Davenport Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Summer

Davenport experiences warm and humid summers, characterized by average temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 90°F (32°C). The hottest months are June, July, and August, with average high temperatures exceeding 85°F (29°C). Humidity levels are generally high throughout the summer, leading to uncomfortable conditions at times. Rainfall is common during the summer months, with occasional thunderstorms and heavy downpours.

Winter

Winters in Davenport are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 20°F (-7°C) to 35°F (2°C). January is typically the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping below 15°F (-9°C). Davenport receives significant snowfall during the winter months, with an average of 30-40 inches (76-102 cm) per season. Icy conditions and snow-covered roads are common throughout the winter, making driving and outdoor activities challenging at times.

Summer and Winter Averages

During the summer months from June to August, Davenport experiences warm and humid conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). July is typically the warmest month, with average highs reaching around 85°F (29°C). In contrast, winters in Davenport are cold and snowy, with average temperatures falling below freezing from December to February. January is usually the coldest month, with average lows dipping down to -10°F (-23°C).

Seasonal Variations

Spring and fall in Davenport offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures. During spring, temperatures gradually rise from late March to May, with average highs reaching around 65°F (18°C) in May. This season often brings rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. During fall, temperatures start to cool down from September to November, with average highs around 55°F (13°C) in November. This period typically experiences sunny days and crisp nights. The average annual precipitation in Davenport is around 35 inches (89 cm), which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Cloud Cover and Precipitation

Davenport, United States experiences a range of cloud cover and precipitation patterns throughout the year. During the winter months, the city often encounters low clouds and fog, especially in the morning and evening. These clouds can contribute to limited visibility and potentially lead to flight delays or cancellations. In contrast, the summer months in Davenport typically bring more sunshine and less cloud cover. However, the city is also prone to occasional thunderstorms, which can produce heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.

Seasonal Cloud Patterns

The distribution of cloud cover and precipitation in Davenport is influenced by the city’s location within the humid continental climate zone. During the spring and fall, the city experiences transitional weather with a mix of cloudy and sunny days. The spring months generally bring more precipitation than the fall, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. In the winter, temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, resulting in less cloud cover and lower precipitation levels. The average annual snowfall in Davenport is approximately 21 inches, with most occurring during the months of December, January, and February.

Precipitation Patterns in Davenport

Davenport, Iowa, experiences a humid continental climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city receives an average of 34.6 inches of precipitation annually, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. However, seasonal variations in precipitation are evident. During the summer months, thunderstorms and showers account for much of the rainfall, leading to occasional heavy downpours. In the winter, precipitation primarily occurs as snowfall, with Davenport receiving an average of 33.1 inches of snow annually.

Impact of Precipitation on Davenport’s Environment

The abundant precipitation in Davenport plays a crucial role in shaping its natural environment and supporting local ecosystems. The rainwater infiltrates the soil, replenishing groundwater aquifers and providing moisture for plant growth. The Mississippi River, which borders the city, benefits from the regular precipitation, maintaining its water levels and supporting the diverse aquatic life it sustains. Additionally, precipitation helps regulate local air quality by washing away pollutants and contributing to the growth of vegetation that absorbs carbon dioxide.

Average Rainfall

Davenport, located in the eastern region of the United States, experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year. The annual average rainfall is approximately 35 inches (89 centimeters), with the wettest months being June and July. During these months, rainfall can reach an average of 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) per month. Conversely, the driest months are January and February, each receiving an average of 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) of rainfall.

Seasonal Precipitation

Spring and summer in Davenport are typically characterized by ample rainfall, supporting lush vegetation and agriculture in the region. The average rainfall during these seasons is around 30 inches (76 centimeters), with frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms. Fall and winter, on the other hand, experience less precipitation. The average rainfall during these seasons is approximately 15 inches (38 centimeters), with occasional snowfall during the colder months. Davenport’s climate is influenced by both continental and humid subtropical factors, resulting in a varied precipitation pattern that supports a diverse ecosystem and provides water resources for the city and surrounding areas.

Monthly Snowfall Averages

Davenport, Iowa experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, including significant snowfall during the winter months. According to the National Weather Service, Davenport receives an average of 26.2 inches of snow annually. The snowfall is typically heaviest in December and January, with an average of 6.2 and 6.9 inches respectively. February and March also see significant snowfall, averaging 5.3 and 4.5 inches respectively.

Annual Snowfall Variability

The annual snowfall in Davenport can vary considerably from year to year. In recent years, the city has experienced both exceptionally snowy and relatively mild winters. For instance, during the winter of 2017-2018, Davenport received a total of 50.9 inches of snow, far exceeding the annual average. Conversely, the winter of 2019-2020 saw only 12.4 inches of snowfall, significantly below the average. This variability is attributed to factors such as changes in atmospheric circulation patterns and the influence of weather systems like the polar vortex.

Average Daily Sunshine Hours

Davenport, located in the eastern part of the United States, experiences significant variations in sunshine hours throughout the year. The city has an average of 229 sunny days annually, with the highest number of sunny hours occurring during the summer months. In July, the average daily sunshine duration reaches a maximum of 8.8 hours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Conversely, the winter months see a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, with December having the least, averaging only 3.4 hours of sunshine each day.

Seasonal Variations and Cloud Cover

The seasonal variations in sunshine hours in Davenport are primarily attributed to the changing position of the sun in the sky and the frequency of cloud cover. During the summer, the sun is higher in the sky and the days are longer, resulting in prolonged periods of sunlight. Furthermore, cloud cover is typically less frequent in the summer, allowing for more sunshine to reach the ground. In contrast, during the winter months, the sun is lower in the sky and the days are shorter, leading to fewer hours of sunlight. Additionally, cloud cover tends to be more frequent in the winter, further diminishing the amount of sunshine received.

Moon Appearance and Visibility

In Davenport, United States, the moon’s appearance and visibility vary throughout the month. The moon changes phases from new to full and back to new, taking approximately 29.5 days to complete a full cycle. During the new moon phase, the moon is not visible from Earth as it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. As the moon progresses through its cycle, it gradually becomes more visible and reaches its peak illumination during the full moon phase. During this phase, the moon appears as a complete circle and is visible throughout the night.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The moonrise and moonset times in Davenport also vary daily. The moon rises and sets at different times each day, and these times change throughout the year. During the summer months, the moon rises later in the evening and sets later in the morning, providing longer periods of moonlight. Conversely, during the winter months, the moon rises earlier in the evening and sets earlier in the morning, resulting in shorter periods of moonlight. The specific moonrise and moonset times for any given day can be found through astronomical websites or mobile applications. Understanding these times can help determine the best opportunities for moon viewing or celestial photography.

Annual Humidity Trends

Davenport, located in the Midwestern region of the United States, experiences significant humidity throughout the year. The average annual relative humidity in Davenport is approximately 76%, with slight variations during different seasons. The highest humidity levels occur during the summer months, peaking in July and August, when the average relative humidity reaches around 80%. This high humidity is attributed to the warm and moist air masses originating from the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Plains. During the winter months, humidity levels drop significantly, with average relative humidity values hovering around 65-70%. This decrease in humidity is primarily due to the cold and dry air masses moving in from the north.

Seasonal Variations in Humidity

Spring and fall in Davenport are characterized by moderate humidity levels. In April and May, as temperatures rise and precipitation increases, the relative humidity climbs to around 75%. However, as the season progresses into June, humidity levels surge along with rising temperatures, creating a more oppressive and humid environment. In September and October, humidity levels gradually decline as temperatures cool and precipitation decreases. By November, relative humidity values return to the moderate range of 65-70%.

Seasonal Variations in Wind Speed and Direction

Davenport experiences significant seasonal variations in wind speed and direction. During the summer months (June through August), the prevailing winds are from the southwest, bringing warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. These winds tend to be light to moderate, with average speeds ranging from 5 to 10 mph.

In contrast, during the winter months (December through February), the prevailing winds are from the northwest, originating from the cold, dry air masses of the Pacific Ocean. These winds are typically stronger, with average speeds reaching 10 to 15 mph. They can also bring periods of gusty conditions, especially during the passage of cold fronts.

Impact on Local Weather and Climate

The prevailing wind patterns in Davenport play a significant role in shaping the local weather and climate. The warm, humid summer winds contribute to the city’s high humidity levels and frequent precipitation, while the cold, dry winter winds help to keep temperatures relatively low and precipitation levels low. Additionally, the strong winds that accompany cold fronts can lead to hazardous conditions, including power outages and poor visibility due to blowing snow.

Spring (April-May)

Spring in Davenport brings a burst of color and life to the city. The average temperature ranges from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. This is an excellent time to visit Vander Veer Botanical Park, which boasts a stunning display of tulips, magnolias, and other vibrant blooms. Additionally, the Mississippi Riverfront Walk comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying the warm weather and scenic views.

Fall (September-October)

Fall in Davenport offers a picturesque setting as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. With average temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities. This is an ideal time to take a stroll through Leach Botanical Garden, where you can admire the changing foliage and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Additionally, various festivals and events are held throughout the city during this season, showcasing local culture and cuisine.

Solar Irradiance and Potential

Davenport, Iowa, located in the Midwest of the United States, boasts a moderate level of solar irradiance with an average of 4.5 peak sunshine hours per day. While this value is not as high as in sunnier regions of the country, it still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation. The city experiences a dip in solar irradiance during the winter months due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover. However, the longer daylight hours and ample sunlight during the warmer months compensate for this seasonal variation.

Solar Energy Adoption and Initiatives

Despite the moderate solar irradiance, Davenport has shown a growing interest in solar energy. The city government has implemented several initiatives to promote solar adoption, including the Davenport Solar Energy Incentive Program. This program offers financial incentives to homeowners and businesses that install solar panels. Additionally, Davenport has partnered with local organizations to host workshops and educational events to raise awareness about solar energy and its benefits. As a result, the city has seen a steady increase in solar installations in recent years, ranging from small-scale rooftop systems to larger commercial projects.

Topography of Davenport, United States

Davenport, Iowa, is situated along the Mississippi River, at the confluence of the Rock River. The city is built on a series of terraces, with the highest point being Credit Island, which is about 1,000 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the city is the Mississippi River, which is about 560 feet above sea level. The city is also home to several hills and bluffs, which provide scenic views of the surrounding area.

The topography of Davenport has been shaped by the Mississippi River over thousands of years. The river has deposited layers of sediment, which have created the terraces and bluffs. The river has also carved out a deep gorge, which is now home to the Mississippi River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The topography of Davenport provides a variety of habitats for plants and animals, and it is also a popular destination for recreation.

Distance to Airport:

Davenport, Iowa, is home to the Quad City International Airport (DVN), which is the closest airport to the city. Located just 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Davenport, DVN serves as the primary aviation gateway to the Quad Cities region, comprising Davenport, Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, Illinois.

Airport Amenities:

Quad City International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the travel experience for passengers. It features 14 gates across two concourses, providing ample space for both arriving and departing flights. DVN also boasts a convenient and efficient baggage claim area, ensuring a seamless experience upon arrival. Additionally, the airport offers a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals, catering to travelers’ needs before or after their flight.

History

Davenport, Iowa, a vibrant city on the Mississippi River, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Founded in 1836 as a trading post by Antoine Le Claire, Davenport played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. As a gateway to the vast interior, the city became a hub for commerce, agriculture, and transportation. In the 20th century, Davenport experienced a period of industrial growth, with its proximity to the Mississippi River and the availability of natural resources fueling the development of industries such as meatpacking, sugar refining, and agricultural machinery manufacturing.

Culture and Attractions

Davenport is celebrated for its diverse cultural offerings and renowned attractions. The Figge Art Museum houses a significant collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science offers interactive exhibits on local and global history, natural history, and anthropology. The RiverCenter, an iconic riverside complex, hosts concerts, performances, and festivals throughout the year. Davenport’s vibrant downtown area boasts a lively mix of shops, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries. The city also takes pride in its outdoor amenities, including parks, bike trails, and recreational areas along the banks of the Mississippi River.