Lincoln, NE Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Lincoln
Weather in Lincoln is shaped by its humid continental climate - expect warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. July afternoons typically reach 87°F (31°C), while January highs hover near 36°F (2°C). Annual precipitation averages 31.2 inches (792 mm) over about 94 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 36°F (2°C)
- Record high: 103°F (39°C) · Record low: -28°F (-33°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (13.0 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 12 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 87°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 69°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows around 19°F (-7°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 103°F (39°C) and dropped as low as -28°F (-33°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.6 inches (142 mm) of rain over 14 days, while February is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.0 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 12 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 19° | 5 | 1.4 in | 6.6 h/day | 68% |
| February | 40° | 20° | 5 | 0.9 in | 8.4 h/day | 62% |
| March | 53° | 33° | 8 | 2.2 in | 8.3 h/day | 61% |
| April | 63° | 42° | 9 | 2.4 in | 9.6 h/day | 58% |
| May | 73° | 54° | 14 | 5.6 in | 10.1 h/day | 66% |
| June | 86° | 66° | 12 | 4.6 in | 13.0 h/day | 62% |
| July | 87° | 69° | 9 | 3.1 in | 12.8 h/day | 68% |
| August | 85° | 67° | 9 | 3.0 in | 11.5 h/day | 69% |
| September | 81° | 62° | 6 | 2.3 in | 10.4 h/day | 63% |
| October | 65° | 47° | 6 | 2.4 in | 8.6 h/day | 60% |
| November | 52° | 34° | 6 | 1.6 in | 7.3 h/day | 64% |
| December | 41° | 24° | 5 | 1.6 in | 6.8 h/day | 67% |
Lincoln month by month
Lincoln weather in January
January brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 19°F (-7°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Lincoln.
Lincoln weather in February
February brings highs around 40°F (4°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Lincoln.
Lincoln weather in March
March brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Lincoln weather in April
April brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 9 wet days.
Lincoln weather in May
May brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 14 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Lincoln.
Lincoln weather in June
June brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Lincoln.
Lincoln weather in July
July brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 9 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Lincoln.
Lincoln weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 9 wet days.
Lincoln weather in September
September brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 6 wet days.
Lincoln weather in October
October brings highs around 65°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 6 wet days.
Lincoln weather in November
November brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Lincoln weather in December
December brings highs around 41°F (5°C), lows near 24°F (-4°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Seasons in Lincoln
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Lincoln is mild, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Lincoln brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 67°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Lincoln is mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 18 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Lincoln is frigid, with daytime highs averaging 39°F (4°C) and nights around 21°F (-6°C); rain falls on about 15 days over the three months, plus around 9 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Lincoln?
Is Lincoln hot in summer?
Is Lincoln cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Lincoln get in a year?
Best time to visit Lincoln
The best time to visit Lincoln is generally September to November and April, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 65°F (19°C).
Pack for Lincoln with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 69°F (21°C).
Lincoln temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.