The climate of Opelika
Opelika,
Alabama is situated in a Köppen climate zone classified as 'Cfa'. This classification signifies a humid subtropical climate devoid of a dry season. Given the city's geographical position, this climatic categorization results in a variety of weather states throughout the year.
The weather conditions throughout the year exhibit considerable variations in several parameters. The average high temperature fluctuates from 54.1°F (12.3°C) in
January to a blazing 91°F (32.8°C) in
July. Still, even during the peak of summer, the nighttime temperature drops to a more comfortable 71.2°F (21.8°C). Winter months, on the other hand, see colder conditions, with the average low temperature plunging to 37.4°F (3°C) in January.
Rainfall is another significant aspect of the city's climate. There is no month without rainfall, though some periods are wetter than others. The highest average rainfall is seen in
August at 4.06" (103mm), while the driest period falls in
September with only an average of 2.01" (51mm). The city also sees occasional snowfall, albeit very marginally, primarily in January and
December, with an average accumulation not exceeding 0.31in.
The best time to visit Opelika
The ideal time to visit
Opelika is late spring and early fall. During this time, the weather is warm and comfortable, with an average high temperature ranging from 75.4°F (24.1°C) in
April to 86°F (30°C) in
September. The rain in these months is relatively lower compared to other months, ranging from 2.8" (71mm) to 3.7" (94mm). Moreover, the city enjoys more sunshine hours, ranging from 9.7 hours to 10.3 hours per day, giving tourists ample time to experience the city‘s attractions.
The worst time to visit Opelika
The summer months, especially
July and
August, may not appeal to some visitors due to the high humidity and heat, with temperatures soaring up to 91°F (32.8°C). These months also experience a higher frequency of rainfall with an average of up to 3.58" (91mm). Additionally, the relative humidity is higher, reaching averages of 73% to 74%, which may result in discomfort, especially for those unaccustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Opelika
Spring in
Opelika is characterized by gradually warming temperatures, with the average highs starting from 66.6°F (19.2°C) in
March up to 83.3°F (28.5°C) in
May. The low temperatures range from 47.3°F (8.5°C) to 61.7°F (16.5°C). This season also witnesses a moderate amount of precipitation varying from 2.95" (75mm) to 3.7" (94mm). A notable feature of this season is the increase in daylight hours, from 12 hours in March up to 13.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Opelika
Summer in
Opelika is relatively hot and humid. The temperatures during
June to
August range from 89.2°F (31.8°C) to 91°F (32.8°C) for highs and 68.7°F (20.4°C) to 71.2°F (21.8°C) for lows. The rainfall in these months varies between 3.23" (82mm) and 4.06" (103mm), making summer the wettest season of the year. Despite these conditions, the city enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, averaging between 10.3 to 10.7 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Opelika
Autumn in
Opelika brings relief from the summer heat. The temperature high averages drop from 86°F (30°C) in
September to 63.9°F (17.7°C) in
November. Similarly, the low averages decrease, moving from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C) between September and November. This season also experiences less rainfall than summer, with averages falling from 2.01" (51mm) in September to 2.60 in November.
Winter weather in Opelika
During the winter season, the climate cools down considerably. The average high temperatures from
December through
February vary from 57°F (13.9°C) to 58.8°F (14.9°C) and the average lows fluctuate in between 37.4°F (3°C) to 41.7°F (5.4°C). The city also experiences average rainfall measures of up to 4.06" (103mm), making winter, alongside summer, one of the wetter periods. On rare occasions, there's marginal snowfall, with accumulation not exceeding 0.31" (8mm) in
January. Winter daylight hours are the shortest of the year, averaging just 10 to 11 hours per day.
Weather in January
Opelika,
Alabama welcomes
January with a chill. A distinct feature of the month is the lowest daylight exposure, limited to 10.3 hours. Cold temperatures and sporadic showers keep most outdoor activities at bay. The fresh year begins with less sunny days and a moderate UV index, demanding warmer clothing whenever stepping out.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The transition from
January to
February in
Opelika brings a slight increase in temperatures, longer daylight hours, and heightened humidity. Conditions remain generally cool, though mild for winter, with bouts of rainfall continuing through this water-dominated season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Opelika begins to shake off its winter slumber with warmth setting in slowly. The daylight starts to last longer, enhancing outdoor activities as the months of spring start. The UV index, however, climbs to 4, indicating a stronger sun.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a vibrant spring in
Opelika, with the weather getting noticeably warmer. The days are longer and filled with sunshine, although there is still a reasonable amount of rainfall. The increased presence of sunlight results in a higher UV index.
Weather in April » Weather in May
True warmth is felt throughout
Opelika in
May, marking the definitive shift from spring to early summer. The temperatures rise significantly, while rainfall remains consistent with the last months. The cloud cover somewhat decreases, allowing more sunshine to reach the ground.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Opelika is characterized by heat, long hours of daylight, and consistent humidity. The transition into the peak summer is highlighted by increased temperatures. The UV index hits a high of 7 indicating a strong sun and a clear sky.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the zenith of summer in
Opelika. The heat, the sun, and outdoor activities are all at their peak. The number of sunshine hours closely matches the duration of daylight thanks to fewer clouds. Despite it being the warmest period, a considerable amount of rainfall is still observed.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the summer heatwave, but a slight decrease in overall temperature is experienced from the highs felt in
July. The daylight hours start to shorten and the UV index drops slightly. Sporadic rain showers continue with a substantial average rainfall of 4.06" (103mm) for the month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the beginning of autumn in
Opelika, with noticeable reductions in temperature, UV index, and daylight hours. Outdoor activities continue under increasingly comfortable conditions as the oppressive summer heat dissipates.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October bears the full brunt of autumn with further declining temperatures, shorter days, and less humidity than the previous months. The decrease in rainfall continues as
Opelika heads into drier months. Despite the cooling trend, a substantial amount of daylight still remains.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November depicts late autumn with cool weather setting over
Opelika. The reduced daylight hours, lower temperatures, and the cool wind create a noticeably colder environment. However, despite these changes, November still offers ample hours of sunshine which illuminate the city beautifully.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The month of
December brings winter to
Opelika. The town witnesses the shortest daylight hours of the year. Cool temperatures continue to dominate with the onset of chillier wind speeds. However, the month remains rain-drenched, with the highest rainfall recorded at 4.06" (103mm).
Weather in December »