Alabama Weather by Month
Alabama’s climate is characterized by its humid subtropical conditions, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Located in the southeastern United States, Alabama experiences long, hot summers with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-35°C) and high humidity levels. Winters are relatively mild, with average temperatures in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit (4-15°C) and occasional colder spells, particularly in the northern regions of the state. Alabama receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with peak precipitation occurring during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms and occasional tropical systems.
Weather in Alabama by Month
Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 48 | 5.3 | 14 |
February | 52 | 5.1 | 14 |
March | 60 | 6.0 | 17 |
April | 67 | 4.4 | 19 |
May | 75 | 4.2 | 21 |
June | 81 | 4.4 | 21 |
July | 83 | 5.2 | 22 |
August | 82 | 4.1 | 21 |
September | 77 | 3.8 | 22 |
October | 67 | 3.3 | 21 |
November | 57 | 4.3 | 17 |
December | 50 | 5.1 | 14 |
January: Winter Chill and Occasional Precipitation
January typically marks the peak of winter in Alabama, with temperatures ranging from chilly to mild across the state. In the northern regions, such as Huntsville and Birmingham, average highs hover around the mid-50s Fahrenheit (12-15°C), while lows can dip into the 30s Fahrenheit (around 0°C). In the southern coastal areas, such as Mobile, temperatures tend to be slightly warmer, with highs in the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (15-18°C) and lows in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9°C). Precipitation varies, with occasional rainfall and the possibility of light snow or sleet, especially in the northern and central regions.
February: Transitioning to Spring
February brings a gradual transition from winter to spring in Alabama. While temperatures remain cool, especially in the early part of the month, signs of spring begin to emerge. Average highs in the northern regions reach the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (15-17°C), while lows hover in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (1-6°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are slightly warmer, with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23°C) and lows in the 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (5-11°C). Precipitation levels vary, with occasional rain showers and the possibility of thunderstorms as spring approaches.
March: Spring Blooms and Variable Weather
March heralds the arrival of spring in Alabama, bringing warmer temperatures and the emergence of blossoms and greenery across the state. Average highs in the northern regions climb into the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (16-22°C), while lows range from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (1-6°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are even milder, with highs in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (21-28°C) and lows in the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15°C). March can be a transitional month, with variable weather patterns including occasional rainfall, thunderstorms, and the potential for severe weather events.
April: Mild Spring Weather and Increasing Rainfall
April is characterized by mild spring weather and increasing rainfall across Alabama. Average highs in the northern regions climb into the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (21-28°C), while lows range from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-11°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are warmer, with highs in the 80s Fahrenheit (27-32°C) and lows in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20°C). April is one of the wettest months of the year in Alabama, with frequent rainfall, thunderstorms, and the potential for severe weather, including tornadoes.
May: Warm Spring Days and Stormy Weather
May brings warmer temperatures and the onset of summer-like weather in Alabama. Average highs in the northern regions climb into the 80s Fahrenheit (27-32°C), while lows range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-17°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are even warmer, with highs in the 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (27-33°C) and lows in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (15-22°C). May is known for its frequent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and the potential for severe weather, including tornadoes and damaging winds.
June: Hot and Humid Summer Begins
June marks the beginning of summer in Alabama, with hot and humid weather prevailing across the state. Average highs in the northern regions climb into the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (31-34°C), while lows range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are even hotter, with highs in the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit (32-35°C) and lows in the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26°C). June is characterized by frequent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and high humidity levels, making outdoor activities uncomfortable at times.
July: Peak of Summer Heat and Humidity
July brings the peak of summer heat and humidity to Alabama, with sweltering temperatures and frequent thunderstorms. Average highs in the northern regions soar into the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit (32-35°C), while lows range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are even hotter, with highs in the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit (35-37°C) and lows in the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26°C). July is one of the wettest months of the year in Alabama, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
August: Hot and Humid Weather Continues
August continues the trend of hot and humid weather in Alabama, with oppressive heat and frequent thunderstorms. Average highs in the northern regions remain in the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit (32-35°C), while lows range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are similarly hot, with highs in the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit (35-37°C) and lows in the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26°C). August is known for its high humidity levels, making outdoor activities uncomfortable, and frequent thunderstorms, bringing heavy rainfall and the potential for severe weather.
September: Transition to Fall Begins
September marks the beginning of the transition to fall in Alabama, with gradually cooling temperatures and decreasing humidity levels. Average highs in the northern regions range from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-34°C), while lows drop into the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (16-22°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are similarly warm, with highs in the 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (27-34°C) and lows in the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26°C). September is known for its variable weather patterns, including occasional rainfall and the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes.
October: Mild Fall Weather and Decreasing Humidity
October brings mild fall weather to Alabama, with cooler temperatures and decreasing humidity levels. Average highs in the northern regions range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C), while lows drop into the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (10-16°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are slightly warmer, with highs in the 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (21-29°C) and lows in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20°C). October is known for its pleasant weather, clear skies, and lower humidity levels, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
November: Cool Fall Days and Decreasing Rainfall
November brings cool fall days and decreasing rainfall to Alabama, as temperatures continue to drop and humidity levels decrease. Average highs in the northern regions range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C), while lows drop into the 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (5-11°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are slightly warmer, with highs in the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26°C) and lows in the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15°C). November is known for its clear skies, mild temperatures, and decreasing rainfall, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and fall foliage.
December: Winter Chill Returns
December brings the return of winter chill to Alabama, with cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation. Average highs in the northern regions range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-16°C), while lows drop into the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (1-6°C). In the southern areas, temperatures are slightly warmer, with highs in the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (15-18°C) and lows in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9°C). December can bring occasional rainfall, as well as the possibility of light snow or sleet, especially in the northern and central regions, ushering in the holiday season and the end of the year.