The climate of Columbus
Located in the geographical heartland of the United States,
Columbus,
Indiana enjoys a climate identified by the Köppen climate classification as Cfa, indicating a Humid subtropical climate with no defined dry season. The weather in Columbus presents a varied and significant progression of temperatures, precipitation, and general atmospheric conditions throughout the year, unified by its subtropical characteristics.
To put it into perspective, Columbus enjoys an interesting spread of temperature ranges during the year. The monthly high temperatures range from 35.2°F (1.8°C) in
January to 83.3°F (28.5°C) in
July while the monthly low temperatures fluctuate between 22.5°F (-5.3°C) in January and 65.5°F (18.6°C) in July. In terms of humidity, Columbus maintains a relatively high degree of atmospheric moisture throughout the year, with a relative humidity remaining consistently in the range between 74% in
October and 81% in January,
February, and July.
Regarding precipitation, rainfall patterns vary between 1.73" (44mm) in
September and jumps to a high of 3.5" (89mm) in
May. The number of rainfall days goes from a minimum of 9.4 days in January and February to a maximum of 18.3 days in May. Columbus also experiences a fair share of snowfall, ranging from 1.89" (48mm) in January and
December to zero inches from May to September. Snowfall days peak at 9.6 in January and drop to zero again from May to September. A unique weather pattern to note is the strong level of daylight hours that Columbus enjoys, which range from 9.8 hours in December and January to a high of 14.9 hours in
June.
The best time to visit Columbus
Considering the amalgamation of weather conditions, the most appealing time for visitors is between late Spring to early Autumn, encompassing the months of
May to
September. These months bring moderate temperatures, a manageable level of rainfall, and the longest duration of daylight. This period allows visitors to enjoy all outdoor activities in a more temperate, mild climate. The average high temperatures during these months vary between 73°F (22.8°C) in May to 83.3°F (28.5°C) in
July, while the rainfall tends to hover around the 2 to 3" (76mm) mark. The daylight hours extend up to 14.9 hours in
June, ensuring ample time to explore the city and its surroundings.
The worst time to visit Columbus
In contrast, the colder months of
December,
January, and
February can prove challenging for visitors due to the more frigid weather conditions. The high temperature averages clock in at 35.2°F (1.8°C) in January and 40.6°F (4.8°C) in December. Furthermore, the average potential for snowfall increases during this period (reaching 1.89" (48mm) in January and December), likely to result in more challenging travel conditions on the roads.
Spring weather in Columbus
As the earth renews itself,
Columbus embraces the spring season (
March to
May) with a sense of warmth and rejuvenation. Temperatures rise steadily, going from a high average of 51.1°F (10.6°C) in March up to 73°F (22.8°C) in May. Accompanying the rise in temperatures, there is an elevation in rainfall with an increase from 2.6" (66mm) in March to 3.5" (89mm) in May. An interesting feature of spring is the prominent increase of daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours by May.
Summer weather in Columbus
From
June to
August, the summer season reigns in
Columbus, with maximum average temperatures consistently above 81.1°F (27.3°C). The city experiences a decline in rainfall from 2.6" (66mm) in June to 2.05" (52mm) by the end of August and lesser days of rainfall comparatively. The daylight hours are the longest in the year during summer, with the city bathed in light for up to 14.9 hours daily in June.
Autumn weather in Columbus
Autumn, spanning
September to
November, greets
Columbus with a gradual cooldown. After the sweltering summer months, temperatures recede gently from September's high of 77°F (25°C) to 51.1°F (10.6°C) in November. Similarly, rainfall levels taper off from 1.73" (44mm) in September to 2.13" (54mm) by the end of November.
Winter weather in Columbus
Throughout
December to
February,
Columbus enters its coldest phase with average high temperatures descending from 40.6°F (4.8°C) in December to 35.2°F (1.8°C) by February. Winter brings with it increased snowfall, with potential snowfall totals reaching 1.89" (48mm) in December and
January respectively. As expected, the daylight hours hit their annual low point in winter, with 9.8 hours registered in December and January. Despite the lower temperatures and reduced daylight, Columbus continues to exude a unique charm with its snow-covered landscapes and festive winter atmospheres.
Weather in January
In the heart of winter,
Columbus,
Indiana experiences steady cold temperatures. Significantly,
January delivers the coldest average high and low temperatures of the year at 35.2°F (1.8°C) and 22.5°F (-5.3°C) respectively. A mix of both steady rainfall and various snowy days contribute to January exemplifying a classic winter month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February still commands wintry weather conditions yet a slight rise in temperatures gradually occurs. A mild increase in snowfall occurs in February, at 2.17" (55mm), as compared to the following winter months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March serves as a transition period between the harsh winter and the milder spring weather in
Columbus,
Indiana. The most notable transformation in March is the leap in high temperatures, averaging at 51.1°F (10.6°C) from the previous considerably colder months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April truly marks the beginning of spring weather in
Columbus, with warmer temperatures and rain becoming more frequent. The largest leap in high temperatures occurs between
March to April, soaring to the average of 63.1°F (17.3°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the progression towards the warmer months with summer just around the corner. The increase in temperature is consistent with previous months, the average high now at a mild 73°F (22.8°C). The gradually increasing warmth is coupled with the highest relative humidity at 80% and a significant spike in rainfall compared to any preceding month, at 3.5" (89mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
The arrival of
June officially ushers in summer with temperatures reaching upward of 81.1°F (27.3°C) as the average high. The month is characterized by its long daylight hours and peak sunshine duration at 10.2 hours per day. The comfortable combination of warmth and sunshine makes
Columbus a prime location for outdoor summer activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the hottest average temperatures to
Columbus,
Indiana, with a high reaching 83.3°F (28.5°C). The month shares the highest UV Index of the year, rated as ‘high’ at 6, along with
June and
August. The heat of July coupled with notable humidity and occasional rainstorms forms the quintessential Midwest summer climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to embrace high summer temperatures, similar to
July's, with the emphasis on lingering warmth and recurring humidity. The maximum average temperature remains high, peaking at 82.8°F (28.2°C). Even though temperatures are still quite high, there is a mild drop witnessed from the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Moving into
September, fall begins to set its foot in
Columbus,
Indiana. After the summer's intense heat, September records a significant drop in average high temperature to 77°F (25°C). The slight drop in temperatures creates a more comfortable outdoor climate compared to previous hot months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October immerses
Columbus wholly into fall with markedly cooler temperatures and significantly less rainfall compared to
September. With an average high temperature now at a comfortable 64.6°F (18.1°C), the change is evident.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November comes around, fall weather is fully realized and the first signs of winter weather are on the horizon. The succeeding month of November experiences a striking dip in maximum temperature, from 64.6°F (18.1°C) of
October to a chilling 51.1°F (10.6°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December welcomes winter back into
Columbus,
Indiana with temperatures averaging a high of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and a considerable increase in snowfall at 1.89" (48mm). The month is characterized by its chilly conditions, shorter daylight hours, and the return of snowy days.
Weather in December »