Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mississippi, USA

Mississippi has a mainly humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with shades of an oceanic type (Köppen Cfb) in its extreme northeast. Summers are warm and humid, while the short winters are mild to cold. Mississippi lies in the southeastern corner of the United States. Alabama in the east, the Gulf of Mexico in the south, Louisiana in the southwest, Arkansas in the northwest, and Tennessee in the north, share borders with the state. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, subtropical latitudes, and the landmass to the north mainly influence the climate.

Mississippi, The Magnolia State, has an average elevation of 90 meters above sea level, with the highest point at 246 meters on Woodall Mountain. The topography chiefly consists of lowland plains and low hills as the state lies within the Gulf coastal plain. There are ten physiographic divisions in the state, with associated vegetation and hydrology. The Mississippi Delta lies in the northwest in the alluvial plain. The Mississippi Sound forms the southern boundary of the state, while the Mississippi River defines the western boundary. Barrier islands run parallel to the shore for a few miles. The Bermuda High dictates an entire season occasionally.

The best time to visit Mississippi is during the autumn from mid-September to November. The weather is mild and sunny, with pleasant breezes in the evening, and mostly clear skies. Fall is the driest period of the year, and the enrichment of colors adds to the beauty of the landscape. The conditions are calm with the end of the storm season with beautiful mornings and pleasant evenings. The coast is a popular destination, but the weather is ideal for hiking the mountain trails as well. The northern hills areas tend to be the coolest parts of the state.

The worst time to visit Mississippi is from June to August during the summer. The high humidity exacerbates the heat, and the conditions become oppressive to people from the cold regions. Summer also receives heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. The southern region often sees temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) at the peak of the hot season. Tropical cyclones often cause havoc along the coast while intruding from the Gulf of Mexico. Storms are frequent and last well until the end of summer. Afternoon thunderstorms produce up to 25% of the annual precipitation in the state.

Spring in Mississippi ranges from cool to warm, transitioning the state from the mild winter season. The combination of polar and subtropical jet streams brings variations in temperature, with the cold season's continental air making way for the warmer tropical air. During spring, cold spells are short-lived, rarely lasting more than four days. The ground in the northern region may freeze briefly, but temperatures generally begin to rise. This season marks the onset of a more comfortable climate, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Summers in Mississippi are hot and humid, spanning from May to September. Uncomfortable levels of humidity, hot days and nights, and a dew point above 70°F (21.1°C) define this season. The Bermuda High occasionally dictates an entire season, leading to sweltering conditions. Coastal areas receive maximum rainfall, and temperatures in the southern region often exceed 100°F (37.8°C). Tropical cyclones and thunderstorms are frequent, particularly near the Gulf of Mexico, contributing significantly to the summer's heavy precipitation.

Autumn in Mississippi, specifically from September to November, brings the driest and most pleasant temperatures of the year. This period is favorable for the harvesting of crops, with rainfall yielding between 8" (203mm) to 13" (330mm) of rain. The season is marked by mild and sunny weather, and the reduction in humidity provides a refreshing change from the summer's intensity. The enrichment of colors and clear skies make this season particularly inviting for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter in Mississippi presents mild to cold conditions, with short-lived cold spells and occasional freezing in the north. The Siberian Express may bring bitter cold at times. Average low temperatures in January, the peak of winter, drop to 27°F (-2.8°C) in the north, and temperatures below freezing register for less than ten days along the coast. Snowfall and sleet are measurable, with the northern region receiving the highest amounts. Despite the cooler temperatures, the winter season remains relatively mild, particularly when compared to more northern states.

January is the coldest month of the year in Mississippi, with temperatures often reaching their lowest points. In the northern region of the state, the average low temperature can drop to 27°F (-2.8°C), while the southern parts generally experience milder conditions. Weather in January »

February continues the winter season in Mississippi but brings a subtle shift towards milder conditions. The average low temperature in the northern region during January's peak cold slowly begins to rise. However, the state can still experience a blend of cold continental and warmer tropical air, influenced by polar and subtropical jet streams. While the northern parts of the state may continue to witness occasional snowfall and sleet, the frequency and intensity generally diminish as the month progresses. Weather in February »

March in Mississippi marks a noticeable shift towards the spring season, bringing warmer temperatures and more varied weather patterns. The state experiences a transitional phase, moving away from the cold winter months. In the northern region, average low temperatures begin to rise, hovering around 39°F (3.9°C), with the southern parts experiencing even milder conditions. Weather in March »

April in Mississippi further solidifies the arrival of spring, with temperatures continuing to rise and the landscape flourishing. The average low temperatures in the northern regions are around 47°F (8.3°C), and the southern parts of the state enjoy even milder conditions. Weather in April »

May is the gateway to summer in Mississippi, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures and humidity. The average low temperatures in the northern regions reach about 57°F (13.9°C), while the southern parts of the state continue to experience even warmer conditions. Weather in May »

June in Mississippi represents the full onset of summer, with hot and humid conditions prevalent across the state. The average low temperatures in the northern regions reach around 65°F (18.3°C), and the southern parts continue to be even warmer. Weather in June »

July stands as the epitome of summer in Mississippi, characterized by some of the hottest and most humid conditions of the year. The northern regions experience average low temperatures of approximately 69°F (20.6°C), while the southern parts endure even hotter conditions. Weather in July »

August in Mississippi maintains the summer's hot and humid trend, often mirroring July's conditions. The average low temperatures in the northern regions hover around 68°F (20°C), with the southern parts experiencing even higher temperatures. Weather in August »

September in Mississippi marks the beginning of a transition from the hot and humid summer to the more temperate and comfortable autumn season. The average low temperatures in the northern regions are around 62°F (16.7°C), and the southern areas are gradually cooling as well. Weather in September »

October in Mississippi welcomes the full embrace of autumn, with a noticeable shift towards cooler and more pleasant conditions. The average low temperatures in the northern regions settle around 50°F (10°C), while the southern parts also experience a substantial decrease in heat. Weather in October »

November in Mississippi continues the autumn's cooling trend, with further reductions in both temperature and humidity. The average low temperatures in the northern regions reach about 40°F (4.4°C), and the southern parts follow suit with a corresponding decrease in warmth. Weather in November »

December in Mississippi marks the arrival of winter, bringing with it a noticeable drop in temperatures and the onset of colder conditions. The average low temperatures in the northern regions can dip to 35°F (1.7°C), and the southern parts also experience a chill in the air. Weather in December »