Climate and monthly weather forecast
Alabama, USA

Alabama climate is of humid subtropical type (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with very hot summers, mild winters, and precipitation throughout the year. Alabama lies in the tornado-prone Dixie Alley of the southeastern part of the United States. Georgia in the east, Florida in the southeast, the Gulf of Mexico in the south, Mississippi in the west, and Tennessee in the north share borders with the state. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, latitudes close to the equator than the pole, and tropical systems mainly influence the climate.

Alabama, the Yellowhammer State, has an average elevation of 150 meters above sea level, with the highest point at 735 meters at Mount Cheaha. The northern mountainous region consists of rivers, lakes, and streams, with Tennessee as the principal river. The central parts have rocky foothills that rise significantly in the northeast counties. Gentle plains constitute sixty% of the land area, with a gradual descent towards the Gulf of Mexico in the south. Many of the major rivers flow south and southwestward to the Gulf. Alabama is home to one of the largest inland waterway systems in the United States.

The best time to visit Alabama is during the autumn, when the conditions are relatively mild and dry. The temperatures are far below the peak of the hot summer season, with fewer incidences of storms. The fall season has pleasant outdoor conditions with a drop in humidity and wind speeds. The mornings are refreshing, evenings tend to be breezy, and the wilderness soaks in colors. The coast is calm, and the water temperatures are mild. The northern hilly areas see plenty of tourist interest with cooler temperatures and ample sunlight. Early summer in June attracts crowds to Alabama.

The worst time to visit Alabama is from December to mid-April that spans the winter and the majority of the spring season. The winter temperatures range from mild to cold, and it is not uncommon to experience freezing nights in the majority of the state. Wind speeds are often high due to a lack of natural barriers except in the northeast. March and April account for several tornadoes and thunderstorms, with chances of lightning strikes and hailstorms. Tropical storms that originate from the Gulf of Mexico often invade the state in the spring season.

Spring in Alabama is characteristically wet, with an increased propensity for severe weather. The state, lying in the tornado-prone Dixie Alley, faces an elevated risk of tornadoes, especially in the months of March and April. Hailstorms are a common occurrence from February to May. While coastal areas experience fog during this season, thunderstorms are prevalent, with some being notably intense. Despite these challenges, the landscape begins its rejuvenation, blossoming with life and color.

Summers in Alabama rank among the hottest in the United States. Daytime highs frequently average 92°F (33.3°C) in many southern regions, though coastal areas offer slightly milder temperatures due to the Gulf's influence. However, coastal nights tend to remain warmer compared to the interior regions. The entire state is enveloped in humidity levels that hover between 70% and 75%, with mornings typically recording the peak. Thunderstorms and tropical storms, particularly along the coast, are frequent, adding to the moisture content.

Autumn emerges as a relief after the intense summer months. Temperatures drop, and the state basks in relatively drier conditions. Humidity reduces significantly, leading to clear days and cooler nights. The landscape transforms, presenting a myriad of colors as trees shed their leaves. Coastal regions, with their calm waters and mild temperatures, become especially appealing during this period.

Alabama's winter ranges from mild to cold conditions. While the central and southern regions witness sporadic freezing nights, temperatures frequently fall below freezing in the northeast. The state’s lack of natural barriers, except in its northeastern pocket, means wind speeds can escalate. Snowfall, though uncommon, graces the northern mountainous areas a few times each winter. Coastal areas may experience fog, adding a layer of mystique to the winter landscape.

January marks one of the coldest months in Alabama. With the influence of the Gulf of Mexico slightly reduced, temperatures across the state tend to dip considerably. In the northeast, the colder pockets of Alabama, temperatures consistently fall below freezing, particularly during nighttime. Weather in January »

February ushers in a subtle transition as Alabama moves from the deep cold of January towards the early signs of spring. Temperatures, on average, begin to inch upwards, though the increase is gradual. The northeast regions of Alabama, while still experiencing chilly conditions, have fewer days that drop below freezing compared to January. Weather in February »

March signifies a marked shift in Alabama's climate as the state begins its transition into spring. The overall temperatures across Alabama show a noticeable rise compared to the cooler averages of February. The northeast regions, while gradually warming up, can occasionally experience the remnants of winter's chill, especially during early March. Central Alabama feels a distinct departure from the winter cold. Weather in March »

April in Alabama marks the full embrace of spring, with the entire state experiencing warmer temperatures and an evident departure from the last vestiges of winter. The northeast regions, which in previous months harbored cooler conditions, now revel in the warmth, even if they remain slightly cooler than the southern parts. In central Alabama, the dominance of mild to warm temperatures becomes more consistent. Weather in April »

May in Alabama is characterized by the early onset of summer, ushering in warmer days and increased humidity. As the month progresses, the entirety of the state, including the northeastern regions, feels the steady climb in temperature. Weather in May »

June in Alabama marks the undeniable onset of summer, with both temperatures and humidity levels seeing a substantial increase. Throughout the state, the warmth of June is felt consistently, making it evident that the mild spring days are well behind. In central Alabama, the daytime temperatures frequently venture into the high range, setting the tone for the midsummer months ahead. Weather in June »

July in Alabama solidifies its position as one of the hottest months of the year, showcasing peak summer temperatures and heightened humidity levels. Across the state, the consistent warmth of July is palpable, with only minor variances between regions. Central Alabama experiences the brunt of the summer heat. Weather in July »

August in Alabama remains firmly within the bounds of summer, often rivaling July in terms of heat and humidity. Throughout the state, August's unyielding warmth is a consistent feature, leaving little room for cooler interludes. Central Alabama, much like the previous month, faces persistent high temperatures. Weather in August »

September in Alabama introduces the early whispers of autumn, gradually breaking away from the intense summer heat. Throughout the state, temperatures start to exhibit a downward trend, though the warmth of summer can linger, especially in the earlier parts of the month. Central Alabama experiences a perceptible decline in daytime temperatures compared to August, offering a more comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities. Weather in September »

October in Alabama heralds a more definitive embrace of autumn. The state, in its entirety, witnesses a more pronounced dip in temperatures, painting a picture quite distinct from the heat of summer months past. In central Alabama, the daytime temperatures offer a pleasant warmth, devoid of the intense heat that characterized the summer. Weather in October »

As November unfurls in Alabama, the unmistakable signs of winter begin to emerge, leading to a noticeable transition from the mildness of autumn. Throughout the state, temperatures take a deeper dive, setting the stage for the colder months ahead. In central Alabama, the drop in daytime temperatures becomes more evident. Weather in November »

December in Alabama marks the deep embrace of winter. Across the state, the chill of the season is pervasive, giving both residents and visitors a taste of southern winter, which, while milder than some northern counterparts, carries its own distinct character. Central Alabama feels the full brunt of December's cold. Weather in December »