Opelika, Alabama Weather by Month
Opelika, nestled in the eastern part of Alabama, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a promising future. Affiliated with the United States, Opelika is situated in Lee County and is a neighbor to the larger city of Auburn. With a population of approximately 30,000 residents and spanning an area of 65 square miles, Opelika offers a perfect balance of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city is renowned for its historic downtown district, which boasts beautifully preserved architecture, boutique shops, and a variety of dining options. Opelika is also home to Southern Union State Community College, providing educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Major landmarks in Opelika include the Opelika Municipal Park, the Historic Railroad Avenue District, and the Museum of East Alabama. With its convenient location, strong sense of community, and diverse cultural offerings, Opelika is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
Climate and Weather Overview
Opelika experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Located in the southeastern United States, the city is influenced by weather patterns from the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in ample rainfall throughout the year. Summers in Opelika are long and hot, with temperatures often soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37°C) and high humidity levels adding to the discomfort. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, and occasional snowfall is rare. Spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures and are considered the best times to visit Opelika.
Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 53 | 4.7 | 6 |
February | 57 | 5.0 | 6 |
March | 64 | 5.5 | 7 |
April | 72 | 4.9 | 8 |
May | 80 | 4.3 | 9 |
June | 88 | 4.7 | 10 |
July | 92 | 5.0 | 10 |
August | 91 | 4.8 | 9 |
September | 85 | 4.1 | 8 |
October | 75 | 3.6 | 8 |
November | 65 | 4.5 | 7 |
December | 56 | 4.7 | 6 |
January
January in Opelika brings cool winter weather, with average highs around 53°F (11.7°C) and lows dropping to 32°F (0°C). Precipitation is moderate, with an average of 4.7 inches for the month. While snow is rare, occasional frost may occur, especially in the early morning hours. Outdoor activities such as hiking at Chewacla State Park or exploring the Opelika Historic Downtown District are still enjoyable with proper attire. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
February
February continues the cool temperatures of winter in Opelika, with average highs of 57°F (13.9°C) and lows of 35°F (1.7°C). Precipitation levels remain similar to January, with occasional rain showers. Despite the cooler weather, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Opelika during February. Visitors can take a stroll through Opelika Municipal Park, go birdwatching at the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park, or enjoy a picnic at Municipal Park. Indoor activities include exploring the Museum of East Alabama or attending concerts at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
March
March marks the transition to milder weather in Opelika, with temperatures ranging from highs of 64°F (17.8°C) to lows of 41°F (5°C). Precipitation increases slightly, with an average of 5.5 inches for the month. As spring blooms begin to appear, outdoor activities become more popular in Opelika. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go fishing at Lake Harding, or take a boat tour of the Chattahoochee River. March is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with many festivals celebrating music, food, and art taking place throughout the month. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
April
April brings pleasant spring weather to Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 72°F (22.2°C) and lows of 49°F (9.4°C). Precipitation decreases, with an average of 4.9 inches for the month, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go hiking at Opelika’s Red Clay Brewery, or take a scenic drive along the Tallapoosa River. April is also a great time to experience the city’s culinary scene, with many restaurants offering outdoor dining options. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
May
May in Opelika brings warm spring weather, with temperatures averaging highs of 80°F (26.7°C) and lows of 58°F (14.4°C). Precipitation remains at 4.3 inches for the month. As the weather continues to warm up, outdoor activities become even more popular in Opelika. Visitors can take a hike at Chewacla State Park, go birdwatching at Opelika’s Municipal Park, or enjoy a picnic at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. May is also a great time to explore the city’s historic districts, such as Downtown Opelika or Northside Historic District, and enjoy the architecture and charm of the area. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
June
June brings the onset of summer in Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 88°F (31.1°C) and lows of 64°F (17.8°C). Precipitation increases slightly, with an average of 4.7 inches for the month, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the rain, outdoor activities are still popular in Opelika during June. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go fishing at Lake Harding, or take a bike ride along the Opelika-Auburn Bike Trail. June is also a great time to experience the city’s culinary scene, with many restaurants offering outdoor dining options. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
July
July is characterized by hot and humid weather in Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 92°F (33.3°C) and lows of 69°F (20.6°C). Precipitation remains high, with an average of 5.0 inches for the month, often accompanied by frequent thunderstorms. Despite the heat, outdoor activities are still popular in Opelika during July. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go fishing at Lake Harding, or enjoy a round of golf at the Saugahatchee Country Club. July is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with many festivals celebrating music, food, and art taking place throughout the month. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
August
August continues to be hot and humid in Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 91°F (32.8°C) and lows of 69°F (20.6°C). Precipitation remains high, with an average of 4.8 inches for the month, often in the form of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Despite the rain, outdoor activities are still popular in Opelika during August. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go fishing at Lake Harding, or take a bike ride along the Opelika-Auburn Bike Trail. August is also a great time to experience the city’s culinary scene, with many restaurants offering outdoor dining options. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
September
September brings relief from the summer heat in Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 85°F (29.4°C) and lows of 63°F (17.2°C). Precipitation decreases slightly, with an average of 4.1 inches for the month, but afternoon thunderstorms are still common. As the weather begins to cool down, outdoor activities become more popular in Opelika. Visitors can take a hike at Chewacla State Park, go birdwatching at the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park, or enjoy a picnic at Municipal Park. September is also a great time to explore the city’s historic districts, such as Downtown Opelika or Northside Historic District, and enjoy the architecture and charm of the area. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
October
October offers pleasant weather in Opelika, with temperatures averaging highs of 75°F (23.9°C) and lows of 52°F (11.1°C). Precipitation decreases further, with an average of 3.6 inches for the month, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go hiking at Opelika’s Red Clay Brewery, or take a scenic drive along the Tallapoosa River. October is also a great time to experience the city’s cultural events, with many festivals celebrating music, food, and art taking place throughout the month. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
November
November brings cooler temperatures to Opelika, with highs averaging around 65°F (18.3°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 4.5 inches for the month. As fall foliage begins to appear, outdoor activities become popular in Opelika. Visitors can take a bike ride along the Opelika-Auburn Bike Trail, go birdwatching at the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park, or enjoy a picnic at Municipal Park. November is also a great time to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Downtown Opelika or Northside Historic District, and enjoy the architecture and charm of the area. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
December
December in Opelika is mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging highs of 56°F (13.3°C) and lows of 35°F (1.7°C). Precipitation remains moderate, with an average of 4.7 inches for the month. As the holiday season approaches, outdoor activities become less popular in Opelika. Visitors can explore the trails at Chewacla State Park, go ice skating at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center, or enjoy a carriage ride through Downtown Auburn. December is also a great time to explore the city’s historic districts and enjoy the festive decorations and holiday spirit. Indoor activities include visiting the Museum of East Alabama or attending holiday performances at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.