The climate of Columbus
Located in
Mississippi, USA,
Columbus experiences a humid subtropical, no dry season climate, as identified by Köppen climate classification (Cfa). Geographically situated in a region known for its varied and unpredictable climate, Columbus experiences significant shifts in weather parameters throughout the year.
On a general note, rainfall is present, with the highest volume present in the months between
January and
April,
September and
December. Rainfall ranges from as high as 1.18" (30mm) to as low as 0.43" (11mm). Rainy days follow a similar pattern, reaching a peak in
July and
August with 14.3 days and falling to a minimum of 6 days in
November.
Temperature fluctuates in unison with the changing seasons, from a high of 91.6°F (33.1°C) in July to a low of 36.5°F (2.5°C) in January. The city experiences relative humidity between 70% in
October and 80% in December, which is typically high due to its geographical location. This humidity coincides with a considerable amount of cloud cover throughout the year, particularly visible in the months of January through
March and November through December.
Wind speed varies from 4.8mph (7.7km/h) in July and August to 7.8mph (12.6km/h) in
February, and the UV index ranges from 3 in January, February, and December to 7 in
June and July. It is important to note that Columbus experiences minimal snowfall, with small amounts seen only in January and December. Finally, the city observes a visibility of 6 miles consistently throughout the year, due to its geographical locale.
The best time to visit Columbus
With a climate that presents both hot summers and chilly winters, the best time for visitors to explore
Columbus is between
April and
June. During these months, temperatures are pleasantly warm, peaking at around 74.3°F (23.5°C) to 89.4°F (31.9°C). The city gets up to 13 to 14.4 daylight hours and up to 10.7 hours of sunshine. In addition, it's during this period where rainfall is relatively low compared to other months, providing optimum conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Columbus
July to
August are the warmest months in
Columbus and may not suit visitors who are not accustomed to high temperatures which peak at around 91.6°F (33.1°C). Coupled with high levels of humidity, travelling during these months can be uncomfortable, especially for outdoor activities. Furthermore, these months see the most number of rainfall days, with 14.3 on average, potentially disrupting planned outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Columbus
Spring in
Columbus, spanning from
March to
May, exhibits delightfully warm temperatures ranging from 64.4°F (18°C) to 82°F (27.8°C). This season witnesses similar rainfall volumes to what is typically observed in Columbus, primarily between 0.94" (24mm) and 0.79" (20mm). The days gradually lengthen, with daylight hours extending from 12 hours in March to 13.9 hours in May, coupled with an increase in sunshine hours from 6.5 hours in March to 9.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Columbus
Summers in
Columbus, from
June through
August, are hot, marked by the highest temperatures of the year reaching up to 91.6°F (33.1°C). However, this season also sees a substantial amount of precipitation with rainfall volumes as high as 1.1" (28mm) in August. Moreover, the sunlight duration is at its peak, stretching up to 14.4 hours in June and accompanied by around 10.7 hours of sunshine. This is the most humid period of the year with relative humidity reaching 74% in
July.
Autumn weather in Columbus
Autumn, transitioning from
September to
November, sees a temperature drop from the highs of summer to a comfortable range between 86.2°F (30.1°C) to 62.2°F (16.8°C).
Columbus gets around 14.3 hours of daylight in September, which subsequently decreases to 10.4 hours by November. The city sees its lowest rainfall volumes, especially in September, reducing to 0.43" (11mm).
Winter weather in Columbus
Winters in
Columbus, from
December to
February, are distinctly cold with temperatures diving down to 36.5°F (2.5°C) in
January. The daylight hours also reduce to around 10 hours per day with approximately 4 hours of sunshine. At the same time, rainfall increases to a peak of 1.18" (30mm) in December and February, and the city observes minimal snowfall in January and December. Winter also carries the highest relative humidity, reaching 80% in December.
Weather in January
January in
Columbus,
Mississippi, unfolds itself as a mildly chilly month with consistent humidity. The temperatures usually fluctuate from about 36.5°F (2.5°C) to 51.4°F (10.8°C), bringing a coolness to the air. The city experiences slightly lower daylight hours compared to the following months, leading to shorter days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The second month of the year in
Columbus brings subtle, warmer changes to the weather. Temperature ranges increase to about 40.5°F (4.7°C) up to 56.8°F (13.8°C), signaling the onset of spring. Light rainfall persists as the city moves towards clearer skies and longer days, a noticable contrast against the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the unraveling of spring in
Columbus, with temperatures varying from around 47.1°F (8.4°C) to 64.4°F (18°C). The arrival of longer daylight hours reveals more sunshine that is significantly greater than the previous two months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Columbus introduces warmer days as temperatures tend to fall into the range of 54°F (12.2°C) to 74.3°F (23.5°C). With the increase in heat, the pleasantly warm outdoors welcome locals and tourists alike. The extent of sunshine escalates compared to
March, highlighting the city's transition into spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May encapsulates the start of the summer season in
Columbus,
Mississippi, with temperatures varying between 62.1°F (16.7°C) and 82°F (27.8°C). The vast area of Columbus glistens under the bright sunshine as daylight hours peak.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June imparts an intensified summer experience to the citizens of
Columbus. The rise in temperature extends from 69.1°F (20.6°C) to around 89.4°F (31.9°C), marking the beginning of hot summer days. Sunshine dominates the skies for longer durations, casting a sunny drape over the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Columbus displays the peak of summer as temperatures soar between 71.6°F (22°C) and 91.6°F (33.1°C). This month boasts the highest average temperature recorded. The thermal rise doesn't hamper the visibility, offering clear views across the city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Columbus's weather in
August brings a slight reprieve from
July's excessive heat, decreasing the temperature range from 71.2°F (21.8°C) to 91°F (32.8°C). Sightseers make the most of the sunny weather and enjoy the city's views, especially since the clear visibility extends.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks a transition from summer to autumn in
Columbus,
Mississippi. With cooling temperatures ranging between 66°F (18.9°C) and 86.2°F (30.1°C), the city feels significant relief from the summer heat. The autumn appeal further heightens with the lessening daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Columbus brings a noticeable change in weather as temperatures retreat to the limits of 55°F (12.8°C) to 74.8°F (23.8°C). The progression towards cooler days becomes evident with each passing day. The falling leaves of October paint the city in hues of yellow and orange.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November imparts a sense of serene chilly weather in
Columbus as the temperatures drop to between 44.4°F (6.9°C) and 62.2°F (16.8°C). Following
October's mild conditions, November further enhances the autumnal feel of the weather.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The weather of
Columbus,
Mississippi, in
December becomes distinctly colder, with temperatures ranging from 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 54.7°F (12.6°C). The month is known for its emphasis on winter with decreasing daylight and short, chilly days.
Weather in December »