August, receive a moderate amount of rain, about 3 mm monthly, distributed over approximately 9-10 days in each month.

Although Lincoln does not have a sharply defined rainy season or prolonged drought, there is a clear trend towards increased humidity in spring, reaching a maximum in May. After this, the summer months (June, July, August) maintain a stable level of moderate precipitation, distributed over about 9-10 days monthly, ensuring regular moisture. In autumn, the amount of precipitation and wet days gradually decreases, moving towards the driest conditions of winter. Thus, the year is characterized by one clear peak in humidity in late spring and a relatively dry winter period, with moderate but regular rainfall in summer.

When planning a trip to Lincoln, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters (December-February) are cold here, with average temperatures around freezing and possible frosts down to -7°C. Therefore, during this period, you will need warm clothes: a winter jacket, sweaters, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Although there is little precipitation, snow or freezing rain is possible, so waterproof shoes and outerwear will be useful. Summer (June-August) in Lincoln is warm, sometimes hot, with average temperatures around 25°C and highs reaching 30-31°C. For the summer months, pack light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget a light jacket or cardigan for evening walks or air-conditioned rooms.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with changeable weather. It is still quite cool in March and November, while May and September delight with warm weather. The key principle for these seasons is layering. Take both light t-shirts and jumpers, cardigans, and a windbreaker or mid-season jacket. May sees the highest number of days with precipitation, so a light raincoat or umbrella will be useful. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must-have, as Lincoln is great for walking. It is also worth having a small backpack for water, maps, and other small items.