Ames experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winters are harsh, with temperatures often below freezing, reaching as low as -33°C in February. As spring arrives in March, temperatures gradually rise, but still fluctuate between -8°C and 24°C. Summer brings warmer days, with highs occasionally reaching up to 39°C in June, while autumn sees a moderate decline in temperature before the cold winter sets back in. The annual temperature oscillations are significant, reflecting Ames' location near the continental divide.