Champaign Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Summer in Champaign

Summer in Champaign is characterized by hot and humid weather. The average high temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 86°F (30°C). The average low temperature in July is around 67°F (19°C). The humidity levels can be high, making the air feel muggy and uncomfortable. There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms during the summer months.

Winter in Champaign

Winter in Champaign is cold and snowy. The average high temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 32°F (0°C). The average low temperature in January is around 17°F (-8°C). The snowfall can be heavy, with an average of around 30 inches per year. The wind chill can make the temperature feel even colder.

Temperature Variability Throughout the Year

Champaign, Illinois experiences a significant variation in average temperatures throughout the year. In summer, the warmest months (June to August), average temperatures range from 73.6°F (23.1°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C). July is typically the hottest month, with an average temperature of 79.9°F (26.6°C). In contrast, winter brings cold temperatures, with the coldest months (December to February) averaging between 23.5°F (-4.7°C) and 33.7°F (0.9°C). January is usually the coldest month, with an average temperature of 27.2°F (-2.7°C).

Extremes in Temperature

Champaign’s location in the Midwestern United States exposes it to both hot and cold extremes. During summer, temperatures can occasionally reach above 90°F (32.2°C), especially during heat waves. Conversely, winter temperatures can drop below 0°F (-17.8°C) during cold snaps, particularly when influenced by polar air masses. Record high and low temperatures for Champaign stand at 105°F (40.6°C) and -24°F (-31.1°C), respectively. These extreme temperatures, though less frequent, can significantly impact daily life and activities.

Cloud Cover and Precipitation

Champaign, Illinois, experiences a wide range of cloud cover and precipitation throughout the year. The city’s location in the Midwest means it is influenced by both continental and maritime air masses. In the summer, warm and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico brings frequent thunderstorms, while in the winter, cold and dry air from the north brings snow and ice storms. Annual precipitation averages around 38 inches, with the majority falling in the spring and summer months.

Cloud Types and Visibility

The most common cloud type in Champaign is the cumulus cloud, which appears as puffy white or gray clouds with flat bases. These clouds are often associated with fair weather. Cirrus clouds, which are high, thin, and wispy, are also common. They are composed of ice crystals and are often seen on clear days. Stratus clouds, which are low, flat, and gray, can cover the entire sky and produce drizzle or light rain. Fog is a common occurrence in Champaign, especially during the winter months and in the early morning hours. Reduced visibility due to fog can make driving hazardous.

Annual Precipitation

Champaign, United States, experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of around 39 inches (990 mm). The wettest months are typically May, June, and July, when convective thunderstorms are common and can bring heavy rainfall. The driest months are usually January and February, when precipitation is primarily in the form of snow.

Seasonal Variation

Champaign’s precipitation patterns exhibit seasonal variation. During the spring (March-May), as temperatures rise and the atmosphere becomes more unstable, the frequency and intensity of precipitation increase. Summer (June-August) brings the most significant rainfall, with thunderstorms often producing torrential downpours. Autumn (September-November) sees a decrease in rainfall as temperatures cool and the atmosphere becomes more stable. Winter (December-February) is the driest season, characterized by occasional snowfalls and low precipitation totals.

Annual Rainfall Patterns

Champaign, Illinois, experiences a humid continental climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in precipitation. The average annual rainfall in Champaign is around 42 inches (107 cm). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts during the spring and summer months. However, the occurrence of severe thunderstorms and occasional heavy rainfall events can lead to significant deviations from these averages.

Seasonal Distribution of Rainfall

During the spring (March to May), rainfall typically ranges between 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6-9 cm) per month. The warmer temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture favor convective rainfall, resulting in frequent thunderstorms and occasional downpours. Summer (June to August) brings the highest rainfall amounts, averaging 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm) per month. Thunderstorms become more common during this period, often accompanied by intense rainfall that can lead to localized flooding. Autumn (September to November) sees a gradual decrease in rainfall, with monthly averages between 2.5 to 3 inches (6-8 cm). As temperatures cool and humidity levels drop, precipitation tends to become less frequent and more stable. Winter (December to February) is typically the driest season, with average rainfall amounts of around 2 inches (5 cm) per month. Snowfall can occur during the winter months, although it is generally less significant than in other parts of the Midwest.

Total Snowfall in Champaign

Champaign, United States, experiences varying degrees of snowfall throughout the year. The city’s average annual snowfall ranges between 15 and 25 inches, with the majority occurring during the winter months of December, January, and February.

The snowiest season on record in Champaign was the winter of 1978-1979, when the city received a total of 42.8 inches of snowfall. Conversely, the least snowy season was the winter of 2011-2012, when Champaign received only 3.9 inches of snow.

Monthly Snowfall in Champaign

The monthly distribution of snowfall in Champaign follows a seasonal pattern. December typically marks the beginning of the snowy season, with an average of 5 inches of snowfall. This gradually increases in January, when the city receives around 7 inches of snow on average.

February remains the snowiest month in Champaign, with an average snowfall of 8 inches. However, March can also see significant snowfall, with an average of 5 inches. From April onwards, snowfall becomes less frequent and less intense, with only a trace amount usually recorded during the spring and summer months.

Sunrise and Sunset Times:

The timing of sunrise and sunset in Champaign, United States, varies throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the Sun. During the summer months (June to August), sunrise occurs around 5:30 AM and sunset around 8:30 PM, providing longer daylight hours. In the winter months (December to February), sunrise is around 7:30 AM and sunset is around 5:00 PM, resulting in shorter days.

Sunshine Duration:

Champaign experiences significant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 210 sunny days annually. The city receives the most sunshine during the summer months, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. In the winter months, sunshine duration decreases to around 5 hours per day.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The moon in Champaign, United States, rises and sets at different times throughout the month. The moonrise time is the time when the moon first becomes visible above the horizon, while the moonset time is the time when the moon disappears below the horizon. The exact times of moonrise and moonset vary depending on the day of the month and the time of year.

For example, on January 1, 2023, the moon will rise in Champaign at 7:03 AM and set at 6:07 PM. On June 1, 2023, the moon will rise at 12:45 AM and set at 12:48 PM. On December 1, 2023, the moon will rise at 4:38 PM and set at 4:35 AM.

Moon Phases

The moon goes through different phases throughout the month. The phase of the moon depends on the position of the moon relative to the sun and Earth. The four main phases of the moon are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

New moon: The new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun. The moon is not visible from Earth during this phase.
First quarter: The first quarter occurs when the moon is one-quarter of the way through its orbit around the Earth. The moon appears as a half-circle during this phase.
Full moon: The full moon occurs when the moon is opposite the sun in the sky. The moon is fully illuminated during this phase.
Last quarter: The last quarter occurs when the moon is three-quarters of the way through its orbit around the Earth. The moon appears as a half-circle during this phase.

Seasonal Variations in Humidity

Champaign experiences significant seasonal variations in humidity. During the summer months (June to August), humidity levels are typically high, averaging around 70%. The warm temperatures and ample rainfall contribute to the formation of moisture in the air, leading to a muggy and uncomfortable feeling. In contrast, the winter months (December to February) are characterized by low humidity levels, often dropping below 40%. The cold temperatures and lack of rainfall result in drier air, making the climate feel crisp and refreshing.

Influence on Comfort and Health

Humidity levels play a crucial role in human comfort and health. High humidity levels can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature, leading to discomfort and heat-related illnesses. On the other hand, very low humidity levels can cause dry skin, respiratory irritation, and other health problems. Optimal humidity levels for indoor environments range between 30% and 50%. Maintaining these levels helps create a comfortable and healthy living space, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Wind Patterns

Champaign is located in the central part of the United States and experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. The region is characterized by prevailing winds from the west and southwest throughout the year. These winds carry warm and moist air, leading to relatively high levels of precipitation, particularly in the spring and summer months.

Wind Speed and Variability

The average wind speed in Champaign is around 10-15 miles per hour (16-24 kilometers per hour). However, wind speed can vary significantly depending on the time of day and weather conditions. During the nighttime hours, when the air is cooler and more stable, wind speeds tend to be lower. In contrast, during the daytime hours, when the air is warmer and more unstable, wind speeds can increase due to thermal updrafts and convection. Additionally, during the passage of weather systems, such as thunderstorms or cold fronts, wind speeds can reach much higher levels, sometimes exceeding 30-40 miles per hour (48-64 kilometers per hour).

Spring and Fall: Optimal Seasons

Champaign’s sprawling green spaces and abundant gardens make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Spring, with its vibrant blooms and mild temperatures, provides an ideal time to stroll the University of Illinois campus, explore the Meadowbrook Park trails, and visit the Allerton Park & Retreat Center. The blooming Japanese maples and cherry trees add an ethereal beauty to the landscape. Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of golden hues, as the leaves turn spectacularly. The cooler weather invites visitors to cozy up with a hot drink at local cafes, attend football games at Memorial Stadium, or explore the area’s numerous apple orchards.

Summer: Sun-Soaked Activities

Champaign transforms into a bustling summer destination, offering a plethora of outdoor activities. The Champaign Park District hosts free outdoor concerts, movie screenings, and festivals. The vibrant downtown area comes alive with sidewalk sales, farmers’ markets, and lively nightlife. Visitors can cool off at the Hessel Park Swimming Pool, embark on a refreshing bike ride along the Mckinley Avenue bike path, or indulge in a refreshing beer at any of the local breweries. The Farmer’s Market showcases the bounty of local produce and artisanal goods, while the Summer Lights Festival illuminates the night sky with dazzling fireworks displays.

Potential for Solar Energy:
Champaign, Illinois, located in the Midwest region of the United States, has a favorable climate for solar energy. The city experiences abundant sunshine, with an average of 5.2 peak sunlight hours per day. This provides ample sunlight for photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity. Additionally, Champaign has relatively flat terrain and open spaces, making it suitable for the installation of large-scale solar farms. With its favorable conditions, Champaign has the potential to harness significant amounts of solar energy to meet its energy needs.

Current Development and Future Prospects:
Champaign has made strides in developing solar energy within its community. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has installed numerous solar PV systems on campus, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy. Several commercial buildings and residential properties have also adopted solar installations. The city has set a goal to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035, further driving the growth of solar energy. With government incentives, advancements in solar technology, and increasing public awareness, Champaign is expected to continue expanding its solar energy capacity in the coming years. The city’s strong potential, supportive policies, and commitment to sustainability make it well-positioned to become a leader in solar energy adoption in the region.

Terrain and Elevation

Champaign, Illinois, is situated in east-central Illinois on the eastern edge of the Grand Prairie Natural Division. The city’s terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills and a dendritic drainage pattern. The elevation of Champaign ranges from about 715 feet (218 meters) above sea level in the western part of the city to about 745 feet (227 meters) in the eastern part. The highest point in Champaign is located in the northwest corner of the city, while the lowest point is located in the southeast corner.

Drainage and Hydrology

Champaign is drained by two major rivers: the Sangamon River and the Salt Fork River. The Sangamon River flows through the southern part of the city, while the Salt Fork River flows through the northern part. Both rivers are tributaries of the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi River. Champaign is also home to several creeks and streams, including the Kaskaskia River, the Embarras River, and the Vermilion River. These waterways provide drainage for the city and help to maintain its water supply.

Willard Airport (CMI)

Willard Airport (CMI), located approximately 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) west of downtown Champaign, is the closest airport serving the Champaign-Urbana area. It is a regional airport with scheduled flights to major cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis. CMI offers convenient access to both domestic and international destinations through its connections with major airlines. The airport features a modern terminal with amenities such as restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and public buses.

Other Nearby Airports

While Willard Airport is the most convenient airport for travelers to Champaign, there are other regional airports within a reasonable driving distance. Decatur Airport (DEC), located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Champaign, offers limited scheduled flights. Springfield Airport (SPI), located approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Champaign, provides additional flight options and connections to major hubs. However, both DEC and SPI have fewer flight options and may require longer travel times to reach Champaign compared to CMI.

History of Champaign

Champaign, Illinois, traces its roots back to the early 19th century. In 1824, a group of settlers established a community called “West Urbana” on the banks of the Boneyard Creek. In 1833, the town was renamed “Champaign” and became the county seat of Champaign County. The arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in 1854 transformed Champaign into a major transportation hub and spurred its growth. By the late 19th century, Champaign had become a thriving agricultural center and home to a number of colleges and universities.

Modern-Day Champaign

Today, Champaign is a vibrant college town with a population of approximately 88,000. It is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), one of the largest and most prestigious public research universities in the United States. Champaign is also a regional hub for business, healthcare, and technology. The city’s economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Champaign is known for its cultural attractions, such as the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, and numerous theaters and art galleries. The city also offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options, as well as a lively nightlife scene.