The climate of Athens
Athens,
Alabama, sitting within the United States, dwells in a climate categorized in the Köppen classification as a humid subtropical zone with no dry season (Cfa). This region is characterized by mild to high temperatures and a consistent level of humidity throughout the year. Analysing the climate data shows a wide-ranging temperature from a low of 33.1°F (0.6°C) in the coldest months to a high of 88.3°F (31.3°C) during the peak of summer. Humidity remains relatively stable, averaging between 74% and 79%.
Rainfall is a frequent occurrence in Athens, with an average monthly precipitation ranging from 0.71" (18mm) to 1.54" (39mm). The months see an average of between 6.6 and 15.8 rainfall days, with a higher frequency in the summer months. A unique characteristic of Athens’ weather pattern is the relative lack of snowfall, with only minute amounts recorded in the colder months, minimal to 0.08" (2mm) in
January and
December. Daylight hours, as expected, fluctuate with the seasons, with as few as 9.9 hours in December to as many as 14.5 hours in
June. Average wind speeds are generally moderate, ranging from 4.8mph (7.7km/h) to 8.7mph (14km/h).
The best time to visit Athens
Considering the climate conditions of
Athens, the most favorable time period to visit is in the Spring season. The months from
March to
May present more comfortable temperatures ranging from 60.4°F (15.8°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C), which is ideal for outdoor activities. Moreover, these months typically see a moderation in rainfall frequency and amounts, an average of rainfall days falling from 11.5 in March to 10.3 in
April, in the middle of the season. Altogether, the Spring months offer a balance of pleasant temperatures and moderate precipitation.
The worst time to visit Athens
The least favorable time to visit
Athens,
Alabama, is in the heart of the summer season, specifically
July and
August. These months experience the most extreme temperatures, with highs peaking at 88.3°F (31.3°C) and 87.8°F (31°C) respectively. Furthermore, these are the months possessing the highest frequency of rainfall days at 15.8 and 14.3 days in July and August respectively, and rainfall amounts above 1.38" (35mm). The combination of high temperatures and frequent rains could curtail outdoor activities and make this time period less comfortable for travel.
Spring weather in Athens
Spring in
Athens witnesses a rapid warming trend from the colder winter months. Starting in
March, the monthly average high temperature ascends to 60.4°F (15.8°C) and culminates to a warm 78.4°F (25.8°C) in
May. Correspondingly, lower temperatures span from 43.5°F (6.4°C) in March to 59.5°F (15.3°C) in May. Rainfall begins to recede during this season, from 1.1" (28mm) to 1.22" (31mm) between March and May, while the number of rainfall days decrease from 11.5 to 10.3. The increasing lengths of daylight, from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May, provide longer spans for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Athens
The summer weather in
Athens is marked by warm to hot temperatures and frequent rains.
June to
August, the summer months, experience an average high temperature range from 86.4°F (30.2°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C), while the lows are recorded between 66.7°F (19.3°C) and 69.3°F (20.7°C). These months also exhibit an increase in rainfall amounts, from June's 1.34" (34mm) to August's 1.42" (36mm), and the days experiencing rainfall rise to a peak of 15.8 in
July. Despite the frequent rains, this season affords the longest daylight hours, from 14.5 hours in June to 13.4 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Athens
Autumn in
Athens comes with a gradual reduction in temperature from the summer's heat.
September experiences a high of 82.6°F (28.1°C) which decreases to a more pleasant 71.6°F (22°C) by
November. Simultaneously, the lower temperatures fall from 63.5°F (17.5°C) in September to 52.3°F (11.3°C) in November. This season also welcomes a reduction in rainfall, from 0.71" (18mm) in September down to 0.75" (19mm) by November, and the number of rainfall days descends from 10.2 in September to 6.6 in November. Daylight hours during this season shorten from 12.4 hours in September to 10.4 hours in November.
Winter weather in Athens
The winter season in
Athens is characterized by milder to cold temperatures and infrequent precipitation.
December to
February are the coolest months, with average high temperatures falling to 47.5°F (8.6°C) in December and bottoming out at 51.3°F (10.7°C) in February. Low temperatures reach their nadir at 33.1°F (0.6°C) in December and peak slightly at 37°F (2.8°C) in the subsequent months. Rainfall varies between 1.26" (32mm) and 1.42" (36mm), with rainfall days numbered between 9.1 and 9.3. December and
January also exhibit minimal snowfalls, confined to 0.08" (2mm) and 0.04" (1mm) respectively. Daylight hours are fewest in winter, bottoming at 9.9 in December and gradually treading up to 11 hours in February.
Weather in January
January is marked by a cold, frosty atmosphere characteristic of
Alabama's winter months, with fair amounts of rainfall. A salient feature of this month is the occasional voyeur of a snow day, marking the highest snowfall volume of 0.08in.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter trend but with a perceivable change in atmospheric conditions. The thermometer goes higher compared to the previous month, registering peaks of 52.5°F (11.4°C). Rainfall and humidity share a similar trend while pressure levels show slight fluctuations.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals the onset of spring in
Athens,
Alabama, with slightly elevated temperatures and increased hours of sunshine. The city experiences the most rain-filled days, with rainfall recorded on an average 11.5 days. The transformation from winter's end to the beginning of spring is accompanied by noticeably longer daylight hours and a rise in UV index.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April embraces spring full swing with temperatures progressively climbing higher, longer hours of daylight and amplified humidity. This month records the highest rainfall volume, standing at 1.54in. The city basks in more sunshine compared to
March and the wind speed decreases, making it a pleasant month overall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The city of
Athens ushers in summer throughout
May with rapidly rising temperatures, longer daylight hours, and relatively high humidity. High temperatures soar to near peak levels at 78.4°F (25.8°C), indicating a notably warm month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the peak of summer in
Athens,
Alabama, with sharp increases in temperature and significantly longer hours of sunshine, which contributes to visibility enhancement. The UV index hits an all-year high of 6, indicating a strong sun.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July embraces the pinnacle of summer with peak temperatures, increased daylight hours, and remarkable sunshine duration. The heat peaks at 88.3°F (31.3°C), resulting in
Athens's hottest month. The clouds appear scarce, and gusts are mild, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite the marginal dip in temperature from the previous peak in
July,
August in
Athens continues to be markedly hot, accompanied by relatively high humidity and predictable wind velocity rates. The high temperature reaches as high as 87.8°F (31°C), keeping the city quite warm.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a welcoming break from the intensity of summer as
Athens begins its transition into autumn. Amid this transition, a low volume of rainfall of 0.71in is a prominent characteristic. As days become shorter, residents also notice a considerable drop in temperature from the summer highs.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a sweet spot in
Athens, graced with mild temperatures, reduced humidity, and appreciably longer sunshine hours. Wind speeds begin to rise again, reaching average velocities of up to 6.8mph (10.9km/h). October's warmth is moderated by gentle breezes, offering relief from both the peak summer swelter and impending winter cold.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November characteristically steps into winter, with temperatures noticeably dropping compared to
October in
Athens. Monthly rainfall volumes register at the lower end of the scale at 0.75in. Daylight hours decrease while there is a marked uptick in cloudy days, announcing the imminent arrival of
Alabama's winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December heralds the advent of winter in
Athens,
Alabama with a fresh wave of cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and shorter daylight hours. With the lowest temperature drop to 37.9°F (3.3°C), December truly marks the onset of the cold season.
Weather in December »