Helena, a picturesque city nestled in the rolling hills of Shelby County, Alabama, is situated in the southeastern United States. With a population of approximately 19,000 residents, Helena maintains a small-town charm while being conveniently located near the larger cities of Birmingham and Hoover. Affiliated with the United States, Helena covers an area of 17.1 square miles and is known for its family-friendly community, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Major landmarks in Helena include the Buck Creek Park and Trail, which offers scenic views and outdoor activities, and the Old Town Helena Historic District, showcasing the city’s rich history and architecture. Additionally, Helena is home to several thriving local businesses and restaurants, adding to its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Climate and Weather Overview
Helena enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Situated in the southeastern region of the United States, the city experiences four distinct seasons, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summers in Helena are long and hot, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37°C), while winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The city receives an average of 55 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority of precipitation occurring during the summer months. Additionally, Helena may experience occasional thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly during the spring months. Overall, the city’s climate provides residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51 | 5.2 | 5 |
| February | 55 | 5.0 | 6 |
| March | 62 | 5.7 | 7 |
| April | 70 | 4.9 | 8 |
| May | 78 | 4.7 | 9 |
| June | 85 | 5.1 | 10 |
| July | 89 | 5.3 | 10 |
| August | 89 | 4.7 | 9 |
| September | 83 | 4.2 | 8 |
| October | 73 | 3.6 | 7 |
| November | 63 | 4.8 | 6 |
| December | 54 | 5.0 | 4 |
January
January in Helena brings cool temperatures, with average highs around 51°F (10.6°C) and lows dropping to 31°F (-0.6°C). Precipitation is moderate, with an average of 5.2 inches for the month, often in the form of rain showers. While snow is rare, occasional frost may occur, especially in the early morning hours. Despite the cooler weather, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Helena during January. Visitors can explore the trails at Buck Creek Park, go hiking at Oak Mountain State Park, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s golf courses. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending cultural events at the Helena Amphitheater.
February
February continues the cool temperatures of winter in Helena, with average highs around 55°F (12.8°C) and lows around 32°F (0°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 5.0 inches for the month. While snow is rare, occasional frost may occur, especially in the early morning hours. Despite the cooler weather, outdoor activities are still popular in Helena during February. Visitors can explore the scenic trails at Buck Creek Park, go birdwatching at the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through Old Town Helena. February is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with art exhibits and live performances often taking place at the Helena Amphitheater. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending workshops and classes at the Helena Cultural Center.
March
March marks the transition to milder weather in Helena, with average highs around 62°F (16.7°C) and lows around 39°F (3.9°C). Precipitation increases slightly, with an average of 5.7 inches for the month. As spring blooms begin to appear, outdoor activities become more popular in Helena. Visitors can take a hike along the scenic trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go fishing at nearby lakes, or enjoy a picnic at one of the city’s parks. March is also a great time to explore the historic downtown area of Helena and visit local shops and restaurants. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries or attending concerts and theater performances at the Helena Cultural Center.
April
April brings pleasant spring weather to Helena, with average highs around 70°F (21.1°C) and lows around 47°F (8.3°C). Precipitation decreases slightly, with an average of 4.9 inches for the month. As the weather warms up, outdoor activities become more popular in Helena. Visitors can explore the scenic trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go birdwatching at the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, or enjoy a day of fishing and boating at nearby lakes. April is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with art festivals and live music performances often taking place at the Helena Amphitheater. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending workshops and classes at the Helena Cultural Center.
May
May in Helena brings warmer temperatures, with average highs around 78°F (25.6°C) and lows around 56°F (13.3°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 4.7 inches for the month. As spring reaches its peak, outdoor activities are abundant in Helena. Visitors can explore the scenic trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Cahaba River, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s golf courses. May is also a great time to explore the city’s historic districts and visit local shops and restaurants. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries or attending concerts and theater performances at the Helena Cultural Center.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Helena, with average highs around 85°F (29.4°C) and lows around 64°F (17.8°C). Precipitation increases slightly, with an average of 5.1 inches for the month, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the heat, outdoor activities are still popular in Helena during June. Visitors can explore the scenic trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go fishing at nearby lakes, or enjoy a day of water sports on the Cahaba River. June is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with outdoor concerts and festivals often taking place at the Helena Amphitheater. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending art classes at the Helena Cultural Center.
July
July in Helena is characterized by hot and humid weather, with average highs around 89°F (31.7°C) and lows around 69°F (20.6°C). Precipitation remains high, with an average of 5.3 inches for the month, often accompanied by frequent thunderstorms. Despite the heat, outdoor activities are still popular in Helena during July. Visitors can take a hike at Oak Mountain State Park, go birdwatching at the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, or enjoy a day of water sports on the nearby lakes. July is also a great time to explore the city’s culinary scene, with many restaurants offering outdoor dining options. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending concerts and theater performances at the Helena Cultural Center.
August
August continues the hot and humid weather in Helena, with average highs around 89°F (31.7°C) and lows around 68°F (20°C). Precipitation remains high, with an average of 4.7 inches for the month, often in the form of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Despite the rain, outdoor activities are still popular in Helena during August. Visitors can explore the trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go fishing at nearby lakes, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s golf courses. August is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with outdoor concerts and festivals often taking place at the Helena Amphitheater. Indoor activities include visiting local museums or attending art classes at the Helena Cultural Center.
September
September brings relief from the summer heat in Helena, with average highs around 83°F (28.3°C) and lows around 61°F (16.1°C). Precipitation decreases slightly, with an average of 4.2 inches for the month, but afternoon thunderstorms are still common. As the weather begins to cool down, outdoor activities become more popular in Helena. Visitors can take a hike at Oak Mountain State Park, go birdwatching at the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, or enjoy a picnic at one of the city’s parks. September is also a great time to explore the city’s historic downtown area and visit local shops and restaurants. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries or attending concerts and theater performances at the Helena Cultural Center.
October
October offers pleasant weather in Helena, with average highs around 73°F (22.8°C) and lows around 49°F (9.4°C). Precipitation decreases further, with an average of 3.6 inches for the month, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking along the trails at Oak Mountain State Park, taking scenic drives to enjoy the fall foliage, or attending outdoor festivals and events in the area. October is also a great time to explore local farms for pumpkin picking and other autumn activities. Indoor activities include visiting art galleries, attending concerts, or exploring the city’s historic sites.
November
November brings cooler temperatures to Helena, with average highs around 63°F (17.2°C) and lows around 39°F (3.9°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 4.8 inches for the month. As fall foliage reaches its peak, outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching become popular in Helena. Visitors can explore the trails at Oak Mountain State Park, go fishing or kayaking on the Cahaba River, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s golf courses. November is also a great time to visit local farmers’ markets for seasonal produce and homemade goods. Indoor activities include visiting museums, attending holiday craft fairs, or cozying up with a book at a local coffee shop.
December
December in Helena is mild and festive, with average highs around 54°F (12.2°C) and lows around 34°F (1.1°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 5.0 inches for the month. As the holiday season approaches, the city comes alive with festive decorations and events. Visitors can enjoy holiday light displays, attend Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies, or go ice skating at local rinks. Outdoor activities include visiting Christmas tree farms, taking horse-drawn carriage rides, or going on holiday-themed nature walks. Indoor activities abound, with opportunities to attend holiday concerts, theatrical performances, and craft workshops. Additionally, visitors can explore local boutiques and shops for unique holiday gifts and decorations. Overall, December offers a magical atmosphere in Helena, perfect for celebrating the holiday season with family and friends.