Sterling, Illinois has a Humid Continental Hot Summers With Year Around Precipitation climate (Köppen classification: Dfa). Average annual temperatures range from 4 °C (low) to 15 °C (high). Annual precipitation averages 999 Millimeters. Sterling is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 through the first frost around Oct. 1 - Oct. 10.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -10.6 °C | -1.5 °C | 43.43 mm |
| February | -8.5 °C | 1 °C | 43.69 mm |
| March | -2.7 °C | 8 °C | 60.71 mm |
| April | 3.3 °C | 15.6 °C | 97.28 mm |
| May | 9.9 °C | 21.9 °C | 124.97 mm |
| June | 15.3 °C | 27 °C | 137.41 mm |
| July | 17.1 °C | 28.6 °C | 108.71 mm |
| August | 15.9 °C | 27.7 °C | 108.71 mm |
| September | 11.3 °C | 24.4 °C | 95.5 mm |
| October | 4.8 °C | 17.2 °C | 71.12 mm |
| November | -1.4 °C | 8.7 °C | 58.17 mm |
| December | -7 °C | 1.7 °C | 49.28 mm |
| Annual | 4 °C | 15 °C | 998.98 mm |
| Average First Frost Date | Oct. 1 - Oct. 10 |
| Average Last Frost Date | Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 |
| Average Days With Frost | 125-150 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 5b : -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 5b : -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Current Drought Conditions | Normal |
| Köppen Climate Classification | Dfa - Humid Continental Hot Summers With Year Around Precipitation |