Weather & Climate In Zell am See

According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, Zell am See has a subarctic climate (Dfc), which means that it has cold winters, cool summers, and significant precipitation throughout the year. This climate type is typical of high-altitude locations in the northern hemisphere, especially near mountain ranges. The subarctic climate is characterized by large seasonal variations in temperature, with average monthly temperatures ranging from -6 °C in January to 14.2 °C in July. The annual mean temperature is 4.5 °C, which is lower than the global average of 14 °C.

Zell am See receives abundant rainfall, with an annual average of 1696 mm. This is much higher than the global average of 990 mm. The wettest month is July, with an average of 210 mm of precipitation, followed by June with 198 mm. The driest month is February, with an average of 90 mm of precipitation, followed by November with 119 mm. The precipitation is mostly in the form of snow during the winter months, which creates a thick snow cover that lasts from December to March. The snowfall also contributes to the formation of glaciers and ice caps in the nearby mountains, which are important sources of freshwater and hydroelectric power.

Zell am See enjoys moderate sunshine, with an annual average of 2011 hours. This is slightly lower than the global average of 2049 hours. The sunniest month is May, with an average of 240 hours of sunshine, followed by July and August with 232 hours each. The cloudiest month is December, with an average of 152 hours of sunshine, followed by January with 155 hours. The sunshine hours vary according to the season, with longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter. The longest day of the year is June 21, with 15.7 hours of daylight, and the shortest day of the year is December 21, with 8.3 hours of daylight.

Zell am See experiences mild wind, with an annual average speed of 4.4 m/s. This is lower than the global average of 6.1 m/s. The windiest month is May, with an average speed of 5.1 m/s, followed by April with 4.9 m/s. The calmest month is August, with an average speed of 3.8 m/s, followed by September with 3.9 m/s. The wind direction is mainly from the west, which brings moist and mild air from the Atlantic Ocean. However, the wind can also change due to local factors, such as the topography of the lake and the mountains, which can create thermal and valley breezes.

Zell am See can experience extreme weather events, such as heat waves, cold spells, storms, floods, and avalanches. Some of the most notable weather records in Zell am See are:

• The highest temperature ever recorded was 35.8 °C on July 7, 2015.
• The lowest temperature ever recorded was -24.6 °C on January 9, 1985.
• The highest monthly precipitation ever recorded was 415.4 mm in August 2005.
• The lowest monthly precipitation ever recorded was 9.8 mm in February 1989.
• The highest daily snowfall ever recorded was 80 cm on January 10, 1999.
• The highest snow depth ever recorded was 220 cm on February 9, 1999.

Zell am See has a subarctic climate, with cold winters, cool summers, and significant precipitation throughout the year. The climate and weather of Zell am See are influenced by its elevation, latitude, and proximity to the Alps. The town enjoys moderate sunshine and mild wind, but can also experience extreme weather events, such as heat waves, cold spells, storms, floods, and avalanches. Zell am See is a beautiful and diverse destination for tourists who want to enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor activities, but also need to be aware of the weather conditions and potential hazards.