Hartford, Connecticut, experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing its own unique weather patterns and considerations for residents and visitors alike.
Winter
Winter in Hartford spans from December through February, characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall. Average high temperatures range from 33.1°F (0.6°C) to 38.5°F (3.6°C), with lows dipping to around 21.4°F (-5.9°C) in January. Snowfall is common, peaking in February with an average of 1.14 inches (29mm). Daylight is limited, with December and January offering approximately 9.2 to 9.6 hours per day. Despite the cold, these months still provide moderate sunshine, averaging around 4.8 to 5.1 hours daily.
Spring
Spring, from March to May, brings a gradual warming trend. March sees average highs of 43.9°F (6.6°C), increasing to 68.7°F (20.4°C) by May. Daylight extends from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May. Rainfall also increases during this period, with March averaging 0.83 inches (21mm) and April 0.98 inches (25mm).
Summer
Summer months, June through August, are warm and humid. Average high temperatures range from 80°F (26.7°C) in June to 85°F (29.4°C) in July. These months also experience the highest rainfall, with July averaging 4.25 inches (108mm). Daylight is abundant, with July and August offering about 10.4 hours of sunshine daily.
Autumn
Autumn, from September through November, features cooling temperatures and shorter days. September starts with average highs of 73.4°F (23°C), dropping to 48.9°F (9.4°C) by November. Daylight decreases from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November. Rainfall increases during this season, with October averaging 4.14 inches (105mm).
Understanding these seasonal patterns can help residents and visitors prepare appropriately for Hartford’s diverse climate throughout the year.