The climate of Columbus
Columbus,
Montana, is predominantly classified under the BSk or Mid-latitude steppe in the Köppen climate classification. This climate type corresponds to semi-arid conditions; the area is not quite a desert, but still experiences significantly low annual rainfall. Geographically, Columbus is situated in a region that witnesses contrasting weather conditions throughout the year.
Weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall, display notable fluctuations as the seasons shift. The highest average temperatures are observed in
July, reaching up to 82.6°F (28.1°C), while the lowest temperatures, dropping to 17.4°F (-8.1°C), are reported in
February. This stark contrast exhibits the extreme weather divergence in Columbus. Apart from temperature, the relative humidity percentage oscillates between 41% (
August) and 76% (
January), indicating the wide-ranging atmospheric moisture levels.
Rainfall varies from 0.63" (16mm) in January to 2.6" (66mm) in
May, throughout the year. However, rainfall does not dictate the entire precipitation - the region also experiences snowfall, with
December and January seeing the most considerable snow accumulation of 5.2" (132mm) each. In terms of sunlight, the city enjoys between 6.2 to 12 hours a day, with the longest sunlight hours observed from
June to August. Cumulatively, these factors underscore the diverse climatic characteristics of Columbus.
The best time to visit Columbus
Considering weather parameters like temperature, sunshine hours, and precipitation, the most favorable time to visit
Columbus would be between
June and
August. The temperature during this period ranges from 72.7°F (22.6°C) to 82.6°F (28.1°C), providing warm and enjoyable weather for outdoor activities. In addition, these months showcase the highest amount of sunshine hours, extending up to 15.6 hours a day in June. Simultaneously, the rainfall remains relatively low, hovering around 1.85" (47mm) in June, decreasing to 0.75" (19mm) in
July.
The worst time to visit Columbus
Conversely, the least favorable period in terms of weather conditions in
Columbus would likely be the winter months, from
December to
February. During this time, the temperature can drop to as low as 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in February. The snowfall peaks in these months as well, reaching up to 7.36" (187mm) in February, which could result in unfavorable conditions for travel and outdoor activities. Besides, daylight hours are notably shorter during this period, reducing to 8.8 hours a day in December.
Spring weather in Columbus
Spring in
Columbus is marked by moderate temperatures and increasing rainfall. From
March to
May, temperatures gradually rise from 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 61°F (16.1°C). Concurrently, the rainfall shows an upward trend, starting from 1.34" (34mm) in March and reaching its annual peak of 2.6" (66mm) in May. The snowfall decreases significantly in this period, with negligible amounts registered in May.
Summer weather in Columbus
The summer months in
Columbus are characterized by warm temperatures, extended sunshine hours, and reduced rainfall. From
June to
August, the temperature fluctuates between 72.7°F (22.6°C) and 82.6°F (28.1°C), making it the warmest period of the year. The rainfall reduces after the spring peak, stabilizing from 1.85" (47mm) in June to 0.71" (18mm) in August. Residual snowfall does not occur during this period.
Autumn weather in Columbus
Autumn in
Columbus exhibits a gradual decline in temperatures and minimal rainfall. The period from
September to
November sees temperatures fall from 72°F (22.2°C) to 42.3°F (5.7°C). The rainfall marginally increases, from 0.79" (20mm) in September to 1.06" (27mm) in November. Snowfall starts reappearing from November, with an average accumulation of 5.59" (142mm).
Winter weather in Columbus
Winter in
Columbus is marked by the lowest temperatures and the highest snowfall of the year. The period from
December to
February sees temperatures sink to 19°F (-7.2°C) in December and further decline to the annual low of 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in February. Snowfall is frequent in these months, with December and
January both reporting a peak snowfall of 5.2" (132mm). Despite the decline in temperature, the rainfall exhibits a downward trend, falling from 0.71" (18mm) in December to 0.63" (16mm) in February.
Weather in January
In
January, the weather in
Columbus,
Montana, is characterized by cold and snowing conditions, a distinct departure from the weather observed in
December. Snowfall is a significant 4.49" (114mm), recording the highest level of snowfall since December.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Columbus,
Montana, undergoes marginally milder weather conditions in
February compared to
January. The most significant weather event in this month is the observed snowfall at 7.36" (187mm), with the month seeing the second-highest amount of snowfall in the year.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March in
Columbus,
Montana, starts showing signs of Spring, diverging from the conditions experienced in
February. March records a precipitation level of 1.34" (34mm); a significant increase from the previous month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition from winter to spring in
Columbus,
Montana, with weather conditions distinctly different from those in
March. The weather characteristics of this month include a snowfall of 5.2" (132mm), and rainfall totals of 1.97" (50mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
Columbus,
Montana, in
May indicates clear signs of transition from spring to summer compared to
April. May experiences a rainfall peak of 2.6" (66mm), standing as the wettest month of the year. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but the majority of the days are warm - a testament to the impending summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in
Columbus,
Montana, with drastic changes from the weather conditions experienced in
May. Relative humidity dips to 56%, offering dry and sunny days throughout the month. The increase in temperature results in an upsurge in outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Columbus,
Montana, experiences the peak of summer, with a shift from the traditional weather conditions of
June. Notably, the month hosts the highest recorded temperature at a peak of 82.6°F (28.1°C), making it the warmest month of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in
Columbus,
Montana, signals the end of summer, closely replicating the conditions of
July. The month records a high temperature of 81.1°F (27.3°C), almost matching its predecessor. Outdoor activities continue to peak, fueled by the ongoing warm temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
October brings with it autumn in
Columbus,
Montana, a significant departure from the weather conditions observed in
September. Snowfall reoccurs, markedly ahead of winter, with a recorded snowfall amount of 4.06" (103mm). The temperature drops gradually, and the days get shorter, drawing the curtains to beautiful fall foliage.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Columbus,
Montana, the weather conditions are reminiscent of early winter, marking a departure from those experienced in
October. This month has an increased snowfall to 5.59" (142mm), announcing the arrival of the winter season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally, winter in
Columbus,
Montana, firmly establishes itself in
December, following the weather patterns observed in
November. December experiences a snowfall of 5.2" (132mm), offering a winter wonderland experience. The cold temperatures and light pressure bring about a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for holiday celebrations.
Weather in December »