Climate and monthly weather forecast
Columbus, OH

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An evening autumn view of the cityscape of Columbus, Ohio
An evening autumn view of the cityscape of Columbus, Ohio

The climate of Columbus

Residing in a humid subtropical zone, Columbus, Ohio, adheres to the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This indicates a lack of dry season, pervasive humidity and precipitation all year round. Geographically nestled in the Midwestern part of the United States, Columbus experiences distinct seasonal shifts in climate, leading to substantial variations in weather parameters throughout the year.

Taking a glance at the temperature, the coldest month in Columbus is January, with a monthly average low temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and a high of 33.4°F (0.8°C). On the opposite spectrum, July records the highest average temperatures, with highs reaching 83.1°F (28.4°C) and lows resting at 65.5°F (18.6°C). A gradual increase in temperature is observed from January to July, thereafter a slow fall ensues until the year swings back to January.

Relative humidity in Columbus stays relatively steady throughout the year, fluctuating only minimally between 74% and 82%. A monthly average rainfall ranging from 1.69" (43mm) to 3.62" (92mm) is observed, with the highest average in May. Broadly, the city endures an average of 9.1 to 18.4 rainy days per month. The occurrence of snow, however, is confined to the colder months, from November to March, with January witnessing the most snowfall, at 3.31" (84mm) on average.

Columbus isn't devoid of sunshine. Even in the cloudiest month of January, the sun shines for an average of 3.5 hours daily. The brightest months, from June to August, register an impressive daily sunshine duration, reaching up to 10.4 hours in August. Annually, the wind hovers between 5.5mph (8.9km/h) and 9.4mph (15.1km/h), peaking in January.

The best time to visit Columbus

Weather-wise, May to September might be the most appealing time to visit Columbus. The temperature during this period ranges from a warm 72°F (22.2°C) to 83.1°F (28.4°C), offering ample opportunity for outdoor excursions and events. Moreover, these months experience the longest daily duration of sunshine, exceeding 8 hours on average, perfect for sunbathers and seekers of Vitamin D.

The worst time to visit Columbus

Venturing to Columbus between December and February might be less appealing due to lower temperatures, which average from 21.6°F (-5.8°C) to 37.6°F (3.1°C). These months additionally bring more days of snow and fewer daylight hours, potentially disrupting travel plans or outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Columbus

Spring gradually warms up Columbus, with average temperatures rising from 49.1°F (9.5°C) in March to a more pleasant 61.5°F (16.4°C) in April and peaking at 72°F (22.2°C) in May. Average rainfall steps up from 2.68" (68mm) in March to a yearly high of 3.62" (92mm) in May, therefore an umbrella might be a handy companion. The daylight hours extend to an average of 14.4 hours in May, accompanied by prosperous sunshine, averaging 8.9 hours daily.

Summer weather in Columbus

Summers in Columbus are moderately hot. June starts with an average high temperature of 79.9°F (26.6°C), climbing further to 83.1°F (28.4°C) in July, and slightly receding to 82°F (27.8°C) in August. Although the average rainfall decreases gradually from June’s 2.8" (71mm) to August's 2.32" (59mm), humidity reaches 75%, creating a muggy atmosphere. The daylight remains impressively longer, with an average of 14.4 to 15 hours daily, providing ample sun exposure.

Autumn weather in Columbus

Autumn witnesses a progressive drop in temperature, descending from 76.1°F (24.5°C) in September to 63°F (17.2°C) in October and further dipping to 49.6°F (9.8°C) in November. Rainfall also decreases gradually averaging from 2.4" (61mm) in September and October to 2.2" (56mm) in November. The shorter daylight duration of between 10 to 11.1 hours coupled with declining sunshine hours reflects the onset of winter.

Winter weather in Columbus

Winters in Columbus are often cold, with average high temperatures declining from 39.2°F (4°C) in December to 33.4°F (0.8°C) in January and then rising minimally to 37.6°F (3.1°C) in February. Snow predominates during this period, peaking with 3.31" (84mm) in January. Despite shorter daylight hours, ranging from 9.7 to 10.7 hours, average sunshine hours manage to hover between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, providing a bit of respite.

Weather in January

January in Columbus, Ohio, is generally the coldest month with a chill in the air that bites. The high temperature averages at 33.4°F (0.8°C) and dips to a low of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). It is the month with the highest snowfall with 3.03" (77mm) and approximately 13 snowfall days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather in February sees a slight increase in temperatures. Moving from January’s freezing conditions, the high in February reaches up to 37.6°F (3.1°C), while the low falls to a chilly 24.3°F (-4.3°C). However, snowfall does continue with 3.31" (84mm) throughout the month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The weather in March brings noticeable changes as it signs the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Temperatures rise to a mild high of 49.1°F (9.5°C) and a low of 33.8°F (1°C). Despite less snowfall of 2.01" (51mm), rain becomes more frequent with 13.8 rainy days. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April experiences a substantial temperature change in Columbus. The high averages 61.5°F (16.4°C), and nights get warmer at 43.7°F (6.5°C). Receiving 3.19" (81mm) of rain spread across 16.6 days, April is considered a rainy month. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signals the truly warm season in Columbus, Ohio. The high temperature soars to 72°F (22.2°C) and drops only to a pleasant 54.9°F (12.7°C) of low. The month is quite wet with 3.62" (92mm) of rainfall. Greenery takes over the cityscape, and daylight extends, encouraging outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June sees a further rise in temperatures with the city bathed in sunshine. The mercury escalates to a high of 79.9°F (26.6°C) and a low of 62.1°F (16.7°C), signaling the beginning of the sweltering summer months. Rainfall is less extreme with a total of 2.8" (71mm). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the warmest month in Columbus, Ohio, with daily highs reaching 83.1°F (28.4°C) and lows at a gentle 65.5°F (18.6°C). Sunshine is aplenty, lasting up to 10.3 hours per day. The averaged rainfall doesn't exceed 2.64" (67mm) and is typically dispersed over 18 days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the warm trend set by July with similarly high temperatures of 82°F (27.8°C) and a comforting low of 63.9°F (17.7°C). The rainfall goes down to 2.32" (59mm). The weather is ideal for indulging in water sports with plenty of sunshine lasting 10.4 hours per day. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Columbus brings the first glimpses of fall, with temperatures starting to recede. The high averages 76.1°F (24.5°C) and the low drops to 57.7°F (14.3°C). The 1.69" (43mm) of rainfall indicate drier conditions in September. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October marks the beginning of the cooler autumn season in Columbus. Temperatures start to lower, reaching 63°F (17.2°C) during the day and 46.9°F (8.3°C) at night. Despite receiving 2.4" (61mm) of rainfall, October is known for its beautiful fall foliage. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a noticeably colder weather in Columbus, Ohio. It sees a high of only 49.6°F (9.8°C) and a low of 36.1°F (2.3°C). The city experiences rainfall of 2.2" (56mm) over 9.6 days. Prepare to bundle up again as you'll notice the first snowfall of the upcoming winter towards the end of the month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December embraces Ohio's winter fully with lower temperatures averaging 39.2°F (4°C) during the day and falling to 29.3°F (-1.5°C) at night. The city receives 2.44" (62mm) of snow spreading over 8.7 snowfall days. It's a magical time of year with light snowfall and early sunset, perfect for holiday celebrations. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

Temperature readings reach their annual highs in January, averaging 33.4°F (0.8°C) and a minimum average of 21.6°F (-5.8°C).

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 82%.

How many days does it rain?

In Columbus, Ohio, during the entire year, the rain falls for 164.3 days and collects up to 30.55" (776mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.

How many days does it snow?

In Columbus, during the entire year, snow falls for 42.3 days and aggregates up to 12.28" (312mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Columbus?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.5h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

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

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 10.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.31" (84mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Columbus?

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

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.62" (92mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Columbus, snow does not fall in May through September.

When is the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 0min of daylight.

What time of the year is the hottest?

July, with an average high of 83.1°F (28.4°C) and a low of 65.5°F (18.6°C), signifies the warmest month of the year.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 10.4h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 13.1 days and typically collects 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 73%, October is the least humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight.
Today
Tomorrow
Long-term
YearJFMAMJJASOND

Average temperature
Columbus, OH

Average temperature - Columbus, OH

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (33.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (21.6°F).

Average pressure
Columbus, OH

Average pressure - Columbus, OH

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed
Columbus, OH

Average wind speed - Columbus, OH

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (9.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.5mph).

Average humidity
Columbus, OH

Average humidity - Columbus, OH

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

Average rainfall
Columbus, OH

Average rainfall - Columbus, OH

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.62").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.69").

Average rainfall days
Columbus, OH

Average rainfall days - Columbus, OH

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (18.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (9.1 days).

Average snowfall
Columbus, OH

Average snowfall - Columbus, OH

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.31").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Columbus, OH

Average snowfall days - Columbus, OH

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (12.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Columbus, OH

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Columbus, OH

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Columbus, OH

Average sunshine days - Columbus, OH

The month with the most sunshine days is November (16.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (10.1 days).

Average UV index
Columbus, OH

Average UV index - Columbus, OH

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Columbus, OH

Average cloud cover - Columbus, OH

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 63).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility
Columbus, OH

Average visibility - Columbus, OH

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (5mi).

Columbus, Ohio, USA

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