The climate of Birmingham
Positioned in the southeastern region of the United States,
Birmingham in
Alabama enjoys a Humid subtropical climate, classified as Cfa in the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate yields high levels of humidity throughout the year with a prominent absence of a dry season.
On average, the city experiences significant thermal fluctuations between its hottest months, from 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
May to 91°F (32.8°C) in
July, and the colder span ranging from 35.2°F (1.8°C) in
January to 71.1°F (21.7°C) in July. Birmingham registers substantial rainfall throughout the year with the lowest average in
November at 1.02" (26mm) and the highest in
August at 1.89" (48mm). Meanwhile, the presence of snowfall remains relatively unobtrusive with a slight average of 0.08" (2mm) in January and
February.
A display of the considerable daylight hours becomes evident from May to July, with averages stretching from 13.9 hours to 14.4 hours. Conversely, the shorter days occur from November to January, with 10 to 10.4 hours of daylight. These data indicate a distinct pattern of weather fluctuations throughout the year, each month offering a unique combination of climatic elements.
The best time to visit Birmingham
Depending on personal preferences for heat, a more temperate season might be an optimal choice. For individuals pursuing moderately warm temperatures, the golden window falls between
April and
June. During this period, the highs range from 64°F (17.8°C) to 88.5°F (31.4°C) while the lows see a slight increase from 46°F (7.8°C) to 68.4°F (20.2°C). Alongside these desirable temperatures,
Birmingham exhibits ample sunshine hours upwards to 10 with a humidity level around 73%.
The worst time to visit Birmingham
If a tourist is not particularly fond of high humidity and rainfall, the months straddling
August would be less appealing. During this time, humidity rates are at 72%, while rainfall inches climb to a high of 1.89. Couple this with temperatures soaring to a high of 91°F (32.8°C), this period might pose a challenge for those averse to extreme weather conditions.
Spring weather in Birmingham
The advent of spring ushers in warmth to
Birmingham with temperatures steadily rising from 50.7°F (10.4°C) in
March to 73.4°F (23°C) in
April. Rainfall levels maintain consistency around 1.54" (39mm), while daylight extends from 12 to 13 hours. Humidity levels hover across the 70's percentile during this period, complementing the comfortable temperatures and longer days.
Summer weather in Birmingham
Summer in
Birmingham raises the temperature ladder higher with averages fluctuating between 81.3°F (27.4°C) to 91°F (32.8°C). Humidity levels experience a slight dip to 72%, while daylight hours peak to 14.4 hours. Despite the high temperatures, rainfall remains significant in this period registering 1.97" (50mm) in
June to 1.61" (41mm) in
July. Travelers willing to brave the heat will find lengthy sunny days and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Autumn weather in Birmingham
Autumn in
Birmingham witness a gradual rundown of temperature from 84.9°F (29.4°C) in
September to 61.9°F (16.6°C) in
November. As the heat mellows down, daylight hours reduce from 12.4 hours to 10.4 hours. Rainfall dials down to 1.02" (26mm) marking November as the driest month.
Winter weather in Birmingham
Winter brings a marked drop in temperature from 54.5°F (12.5°C) in
December to 35.2°F (1.8°C) in
January. However, the relative humidity inches higher at 79%, causing the cold weather to feel more severe. Precipitation remains frequent, with rainfall averages moving from 1.89" (48mm) in December to 1.54" (39mm) in
February. Additionally, snow makes a minor appearance, enhancing the wintry sensation.
Weather in January
In
January,
Birmingham,
Alabama weather offers a relatively low temperature range from a low of 35.2°F (1.8°C) to a high of 50.7°F (10.4°C). The transition from the cold
December temperatures allows residents to experience fewer snowfall days compared to the preceding month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather transition from
January to
February in
Birmingham,
Alabama highlights a slight rise in temperature, including the maximum, which reaches 56.1°F (13.4°C). Rainfall days increase, bringing higher expected cumulative precipitation than the earlier month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Birmingham,
Alabama, undergoes a significant weather transformation in
March. The city experiences warmer temperatures, with the maximum reaching 64°F (17.8°C), a substantial increase from
February. This increased temperature often results in a hike in rainfall activity, both in terms of intensity and frequency.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the onset of
April, temperature in
Birmingham continues to rise, hitting the low 70s°F. Shifting from
March, April witnesses trends of diminishing rainfall, leading to drier days, despite a rise in relative humidity. An increase in daily sunshine hours is accompanied by clearer skies, leading to higher visibility.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May weather in
Birmingham,
Alabama exhibits a marked departure from spring, leaning heavily towards summer conditions. Temperatures continue their ascending path, reaching a high of 81.3°F (27.4°C). True to the season, relative humidity maintains consistency despite the rise in temperature.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer in
Birmingham, with temperatures peaking at 88.5°F (31.4°C). Characteristic of the season, rainfall sees moderate intensity, while daylight duration stretches the longest. The frequency of sunny days also peaks, but cooler winds compensate for the higher temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July in
Birmingham,
Alabama is characterized by high temperatures, reaching a peak of 91°F (32.8°C). Aside from the blazing sun, Birmingham also encounters a higher occurrence of rainy days. Both wind speed and wind gusts reduce, unable to offset the rising temperature.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August, while maintaining high temperatures similar to
July, prescribes slightly cooler weather in
Birmingham. The reduced rainfall from the peak of 17.6 days in July keeps the city relatively dry. Notable is the decrease in daylight hours, indicating an upcoming shift in seasons.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in cooler weather in
Birmingham,
Alabama, with temperatures decreasing to highs around 84.9°F (29.4°C). A decrease in rainfall pivots this month closer to a drier season. Despite the drop in temperature, wind gusts increase, offering an easing transition into fall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Birmingham embodies the essence of fall, with temperatures dropping further to 74.3°F (23.5°C). The shift from
September is also marked by diminishing rainfall and fewer daylight hours. A consistent decrease in UV index indicates a move towards colder weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings chillier days to
Birmingham,
Alabama, with average high temperatures dropping to a cool 61.9°F (16.6°C). Comparatively, November sees an increase in rainfall days from
October, however, the level of precipitation remains stable.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December signifies the arrival of winter in
Birmingham,
Alabama, with temperatures dipping further and seldom rising above 54.5°F (12.5°C). Interestingly, December is one of the wettest months, with rainfall reaching 1.89" (48mm).
Weather in December »