Climate and monthly weather forecast
Columbus, MT

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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

September in Columbus, Montana, marks the transition from summer to autumn, deviating from the weather patterns of August. The month sees a rainfall of around 0.79" (20mm), indicating the commencement of the anticipated fall season. 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 »
Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 0.63" (16mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 125.4 rainfall days, and 14.49" (368mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 63.3 snowfall days, and 39.09" (993mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 13.4 days and typically aggregates up to 7.36" (187mm) of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

February and December, with an average of 6.2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 17.5 days and typically aggregates up to 2.6" (66mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Columbus, snow does not fall in June through August.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 36min of daylight.

What are the warmest months?

July, having an average high-temperature of 82.6°F (28.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 57°F (13.9°C), is the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 41%.

What part of the year is the coldest?

In Columbus, December is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 30.9°F (-0.6°C) and a low of 17.8°F (-7.9°C).

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 8h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Columbus, MT

Average temperature - Columbus, MT

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (30.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (57.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (17.4°F).

Average pressure
Columbus, MT

Average pressure - Columbus, MT

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and December (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed
Columbus, MT

Average wind speed - Columbus, MT

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.1mph).

Average humidity
Columbus, MT

Average humidity - Columbus, MT

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (41%).

Average rainfall
Columbus, MT

Average rainfall - Columbus, MT

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.6").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.63").

Average rainfall days
Columbus, MT

Average rainfall days - Columbus, MT

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6.7 days).

Average snowfall
Columbus, MT

Average snowfall - Columbus, MT

The month with the highest snowfall is February (7.36").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Columbus, MT

Average snowfall days - Columbus, MT

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (13.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Columbus, MT

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Columbus, MT

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 12h and 0min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 6h and 12min).

Average sunshine days
Columbus, MT

Average sunshine days - Columbus, MT

The month with the most sunshine days is September (18.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (9.5 days).

Average UV index
Columbus, MT

Average UV index - Columbus, MT

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Columbus, MT

Average visibility - Columbus, MT

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Columbus, Montana, USA

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