Columbus, Ohio, located in the Midwest, experiences a range of weather conditions year-round.
The hottest month in Columbus is July, with average highs reaching 84°F and lows around 66°F.
Summers are typically humid and hot, aligning with the city’s designation under the Köppen climate classification as a humid continental climate.
On the flip side, winters in Columbus can be quite chilly, especially from December to February.
January stands out as the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 24°F and highs around 37°F.
These conditions result in cold, crisp winter days that characterize much of the northern hemisphere during this season.
With no distinct dry season, Columbus enjoys balanced precipitation throughout the year.
The city sees a mix of rain and snow, particularly in the colder months, which influences its diverse weather patterns.
This dynamic climate makes Columbus a fascinating case study for those interested in Midwest weather trends.
Average Temperature in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio experiences distinct seasons with various temperature ranges throughout the year.
January is the coldest month. The average low temperature drops to about 24°F and the high reaches around 37°F.
The winters can be harsh with temperatures staying below freezing for extended periods.
In March, temperatures start to rise, with average highs reaching about 53°F and lows around 34°F.
This transition month can still feel cold at times.
During the summer, July stands as the hottest month. The average high temperature gets to 84°F, while the low is around 66°F.
Summers in Columbus are often hot and muggy, making the perceived temperature feel higher.
Hourly average temperatures can vary significantly through the day.
Mornings might be cool, and by afternoon, the temperatures can soar, especially in summer.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 37 | 24 |
| March | 53 | 34 |
| July | 84 | 66 |
February continues the cold trend with average temperatures hovering between 26°F and 40°F.
This month can still see quite a bit of winter chill.
December is part of the cold season with temperatures ranging from 29°F to 41°F.
Winter in Columbus lasts from December to February, with cold temperatures dominating the season.
For more detailed historical weather patterns, you can check out articles related to temperature.
In late summer, August temperatures remain high, similar to July. The average high is around 83°F, while the low sits at 65°F.
This makes both July and August the peak of hot summers in Columbus.
Average Precipitation in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio experiences a mix of rainfall and snowfall throughout the year.
Rain is more common and substantial, while snow is concentrated in the colder months.
Average Rainfall in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus gets a decent amount of rain every year. The city sees about 56.11 inches of average precipitation annually.
Rain is pretty consistent across the year, with wetter months in the spring and summer.
May often stands out as one of the rainiest months, averaging around 5 inches of rainfall.
Rainfall helps keep the city’s parks and green spaces lush.
The number of wet days in Columbus varies, with an average of 133 days per year where measurable rainfall is recorded.
Summer thunderstorms can be frequent, and fall sees a mix of mild rains and clear days.
Average Snow in Columbus, Ohio
Snowfall is a significant feature of Columbus’ winter climate. On average, Columbus receives about 27 inches of snow each year.
The snow season typically runs from December through February, with January being the snowiest month, averaging roughly 10 inches of snowfall.
Snow affects daily life, from school closures to traffic delays.
The first snow usually falls in early December, and the last can be in late February or early March.
Snow depths rarely get extreme, but a few inches of accumulation can lead to various winter activities like sledding and snowball fights.
Average Sun in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, experiences a range of sunshine hours throughout the year due to its varied weather patterns.
The length of the day, cloud cover, and amount of clear skies significantly impact the amount of daily and annual sunshine.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus receives a moderate amount of sunlight throughout the year. The average daily shortwave solar energy metrics help in understanding the overall sunshine availability.
During the summer months, the city sees longer daylight hours, with a higher amount of solar energy reaching the surface.
June, July, and August see clear skies and fewer clouds, leading to significant sunshine hours each day.
In winter, the shorter days and increased cloud cover reduce the amount of sunlight.
December and January typically have the least sunlight, with more frequent cloudy days and shorter daylight hours reducing overall solar energy.
Sunrise and sunset times vary greatly across the seasons.
For instance, in June, the sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets around 9:00 PM, offering up to 15 hours of daylight.
In contrast, December days may have less than 9 hours of daylight. This fluctuation impacts the total hours of sunshine Columbus receives across different months.
Overall, Columbus experiences a balance of sun and clouds year-round, making it crucial to consider the seasonal changes in planning activities related to sunlight exposure.
Average Humidity in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The average annual humidity in Columbus is approximately 69%.
Monthly Humidity Averages
- January: 82%
- April: 62%
- December: 74%
December is often the most humid month, while April tends to be the least humid month.
Dew Point
The dew point in Columbus can give more insight into how humid it feels.
In summer, the dew point can reach high levels, making the air feel sticky and warm.
Relative Humidity vs. Temperature
Relative humidity changes with temperature.
For example, the coldest month is January, with average highs of 37°F, leading to higher relative humidity due to colder air holding less moisture.
Summary Table
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 82% |
| April | 62% |
| December | 74% |
| Annual Avg | 69% |
Columbus’s climate overall sees fluctuations in humidity, making it essential for residents and visitors to adjust their activities accordingly based on the time of year.
Learn more about average humidity in Columbus and yearly weather patterns.
Average Wind in Columbus, Ohio
Wind patterns in Columbus vary throughout the year. Generally, wind speeds are influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
Average Wind Speeds
The average annual wind speed in Columbus is around 7.6 mph.
During the spring and fall, wind speeds tend to be higher due to weather shifts.
Windiest Month
April is typically the windiest month in Columbus, with an average wind speed of 8.4 mph.
This is due to the frequent weather changes during this time of year.
Wind Direction
Wind in Columbus predominantly comes from the west and southwest.
These directions are more common during spring and fall when weather fronts move through the area.
Monthly Wind Speed Table
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 7.7 |
| February | 7.5 |
| March | 8.0 |
| April | 8.4 |
| May | 7.8 |
| June | 7.2 |
| July | 6.8 |
| August | 6.6 |
| September | 7.0 |
| October | 7.5 |
| November | 7.8 |
| December | 7.9 |
Wind Gusts and Weather
Columbus experiences occasional wind gusts, especially during storms.
High-wind events can occur during thunderstorms in the summer and during frontal passages in the spring and fall.
Average Air Quality in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, generally has good air quality throughout the year.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls within the “Good” category, which means air pollution is minimal and poses little to no health risk.
In 2019, the AQI in Columbus averaged a score of 37. This score places the city’s air quality well within the “Good” range.
For more details on current air quality, visit AccuWeather’s Columbus AQI page.
Historical Data
Since 2012, Columbus has consistently maintained an AQI in the “Good” category each year.
This stability indicates that residents can generally expect clean air.
Tips for Residents
- People with respiratory conditions should still monitor air quality, especially during high pollution days.
- Utilize air quality apps such as IQAir to get real-time updates.
- Engage in outdoor activities with minimal concern for pollution on “Good” AQI days.
Real-Time Monitoring
For up-to-date information on Columbus’s air quality and historical data, check out the IQAir website.
Using tools like air purifiers and masks can also help improve indoor air quality further, ensuring a healthier environment.
Topography of Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, is located in Franklin County with coordinates approximately at 39.9612° N latitude and 82.9988° W longitude.
The city’s elevation varies, with an average of 856 feet above sea level. The minimum elevation is about 554 feet, while the maximum reaches 1,125 feet.
This variation is due to the presence of several rivers and tributaries that course through the area.
The Scioto and Olentangy rivers converge just northwest of Downtown Columbus. These rivers significantly influence the local terrain, forming valleys and low-lying areas.
| Average Elevation | Minimum Elevation | Maximum Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 856 ft | 554 ft | 1,125 ft |
Though Columbus is inland, it is not far from Lake Erie, which lies to the north. The lake’s presence can impact local weather patterns, contributing to occasional lake-effect snow during winter months.
The city experiences a range of altitudes, making it suitable for various activities and contributing to its diverse landscape.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus experiences a range of extreme weather events throughout the year.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are common during late spring and summer.
These storms can bring heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
They often lead to flash flooding and power outages, making them a frequent concern for residents.
Tornadoes
Columbus is in a region prone to tornadoes. While less frequent than in states further west, tornadoes in Columbus can cause significant damage. The most notable tornado event in recent memory occurred in April 1997.
Hail
Hailstorms also occur in Columbus, often during the same thunderstorms that bring heavy rain and lightning.
Hailstones can vary in size from small pebbles to golf balls, causing damage to cars, roofs, and crops.
Heat Waves
Heat waves hit Columbus with temperatures soaring above 90°F.
One recent example is the heat wave in 2024 which saw six consecutive days of extremely high temperatures.
Winter Storms
Winter storms bring heavy snowfall and ice, making travel dangerous.
Extreme cold events are also recorded, with temperatures sometimes dropping well below freezing, causing significant disruption.
Historical Extremes
For detailed records of extreme weather events in Columbus, refer to Extreme Weather Watch.
The site tracks weather records from 1893 to present, providing insights into the most severe events recorded.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Columbus, Ohio
Visitors to Columbus, Ohio, can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the year. The best time to visit depends on individual preferences for weather and activities.
What Is Columbus, Ohio Like in Spring
Spring in Columbus is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the high 60s. March can still be chilly, but by April, the city begins to warm up.
April and May bring blooming flowers and the start of outdoor events.
Rainfall is moderate, providing lush scenery without too many interruptions. Visitors can expect around 3.6 inches of rain in May.
Spring is ideal for enjoying local parks, such as Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
It’s also the beginning of the farmers’ market season, perfect for sampling local produce.
What Is Columbus, Ohio Like in Summer
Summertime in Columbus is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s. July is the hottest month, often reaching highs around 84°F.
This season is great for outdoor festivals, concerts, and sporting events.
Popular events include the Ohio State Fair in late July and the Columbus Arts Festival in June.
Warm-weather activities are abundant, including kayaking on the Scioto River and visiting the Columbus Zoo.
Humidity can be high, so light clothing and sun protection are recommended. Rain is infrequent but usually comes in brief, heavy showers.
What Is Columbus, Ohio Like in Fall
Fall in Columbus is a beautiful time, with temperatures dropping from the high 70s in September to the mid-50s in November. October is especially pleasant, offering comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
Fall brings numerous cultural and outdoor events, such as the Circleville Pumpkin Show in October and the Columbus International Film & Animation Festival in November.
This season is perfect for visiting apple orchards and taking scenic drives through the countryside.
Light layers are advisable, as the weather can change quickly from warm to cool.
What Is Columbus, Ohio Like in Winter
Winters in Columbus are cold, with temperatures often below freezing.
January is the coldest month, averaging around 30°F.
Snowfall is common, with occasional snowstorms.
Despite the cold, Columbus offers plenty of winter activities.
Indoor attractions like the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and Ohio Theatre provide entertainment.
Ice skating at the Scioto Mile is a popular outdoor activity.
Winter is also a good time for holiday events, such as the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, which runs from late November through December.