The climate of Madison
The city of
Madison in
Alabama, USA, experiences a Köppen climate classification of Cfa, which denotes a humid subtropical climate without a dry season. This suggests persistent moisture and shifting temperatures throughout the year. The geographical coordinates of Madison places it in a climate zone that manifests significant weather changes over a twelve-month cycle.
Precipitation is distributed largely uniformly throughout the year, ranging from a low 1.1" (28mm) in
September to a high of 2.48" (63mm) in
July, demonstrating the absence of a dry season. Madison experiences rainfall days from 8.8 in
November to 17.2 in July. This pattern substantiates the humid, subtropical nature of the climate. Snow is less common within such climatology; however, it does usually occur from
December to
March with snowfall inches ranging from 0.08" (2mm) in March to 0.16" (4mm) in both
January and December.
In terms of temperature, Madison exhibits variation throughout the year. The coldest average temperatures usually occur in January with lows at 33.3°F (0.7°C) and highs reaching up to 47.7°F (8.7°C). On the other side of the spectrum, the weather heats up during the peak of summer from 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
June to 88.3°F (31.3°C) in July for the high and from 66.7°F (19.3°C) in June to 69.3°F (20.7°C) in July for the low temperatures.
Cloud cover shifts insignificantly with a relatively small range from the lowest at 29% in June to the greatest of 50% in
February. This again underscores the typically cloudy skies of a humid subtropical climate.
The best time to visit Madison
For travelers prioritizing moderate weather, the best time to visit
Madison would be during late spring and early autumn. During these periods, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 70.5°F (21.4°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C) in the spring (
April-
May) and similarly from 72°F (22.2°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C) in early fall (
September-
October). While there is still regular rainfall, these periods provide the longest daylight hours, stretching from 12 hours in April to 14.5 hours in
June.
The worst time to visit Madison
The least favorable time to consider a visit to
Madison tends to be in the winter months where temperatures descend to lows of 33.3°F (0.7°C) in
January. Additionally, while precipitation is relatively constant throughout the year, late autumn and winter see the lowest sunshine duration, reducing from 7.2 hours per day in
October to just 4.8 hours by
December, offering limited daylight for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Madison
Spring in
Madison is characterized by rising temperatures from a low of 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
April to a high of 78.6°F (25.9°C) by
May. There is an increase in hours of daylight from 12 hours in April to 14 hours in May, which aligns with the increasing UV index from 4 in April to 6 in May. Rainfall also follows a similar pattern with 2.36" (60mm) in April rising slightly to 2.01" (51mm) in May.
Summer weather in Madison
In the summer months,
Madison turns warm and humid with the temperature ranging from highs of 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
June to 88.3°F (31.3°C) in
July. Despite high temperatures, there is somewhat relief provided by the wind which decreases consistently throughout summer, from 5.2mph (8.4km/h) in June to 4.6mph (7.4km/h) by July. Precipitation also increases, peaking at 2.48" (63mm) in July. It's the time when the city experiences the most hours of daylight in the year: 14.5 hours in June and reducing slightly to 13.4 hours by
August.
Autumn weather in Madison
Autumn in
Madison witnesses a gradual drop in temperature from a high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
September to 59.7°F (15.4°C) by
November. There's a mild decrease in rainfall from 1.1" (28mm) in September to 1.34" (34mm) by November. Cloud cover also rises slowly from 30% in September to 36% in November.
Winter weather in Madison
Winter in
Madison is typically cold with temperatures falling to a low of 33.3°F (0.7°C) in
January. Unfortunately, winter is also characterized by the lowest amount of sunshine, decreasing from 5.7 hours per day in
December to just 4.8 hours in January. But on the bright side, it also exhibits a decreasing trend in rainfall from 2.32" (59mm) in December to 2.05" (52mm) by January. There is negligible snowfall as well, totaling 0.16" (4mm) in December and January each.
Weather in January
Winter in
Madison,
Alabama reigns with a chill.
January sees the cold tightening its grip, seldom showing any respite. A notable exception is that the lowest temperature is still above freezing, a recorded average of 33.3°F (0.7°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter marches on,
February witnesses a mild increase in temperatures. One exhibits a certain transition in the weather of
Madison,
Alabama; the temperatures subtly climbing while the grip of winter begins to fade. February is undoubtedly a winter month, albeit one with an inviting warmth contrasting the general frigid ambiance.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Arrival of spring is in the air as
March tiptoes into
Madison,
Alabama. The temperatures rise more noticeably, touching an average high of about 60.8°F (16°C). Leaving behind the chilly grasp of winter, the city witnesses a remarkable transformation with blossoming flora and clearer skies.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With
April, a definitive transformation to warm weather is in full swing for
Madison,
Alabama. A sudden spurt in the average high temperature up to 70.5°F (21.4°C) characterizes April. Longer sunshine hours amplify the temperatures making it a favored time for outdoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings with it the full bloom of spring transitioning into early summer. The weather shows a considerable jump from the previous month in
Madison,
Alabama. Distinctively, May sees infrequent rainfall, with a total of approximately 2.01" (51mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June nudges
Madison,
Alabama into the warm embrace of summer. The significant rise in average high temperatures reaching 86.5°F (30.3°C) is a characteristic of this month. Predominantly sunny with nearly 14.5 hours of daylight, June is usually the start of the vacation season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The pinnacle of summer,
July in
Madison,
Alabama sees temperatures soaring. The hottest month, with an impressive average high of about 88.3°F (31.3°C), July gives definitive meaning to southern summer. Despite the high temperatures, the cheer of summer activities keeps the city buzzing.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings no reprieve in temperatures for
Madison,
Alabama as summer persists. August and
July compete fiercely for the title of the hottest month, with temperatures matching closely. However, a subtle yet noteworthy shift is the slight decrease in daylight.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in a transition in
Madison,
Alabama, as summer slowly starts giving way to fall. A noticeable fall in average high temperatures to around 82.9°F (28.3°C) attributes to this change. The end of summer is marked by diminishing daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes autumn in full spirit to
Madison,
Alabama. The temperatures settle into a comfortable middle ground, introducing cool breezes that whisper tales of fall. The drop in temperature, as well as the fall foliage, add a touch of excitement to the weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Madison,
Alabama indicates the onset of the winter season. The transition of weather becomes evident with an average low temperature of 42.6°F (5.9°C). A decrease in daylight hours coupled with an enhanced cloud cover, November prepares the city for the coming winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Madison,
Alabama wraps up the year with the return of winter in
December. The temperatures continue to drop substantially justifying the reputation of winter. Significantly in December, snowfall is witnessed with up to 0.16" (4mm) accumulation.
Weather in December »