Huntsville, Alabama, offers a unique climate that varies throughout the year, making it an interesting place to live or visit.
The summers are hot and muggy, while the winters are cold and wet, providing a diverse range of weather experiences.
The city sees an average temperature range from 33°F to 89°F, with extreme temperatures seldom dipping below 19°F or rising above 96°F.
Nestled in the northern part of the state, Huntsville has a humid subtropical climate, classified as CFA. This means mild winters and hot summers, typical of many southeastern cities in the United States.
Rainfall is abundant, with around 55 inches annually, ensuring lush landscapes and vibrant greenery year-round.
Huntsville’s weather varies by season, impacting daily life and activities.
With approximately 56 sunny days each year, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities throughout most of the year.
The winter months, from December to February, bring the coldest temperatures, with highs ranging from 46.9°F to 52°F.
Average Temperature In Huntsville, Alabama
January is the coldest month in Huntsville with average lows around 33°F and highs near 50°F. February remains cold, though slightly warmer than January.
March marks the transition to spring with average highs in the 60s. April and May bring warmer temperatures, with May often reaching into the 70s.
Summers in Huntsville are hot. June has average highs in the 80s. July, the warmest month, sees temperatures peaking around 88°F during the day and 70°F at night.
August remains hot, with highs similar to July. September starts to cool down, bringing relief from the summer heat.
October has comfortable temperatures, with highs in the 70s. November sees a drop in temperature, with averages in the 50s.
December is cold but not as cold as January, with highs around 52°F and lows near 36°F.
Monthly Average High and Low Temperatures
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 50 | 33 |
| February | 55 | 36 |
| March | 64 | 43 |
| April | 72 | 51 |
| May | 80 | 60 |
| June | 87 | 67 |
| July | 88 | 70 |
| August | 87 | 69 |
| September | 82 | 63 |
| October | 72 | 52 |
| November | 61 | 43 |
| December | 52 | 36 |
Huntsville experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with significant variations between seasons. The climate data shows a pattern typical of the southeastern United States. Learn more about Huntsville’s climate.
Average Precipitation In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama experiences both rainfall and snow. Rain is more common, particularly in spring and summer months, while snow is less frequent but still significant during the winter.
Average Rainfall In Huntsville, Alabama
Rainfall in Huntsville is quite heavy throughout the year. On average, the city receives about 54.3 inches of rain annually.
The rainiest month is March, with an average of 5.6 inches of rain, while October is the driest with 3.4 inches.
Rainy days are frequent. There are about 120 days of rain annually. Months like March and April can have close to 11 rainy days each.
The summer months also see significant rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms. In these seasons, rain falls abruptly and heavily, a pattern common in the southeastern United States.
Average Snow In Huntsville, Alabama
Snowfall in Huntsville is much less common than rain. On average, Huntsville gets about 2 inches of snow per year.
The majority of the snow falls in January and February, with occasional snowfall in December.
Snow events are rare. There are usually only 2 to 3 days each year with measurable snowfall.
When snow does fall, it’s typically light and melts quickly due to the mild winter temperatures.
Still, periodic snow can cause disruptions, particularly on roads and in schools.
During the coldest months, the chance of snow increases slightly, but overall, snow remains a minor part of the total precipitation in Huntsville compared to rain.
Average Sun In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville experiences diverse patterns of sunshine throughout the year, characterized by varying hours of sunlight, partly cloudy days, and overall sunny conditions.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Huntsville, Alabama
The average daily shortwave solar energy in Huntsville varies significantly over the year.
During the summer months, particularly in June and July, the amount of solar energy reaching the ground is at its peak.
Huntsville enjoys many sunny days, especially during late spring and summer. These months often provide long daylight hours with minimal cloud cover, enhancing sun exposure.
In contrast, winter months like December and January have the least amount of sunshine.
Cloud cover is more frequent during this time, resulting in fewer sunny days and shorter sunshine hours.
The average solar energy during winter is considerably lower due to these cloudy conditions.
For a detailed view of Huntsville’s year-round climate, visit this climate and weather averages.
Average Humidity In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year.
In July, the most humid month, the average relative humidity reaches 73.0%.
Conversely, April is the least humid month with an average relative humidity of 63.0%.
The annual average humidity is 69%. This means that for much of the year, Huntsville feels wet and muggy.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 70% |
| February | 68% |
| March | 66% |
| April | 63% |
| May | 65% |
| June | 70% |
| July | 73% |
| August | 72% |
| September | 71% |
| October | 68% |
| November | 67% |
| December | 69% |
High humidity in summer often leads to high dew points, making the air feel even muggier.
The dew point is a measure of how much moisture is in the air.
In Huntsville, the combination of temperature and humidity can make summer days feel quite hot. The relative humidity also affects how cold it feels in winter. Higher humidity during the cold months can make the air feel colder than it actually is.
For more detailed monthly humidity statistics, visit the World Weather & Climate Information.
Average Wind In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama experiences variable wind patterns throughout the year.
Wind speeds generally range between 5 to 10 mph, with stronger winds occurring during certain months.
Monthly Wind Speeds:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 8.3 |
| February | 8.7 |
| March | 9.6 |
| April | 9.1 |
| May | 8.3 |
| June | 7.2 |
| July | 6.5 |
| August | 6.2 |
| September | 6.5 |
| October | 6.9 |
| November | 8.0 |
| December | 8.4 |
The wind is typically calmest during the summer months, specifically in July and August, with average speeds around 6.5 mph.
In the winter, wind speeds increase, reaching around 8.7 mph in February. This makes outdoor activities like sailing more favorable in the cooler months.
Average Air Quality In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama experiences good air quality throughout most of the year.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls within the “Good” category, meaning minimal air pollution and a low risk to health.
Key Pollutants
- PM2.5: These fine particulate matters are the primary concern. They can come from vehicles, industrial activities, and natural sources like wildfires.
- Ozone: This is another pollutant that can affect air quality, especially in the summer.
Seasonal Variations
Air quality can vary by season. During summer, higher temperatures can increase ozone levels.
In contrast, winter tends to see slightly better air quality due to cooler temperatures and less sunlight.
Health Implications
The low pollution levels in Huntsville mean that residents can engage in outdoor activities without worrying much about air pollution.
Sensitive groups should still monitor air quality during high-pollution days.
Visibility
Clear skies are common in Huntsville, contributing to great visibility.
On days when PM2.5 levels are higher, visibility might decrease.
Regularly checking air quality forecasts can help residents plan outdoor activities effectively.
Useful Tools
These tools provide real-time updates on air quality, which is handy for daily plans.
Topography Of Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, located in Madison County, sits at a latitude of approximately 34.7304° N and a longitude of around 86.5861° W.
The city has a varied landscape, marked by rolling hills and flat terrains.
The average elevation of Huntsville is approximately 745 feet.
Some key features include:
- Minimum Elevation: 539 feet
- Maximum Elevation: 1773 feet
The city is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, which add to its diverse topography.
Key Elevation Points
- Oak Park: With an elevation of 922 feet, this area is one of the city’s higher points.
- Downtown Huntsville: Generally flatter compared to the surrounding regions.
Airports
Huntsville is served by the Huntsville International Airport, which is located southwest of the city. The airport sits at an elevation of around 629 feet.
Natural Features
The Tennessee River and several smaller creeks run through the area, affecting the local terrain.
The river’s proximity provides a mix of low-lying floodplains and elevated regions.
Terrain and Landscape
The city’s landscape includes both wooded areas and urban developments.
Overall, Huntsville combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These include severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and periods of drought.
Thunderstorms are common, especially during the spring and summer months.
These storms can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. Hail, sometimes the size of golfballs, is also reported.
Tornadoes are a significant threat in Huntsville.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of year but are most frequent in the spring and fall. Residents are advised to stay alert and have a safety plan during these peak times.
During the winter, freezing temperatures can occur.
Huntsville usually does not experience prolonged cold spells, but temperatures can drop below freezing on some nights. Ice storms and light snowfalls are possible, though rare.
The area can also experience drought conditions, especially in the late summer and early fall.
Recent rainfall has helped alleviate droughts, but dry spells can still impact the region.
For detailed weather advisories and warnings, residents can check the AccuWeather Huntsville page for updates.
To stay safe during severe weather events, it’s important to follow guidance from local meteorologists and emergency management agencies.
Keeping informed and prepared can help mitigate the impacts of these extreme weather conditions.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Huntsville, Alabama
Choosing the best time to visit Huntsville largely depends on personal preferences for weather and activities. The city offers distinct experiences in each season, ranging from blooming gardens in spring to festive events in fall.
What Is Huntsville, Alabama Like In Spring
Spring in Huntsville brings warm temperatures and blossoming flowers.
April is when pleasant weather arrives, with most days in the 70s. This is a great time for travel as many outdoor events occur.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden hosts the annual “Huntsville Blooms,” showcasing beautiful flowers.
By late March, temperatures are mild, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. The Panoply Arts Festival takes place in April, offering a mix of music, art, and food.
Spring is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of cultural and outdoor events.
What Is Huntsville, Alabama Like In Summer
Summer in Huntsville is hot and humid.
July is the hottest month with highs around 88°F and lows of 70°F. If you’re looking for the warmest time, early August can see highs of about 91°F (32.9°C).
Despite the heat, summer can still be enjoyable for those who don’t mind high temperatures.
The long days allow for outdoor activities like visiting parks and lakes. The average wind speed is 6 mph, providing a slight relief from the heat.
This season is less suited for travelers who prefer cooler weather.
What Is Huntsville, Alabama Like In Fall
Fall offers milder weather and vibrant foliage.
September and October are particularly pleasant, with temperatures falling into the 70s and 60s. This season is great for tourism as the weather is comfortable and the scenery is beautiful.
Huntsville hosts various events during fall, such as guided history tours and seasonal festivals.
The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for exploring outdoor attractions like Monte Sano State Park.
Fall is perfect for visitors who enjoy moderate temperatures and scenic beauty.
What Is Huntsville, Alabama Like In Winter
Winter in Huntsville is mild compared to other parts of the US.
The coldest month is January, with average lows of 33°F and highs of 50°F. The cool season lasts from late November to late February.
Snow is rare, but the season can get chilly.
The quieter tourist season makes it a good time for those looking to avoid crowds.
Indoor attractions like museums and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center can be thoroughly enjoyed without the heat.
Winter is ideal for visitors who prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds.