The climate of West Columbia
West Columbia, located in
South Carolina, USA, experiences a humid subtropical climate, commonly referred to as Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification. Predominantly, the area sees no dry season, with rainfall consistently spread throughout the year.
Examining the climatological parameters reveal certain patterns. Temperature highs can range from 52.9°F (11.6°C) in
January to 91.4°F (33°C) in
July, demonstrating significant variation throughout the year. Similarly, low temperatures fluctuate between 37.8°F (3.2°C) in January and 73.4°F (23°C), again in July. Humidity maintains relatively constant levels, with averages keeping between 69% to 75%.
A consistent feature of West Columbia's climate is its rainfall. Monthly averages range from a minimum of 0.98" (25mm) in
September to a maximum of 2.17" (55mm) in
August, depicting a slight increase during hotter months but never completely drying out. These rainfall levels are accompanied by monthly rainfall days averaging from 6.6 days to 14.6 days, with July seeing the highest number of wet days.
Highlighting unique weather traits, negligible snowfall is observed throughout the year with only slight traces in January and
February. Equally, the city presents long days of daylight, with an average of over 10 hours observed through all months, reaching a peak of 14.4 hours in
June.
The best time to visit West Columbia
The optimal time to venture to
West Columbia largely depends on visitor's preferences. If enjoying warm weather and boasting longer days of sunshine is the priority, then the period from late spring to early summer, precisely
May to
June, makes an excellent choice. During this time, the city experiences amicable temperatures between highs of 81°F (27.2°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C), paired with an extended daylight length of over 13 hours.
The worst time to visit West Columbia
The months of
July and
August may be the least favorable for visitors. Despite the extended daylight and low rainfall, temperatures can soar up to 91.4°F (33°C) in July and 90°F (32.2°C) in August, which may prove to be quite challenging for some to bear.
Spring weather in West Columbia
Spring in
West Columbia, extending from
March to
May, unveils a pleasant change in the climate. Temperatures witness a steady rise, starting from average highs of 64°F (17.8°C) in March, climbing to 81°F (27.2°C) by May. Concurrently, the length of daylight also substantially increases from 12 hours in March to nearly 14 hours in May, allotting more daylight for activities.
Summer weather in West Columbia
Summer in
West Columbia, spanning
June through
August, is characterized by the year's highest temperatures. Average temperature highs peak at 91.4°F (33°C) in
July coupled with average lows of 73.4°F (23°C), making it the hottest period of the year. Meanwhile, daylight lingers for over 14 hours, highlighting long, warm summer days.
Autumn weather in West Columbia
Autumn in
West Columbia, lasting from
September to
November, witnesses a progressive cooling of temperatures. Starting from highs of 84.6°F (29.2°C) in September, by November, temperatures reduce to a much cooler highs of 62.6°F (17°C). Rainfall sees a dip in September, but gradually returns to the year's average values by November.
Winter weather in West Columbia
Winters showcase the coldest months in
West Columbia, stretching from
December to
February. Average high temperatures range from 56.7°F (13.7°C) in December to 52.9°F (11.6°C) in
January, and average lows descend to 37.8°F (3.2°C) in January, the coldest month. However, West Columbia's winter is relatively free from snowfall. With limited daylight hovering around 10 hours and higher humidity levels, winters can be cold and crisp.
Weather in January
The onset of the year witnesses a peak in cloud coverage, with percentage reaching 37% in
West Columbia,
South Carolina.
January experiences a mix of mild to chilly days, typically cooler than the forthcoming
February. Morning frost is a common sight, although it is soon replaced by sunlit afternoons.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A slight respite registers in terms of weather conditions as
February rolls in
West Columbia. The mercury inches upward, pushing toward a warmer spring. Rainfall and wind activity record a small uptick, fostering the seasonal transition.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Spring starts claiming its presence firmly by the time
March greets
West Columbia. Weather conditions experience a further warming, consistent with the transition from the cool nip of winter to the bloom-inducing spring. Rainfall distinguishes the month, registering 1.77" (45mm), substantially higher than in preceding
January and following
April.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April rings in the substantial rise in temperature, hinting at the imminent arrival of summer in
West Columbia. A notable increase in rain showers characterizes the month, nurturing the blossoming flora. The extended periods of sunlight herald the season of outdoor activities, picnics, and barbecues.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May embraces
West Columbia with true summer traits; a warmer temperature, longer sunshine hours and declining wind speeds. While warmer than
April, the temperature spike is just a precursor to the hotter summer months lurking ahead.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Solstice month
June welcomes the hottest days of summer in
West Columbia, departing significantly from the mildness of
May. The sun takes center stage, painting the city with vibrant summer hues for 14.4 hours daily. It’s worth noting that wind activity remarkably lessens, becoming the least breezy month of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is in full summer swing in
West Columbia, brandishing an impressive 91.4°F (33°C) as the highest average temperature of the year. The relatively lower cloud cover transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of broad daylight and ample sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings with it the summer's last hurrah in
West Columbia, even as the temperature begins a downward trend moving into fall. Alfresco dining, garden tending or hiking around the trails are all common sights, exploiting the daylight hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Autumn ushers its gentler climes to
West Columbia with
September. A noticeable degree of cooling is appreciated as it transitions from the sultry
August. This period graces the least rainfall of the year, recording a mere 0.98" (25mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
West Columbia unfolds the full charm of autumn as it delves into milder temperature zones. The city starts shaking off its warm summer blanket, leaning into the comfortable coolness of fall. The rainfall balances well with the cooler days, preserving the moisture and fostering the changing foliage.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November embarks upon a crispness typical of late autumn in
West Columbia. Temperature and humidity both follow a descending trend from the moderate
October, nudging the city toward winter. Although the rainfall increases from moderate October levels, reaching an average maximum of 1.34" (34mm), it quietly replenishes the city’s water reservoirs.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the final act of the year, introduces winter into
West Columbia. The city softly wraps itself into the cooler lap of winter, veering away from the mildness of
November. The flurry of holiday festivities keeps spirits high, despite the receding daylight hours and lowering temperatures.
Weather in December »