The climate of Selma
Geographically positioned in
Alabama, USA,
Selma is classified under the Köppen climate classification as a region with a Humid subtropical climate, having no dry season. This climate is defined by a significant range in temperature throughout the year, coupled with a high level of humidity.
Throughout the year, the temperature highs in Selma fluctuate drastically from 54.3°F (12.4°C) in
January to a peak of 92.1°F (33.4°C) in
July. The lowest temperatures also show a similar trend ranging from 38.5°F (3.6°C) in January to 72°F (22.2°C) in July and
August. The city experiences a fairly high level of humidity all year round varying from 69% in
October to a maximum of 78% in
February.
Concerning rainfall, Selma receives ample precipitation throughout the such as it varies month to month between easy manageable 1.93" (49mm) in
September to a heavy 3.82" (97mm) in
December. The number of rain-drenched days per month also stretches from 7.8 days in
November up to 20.5 days in July. This places July as the rainiest month for Selma.
Interestingly, Selma sees very minimal snowfall, the maximum being 0.35" (9mm) in January while most of the year there is no snow. The amount of daylight the city receives changes between 10.1 hours in December to 14.3 hours in
June. As for sunshine, the city has abundant sunny days with the number of sunshine hours per day ranging between 4.9 hours in December to 10.6 hours in June.
The best time to visit Selma
Selma's pleasant weather conditions during Spring and Autumn make these periods the best time to visit the city.
April and
May in the Spring season offer temperatures ranging from 48.2°F (9°C) to 62.2°F (16.8°C) and daily sunshine hours climbing up to 9.5 hours. In contrast, the Autumn months of
September and
October bring temperatures between 57°F (13.9°C) to 67.1°F (19.5°C), with the sunshine hours decreasing gently from 9 hours to 7.5 hours per day. Hence, weather-wise, both these periods allow for comfortable outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Selma
The city's extreme summer conditions can make visiting
Selma less pleasant during the months from
June to
August. This period observes the highest temperatures ranging from 69.8°F (21°C) to a sweltering 92.1°F (33.4°C), coupled with heightened humidity levels between 72% to 74%. The city also experiences the most number of rainy days during this time, peaking at 20.5 days in
July. Consequently, the discomfort from the heat, humidity, and the intermittent rains can hinder outdoor activities and sightseeing plans.
Spring weather in Selma
Spring in
Selma unfolds from
March to
May with a notable uptick in temperature and a gradual decrease in rainfall. The temperatures fluctuate between a low of 48.2°F (9°C) in March, rising to 62.2°F (16.8°C) by May. Humidity levels remain stable from 73% to 72%, which is relatively low compared to other months. While rainfall is scattered across these months, it lessens from 3.23" (82mm) in March to 3.15" (80mm) in May, signaling the onset of drier months.
Summer weather in Selma
Summer spans from
June to
August, marked by the highest temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The temperatures surge beyond 84°F (28.9°C) in these months with the mercury soaring up to 92.1°F (33.4°C) in
July. Humidity is consistent at 72% in June, rising slightly to 74% in July and August. With no snow, summer brings the highest rainfall, peaking at 3.54" (90mm) in August with 19.9 rainy days on average.
Autumn weather in Selma
From
September to
November,
Selma finds itself in the grasp of Autumn. The temperatures at the beginning of the season range from 87.6°F (30.9°C) in September and slide down to 64.9°F (18.3°C) in November. The humidity levels experience a dip, oscillating from 72% in September to 69% in
October before rising again to 72% in November. Rainfall during this period decreases notably from 1.93" (49mm) in September to 2.05" (52mm) in November.
Winter weather in Selma
December introduces the winter season to
Selma lasting until
February. In these months, the city experiences the lowest temperatures, dropping to 38.5°F (3.6°C) in December while hovering around 42.6°F (5.9°C) to 43°F (6.1°C) in
January and February. Humidity level follows a zigzag pattern ranging from a low of 72% in December, peaking at 78% in February. Surprisingly, rainfall increases during this time with December recording the highest of the year at 3.82" (97mm). Expectedly, snowfall is minimal with only 0.35" (9mm) in January and virtually none for the rest of the season.
Weather in January
January greets
Selma,
Alabama with a winter chill, boasting temperatures between 38.5°F (3.6°C) and 54.3°F (12.4°C). The city sees ample cloud cover, leaving room for limited sunshine, and relatively high humidity. Due to the high humidity levels, residents may perceive the temperatures to be colder than they are.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Selma transitions into milder temperatures in
February, transitioning from
January's chill. Rainfall in February is slightly higher than that in January, measuring 3.39" (86mm) over an average of 13.3 days. The city receives a good amount of sunshine, although cloud cover remains relatively dense.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March sees
Selma leave the winter months behind, with temperatures beginning to show signs of spring. Rainfall is pretty consistent, recorded at 3.23" (82mm) throughout the month. The wind gusts drop slightly compared to the winter months but remain steady overall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a discernible shift in
Selma’s weather, with temperatures rising from 54.7°F (12.6°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C). The increase in daylight hours and UV index continue their upward trend, indicating that summer is around the corner.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings
Selma warm temperatures alongside an increase in humidity and daylight hours. Rainfall in May registers 3.15" (80mm) over 14.1 days, showing rainfall is an integral part of the city's climate, even in warmer months. The rapid increase in temperature underlines the beginning of the summer season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the commencement of summer in
Selma, with the mercury hitting a peak of 91°F (32.8°C). The city experiences a surge in rainfall, with a total of 3.43" (87mm) of rain distributed over 17.7 days. High humidity and increased daylight hours create distinct summer atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of summer in
Selma, featuring the year's highest average temperatures, ranging from 72°F (22.2°C) to a peak at 92.1°F (33.4°C). Despite the heat, the region experiences significant rainfall, with a total of 3.5" (89mm) spread across 20.5 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a slight dip in temperature, but remains firmly in
Selma's summer season. August tallies 3.54" (90mm) of rainfall, a slight increase from the previous month's amount. The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and elevated UV index form a classic representation of a southern summer month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September characterizes a decline in significant weather extremes, with temperatures ranging from 67.1°F (19.5°C) to 87.6°F (30.9°C). The rainfall plunges to 1.93" (49mm) over 12.6 days, signifying the end of the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Selma begins its transition into the cooler months, with temperatures falling between 57°F (13.9°C) and 77°F (25°C). The prospect of rainfall declines further, tallying 2.48" (63mm) over 8.6 days. Despite the temperature drop, sunny days are still in the forecast, although the sunshine hours decrease compared to the summer months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November accentuates the commencement of the colder season in
Selma, with temperatures descending from 46.2°F (7.9°C) to 64.9°F (18.3°C). Minimal rainfall measuring approximately 2.05" (52mm) over 7.8 days characterizes the region's less wet period of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December caps the year with the onset of winter. The temperatures fall further, ranging from 42.6°F (5.9°C) to 57.9°F (14.4°C). December has the highest rainfall, registering 3.82" (97mm) over 13 days, surprising as it is a winter month.
Weather in December »