The climate of Columbia
Columbia, located in
Missouri, USA, is characterized by a Humid Subtropical climate with no dry season, as per Koppen Climate Classification. The geographical position of the city contributes to the year-round wet conditions and decent yearly variations in temperature. The parameters derived from the available climate data depict a clear picture of the overall atmospheric phenomena dominant in the space.
The annual temperature swings in Columbia are quite noticeable. The highest temperature can possibly reach 87.6°F (30.9°C) in summer, while the winters can be chilling down to 23°F (-5°C). There is a consistent level of relative humidity, always hovering around the mid-70s. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed across the year, with
May bringing the maximum rainfall of 1.3" (33mm) and the least observed in
November at 0.47" (12mm). With regards to snowfall, the coldest months from
December to
February do exhibit some level of precipitation in the form of snow, a total of 1.11" (28mm) snowfall exists on average.
The hours of daylight show a cyclic pattern with the yearly maximum of 14.9 hours in
June and the least, 9.5 hours in December. Sunshine hours also exhibit a similar cyclic pattern with maximum sunshine hours of 10.4 hours seen in June and
July. November and December offer the least sunshine hours with about 5 to 5.5 hours per day. Wind speeds fluctuate between 6.1mph (9.8km/h) and 9.4mph (15.1km/h), peaking during the winter season.
The best time to visit Columbia
Columbia celebrates the most enjoyable climate between
May and
October. During these months, the city experience higher temperatures ranging from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 86°F (30°C), and receive significant daily hours of sunshine from 8.9 hours to about 10.1 hours. The rainfall is moderate but less frequent with around 10 days of rainfall in these months. These climate conditions provide tourists ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoy what this city has to offer.
The worst time to visit Columbia
The least favorable time to visit
Columbia falls in the winter season especially
December and
January. Throughout these chilliest months, the temperatures drop significantly and hover between 23°F (-5°C) to 41.5°F (5.3°C). In addition, the city experiences snowfall, albeit not very heavy. Tourists might also find less daylight hours with a maximum of 9.8 hours. And this, coupled with the snowfall and cold, limits outdoor activities and thus becomes less attractive for tourists.
Spring weather in Columbia
Spring in
Columbia sees a noticeable rise in temperature from 36.9°F (2.7°C) in
March to a comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C) by the end of
May. The rainfall also increases during this period from 0.59" (15mm) in March to 1.3" (33mm) in May, signalling the start of wetter months. The number of sunshine hours follows an upward trend, increasing steadily from 6.3 to 8.9 hours per day.
Summer weather in Columbia
Summer from
June to
August offers the warmest months in
Columbia, with an average high temperature fluctuating from 84.7°F (29.3°C) to 87.6°F (30.9°C). This is also the season with the maximum daylight hours from 14.3 to 14.9 hours. Moreover, the city receives the most sunshine with an average of 10.4 hours per day. The rainfall is rather significant in this period, recording around 0.98" (25mm) each month.
Autumn weather in Columbia
Columbia welcomes the autumn in
September with the temperature gradually descending from 79.5°F (26.4°C) to 52.7°F (11.5°C) by
November. The city receives around 0.71" (18mm) rainfall in
October with a slight increase in rainy days. Daily sunshine hours during autumn vary between 9.3 to 5.9 hours.
Winter weather in Columbia
Winters in
Columbia are significantly cold with the lowest temperatures ranging from 28.4°F (-2°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C). While
December and
January witness the occasional snowfall, there is a dearth of sunshine in these months too, with an average ranging from 5 to 5.5 hours daily. The atmospheric pressure has the highest reading in winter, fluctuating from 30.11 to 30.16" (766mm). The wind speed also peaks during this season, averaging around 9mph (14.5km/h).
Weather in January
January is the midpoint of winter in
Columbia,
Missouri, with chilly weather being the norm and little variation in these conditions as it transitions from
December. The city experiences its coldest month, with the lowest temperatures falling as much as 23°F (-5°C).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Bridging the gap between the harsh winter and the mild spring,
February's weather slightly softens the severe cold experienced in
January, bringing a small but noticeable change. In
Columbia, this month features the last vestiges of snowfall, occurring in and around 5.3 days, as the city prepares for the impending spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first breaths of spring waft through
Columbia in
March, reducing snowfall in favor of more moderate weather. Compared to
February, conditions evolve, marking a notable shift from snow to occasional rains. Daylight enjoys a significant boost, signaling to the city's flora and fauna the end of winter's reign.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As one of the best times to visit
Columbia,
April showcases nature at its prime, with temperatures warming up to welcome the spring season. Rainfall becomes commonplace but is evenly distributed across 11.3 days, maintaining the lush greenery in the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Columbia's weather takes another turn as spring advances towards summer in
May. The city's temperatures begin to escalate, signaling the approaching heat of the summer months. Amid an increase in humidity and longer daylight hours, the city thrives with activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
Columbia,
June marks the onset of consistently hot weather, as daytime temperatures start climbing well into the 80s°F. Receiving the highest daylight hours of the year, around 14.9 hours, the city lives up to its summer reputation.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With temperatures peaking to around 87.6°F (30.9°C),
July typically represents the zenith of
Columbia's summer season. With superb sunshine and long days, the city sparkles in its summer glory. The days are perfect to explore the numerous trails and historic places, while the evenings offer an idyllic setting for cookouts and gatherings.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The last full month of summer,
August, maintains the steady heat of
July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor fun. On an average, the temperature fluctuates between a comfortable 65.8°F (18.8°C) to a warm 86°F (30°C), setting the stage for a myriad of activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
Columbia transitions from the heat of summer to the cooler fall season,
September offers an ideal climate for travel and exploration. A noticeable dip in temperature, coupled with less humidity, paves the way for pleasant weather that is neither too hot nor too cold.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Columbia,
Missouri, promises splendid fall weather, colorful landscapes, and an unmistakable aura of anticipation for the coming winter. With cloud cover increasing and temperatures falling, the city experiences a pronounced shift in its weather pattern.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the year winds down,
November introduces
Columbia to the first hints of winter. The shift in wind direction, along with a drop in temperatures, predicts the arrival of the colder months. Despite shorter hours of sunshine, the city's charm does not wane; instead, it shifts to suit the chillier surroundings.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Capping off the year,
December in
Columbia brings along the full swing of winter. The weather takes a frosty turn as temperatures plunge to as low as 28.4°F (-2°C) and the city experiences approximately 0.31" (8mm) of snowfall.
Weather in December »