Climate and monthly weather forecast
Arkansas, USA

Arkansas climate is mainly humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot and humid summers and mild to cool winters. Arkansas lies in the southeastern corner of the United States. Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, Louisiana to the south, Texas to the southwest, Oklahoma to the west, and Missouri to the north share borders with the state. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the southern latitudes, and the Ozark Mountains chiefly influence the climate of Arkansas.

Arkansas, the Natural State, has an average elevation of 200 meters above sea level. Mount Magazine is the highest peak at 839 meters, while the lowest elevation in the state is 17 meters at the Ouachita River on the Louisiana border. A dividing line that runs from the northeast to the southwest cuts the state into two geographical regions. The region to the north and west of the line is mainly hilly or mountainous with relatively colder but greater temperature extremes. The Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains are part of the Southern Interior Highlands in the northwest. The region to the south and east of the line consists of lowlands, including the Arkansas Delta and the Gulf Coastal Plain. The Arkansas River is the chief river in the state.

The best time to visit Arkansas is during the fall season when the weather is mild and the days are sunny. Autumn is the driest season of the year, with beautiful outdoor conditions. The land is colorful, and it is one of the best times of the year to hike the mountain trails. The storm season is on the wane, the atmosphere is refreshing and, and the evenings tend to be breezy. The northern hilly regions tend to be colder than the southern portions of the state. Fishing and hunting attract considerable interest, and the harvest season is the time of food festivals.

The worst time to visit Arkansas is during the peak of summer when the heat is oppressive. July and August also bring heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. The monsoon sees a rise in humidity that makes the conditions uncomfortable. Temperatures often reach north of 100°F (37.8°C), and afternoons are worst for outdoor movement. The remnants of tropical storms from the Gulf of Mexico frequently reach the interior of the state even though the results are not devastating. It is a good idea to wait out the hot summer in Arkansas for the pleasant conditions of the autumn.

Spring in Arkansas brings comfortable temperatures, though frost and freezes may occur until the latter part of the season. The average high temperatures in January are 51°F (10.6°C), and lows may drop to 32°F (0°C) in many places. Spring marks a transition from winter to summer, with the northern part of the state experiencing more rainfall. This season offers a pleasant and moderate climate, but the fluctuation in temperatures demands appropriate preparation for outdoor activities.

Summers in Arkansas are characterized by warm and humid conditions, with average high temperatures reaching 93°F (33.9°C) in July. Temperatures often exceed 100°F (37.8°C), and the southern part of the state may see temperatures up to 110°F (43.3°C). These hot conditions, combined with frequent rainfall and high relative humidity, often make the summer months uncomfortable for outdoor activities. The monsoon season also brings an increase in humidity and tropical storms from the Gulf of Mexico, impacting the interior regions of the state.

Autumn weather in Arkansas is marked by mild and sunny conditions, particularly in the east and southern parts. This season is favorable for harvesting rice and cotton and is generally the driest part of the year. With temperatures cooling down from the hot summer months, outdoor activities become more enjoyable. The colorful foliage and agreeable weather conditions make autumn an ideal time for exploring the natural beauty of the state.

Winters in Arkansas are relatively mild but can register temperatures below freezing. The average high temperatures in January are 51°F (10.6°C), and lows may reach 32°F (0°C). Snowfall is infrequent in the northern half of the state, but occasional ice storms can occur in the south. Winter is the wettest period in the southern region, with the north experiencing significant rainfall during the spring. Despite the colder temperatures, winter in Arkansas is usually manageable, making it possible to enjoy various activities throughout the season.

January marks the midst of winter in Arkansas and is characterized by some of the coldest temperatures of the year. The average high temperatures during this month are 51°F (10.6°C), while the lows may drop to 32°F (0°C) in many places. Weather in January »

February in Arkansas signals the progression towards the end of winter, with temperatures beginning to rise slightly in comparison to January. In the northern and western regions, including the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, the cold weather may persist, with average high temperatures hovering around 53°F (11.7°C) and lows reaching 34°F (1.1°C). Weather in February »

March in Arkansas brings a noticeable shift towards spring, as temperatures continue to climb and the landscape begins to awaken from its winter slumber. In the northern and western regions, such as the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, the average high temperatures may reach 61°F (16.1°C), while lows hover around 41°F (5°C). Weather in March »

April is a month of continued transition in Arkansas, as winter recedes and the full beauty of spring emerges. In the northern and western highlands, including the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, temperatures typically range from 70°F (21.1°C) for highs to 49°F (9.4°C) for lows. Weather in April »

May marks the onset of warm and humid conditions in Arkansas, signaling the approaching summer. In the northern and western regions, such as the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, average high temperatures typically reach 78°F (25.6°C), with lows around 58°F (14.4°C). Weather in May »

June is the beginning of the hot and humid summer season in Arkansas. In the northern and western regions, encompassing the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, the average high temperatures can reach 87°F (30.6°C), with lows around 67°F (19.4°C). Weather in June »

July stands as the peak of summer in Arkansas, often considered the hottest month of the year. In northern and western mountainous areas, including the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, high temperatures typically range from 92°F (33.3°C) to lows of 69°F (20.6°C). Weather in July »

August continues the intense heat and humidity of summer in Arkansas, closely resembling the conditions of July. In the northern and western regions, such as the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, high temperatures average around 91°F (32.8°C) while lows hover near 68°F (20°C). Weather in August »

September marks the beginning of a gradual transition from the hot, humid summer to the more temperate autumn season in Arkansas. In the northern and western regions, including the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, average high temperatures typically range from 83°F (28.3°C) to lows of 62°F (16.7°C). Weather in September »

November in Arkansas marks a further transition into the cooler temperatures of late autumn. In the northern and western regions, including the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, average high temperatures drop to 60°F (15.6°C), with lows settling at 40°F (4.4°C). Weather in November »

December signifies the onset of winter in Arkansas, with temperatures continuing to decline and the state experiencing a mixture of mild and cool weather. In the northern and western regions, such as the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, average high temperatures fall to 50°F (10°C), while lows can reach 32°F (0°C), the freezing point. Weather in December »