Weather in Columbus

Planning your day in Columbus? Check out the very latest weather data and up-to-date forecasts right here to be ready for any of nature's surprises.

The climate of Columbus can be characterised as moderate continental, with four clearly defined seasons. Prepare for noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year: from cool, and sometimes freezing winters, to warm and occasionally hot summers. Spring and autumn here are pleasant transitional periods with moderate temperatures, ideal for walking and exploring the city.

The summer months, especially July and August, will delight you with warm weather with an average temperature above 20°C (reaching highs of about 27-28°C), creating excellent conditions for active recreation. Winters, from December to February, bring coolness, and the thermometer often drops below zero, especially in January, when the average temperature is about -0.2°C. Precipitation in Columbus is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season. The number of days with precipitation ranges from 9 to 15 per month, indicating frequent, but usually not too heavy rains, and in winter – snow is possible.

The annual temperature trend in Columbus demonstrates significant fluctuations, characteristic of a continental climate. The coldest month is January, when the average air temperature is about -0.2°C. During this period, night lows can drop to -3.8°C, and daily highs rarely rise above 3.4°C. Conversely, the peak of summer heat falls on July, with an average temperature of 24.1°C. During the day, the air warms up on average to 28.6°C, and at night cools down to a comfortable 19.6°C.

Summer months in Columbus, from June to August, are characterised by stable warm, and sometimes hot weather. In June, the average temperature holds at the 21.9°C mark, with daily highs around 26.7°C and night lows around 17.1°C. July, as already mentioned, is the hottest, and in August the heat subsides slightly, with an average temperature of 23.1°C (maximum 27.6°C, minimum 18.5°C). Such conditions are perfectly suitable for various outdoor activities, however, it is worth being prepared for sufficiently high daytime temperatures.

The winter period, covering December, January, and February, brings real winter coolness to Columbus. In December, the average temperature is 2.8°C (minimum -0.9°C, maximum 6.5°C), and in February it is slightly warmer – on average 2.1°C (minimum -2.5°C, maximum 6.7°C). January stands out with the lowest figures. It is important to note that Columbus is characterised by noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations throughout the year: the difference between daily highs and night lows is often between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius, which should be taken into account when planning your wardrobe.

Precipitation in Columbus is an integral part of the climate throughout the year, although its intensity and frequency demonstrate certain seasonal fluctuations. The city is not characterised by a pronounced rainy season or long dry periods; rather, the number of days with precipitation and its volume vary from month to month. In general, travellers should be prepared for frequent, but usually not excessively heavy precipitation.

The highest number of days with precipitation is observed in the spring-summer period. May is the leader in this indicator, counting on average 15 days with precipitation, followed by June and July with 14 rainy days. In these months, as well as in February, March, and April, the maximum monthly amount of precipitation falls – about 4 mm. The "driest" month in terms of precipitation amount (only 2 mm) is October, while September is distinguished by the fewest days with precipitation – on average only 9 days.

The nature of precipitation changes depending on the season. In the winter months – December, January and February – when average temperatures hover around zero or drop lower (for example, in January the average temperature is -0.2°C), precipitation often falls in the form of snow or wet snow. During this period, there are usually between 11 and 12 days with precipitation. In spring and summer, it is predominantly rain. Despite the fact that in May, June and July the number of days with precipitation is high (14-15 days), the relatively small total amount of millimetres (4 mm) indicates that these are likely frequent, but not too heavy or short-lived rains. In autumn, the intensity and frequency of rains gradually decrease, preparing the city for the arrival of winter.

When planning a trip to Columbus, it is important to prepare for the changeable weather characteristic of this region of the USA. The key principle when packing should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature fluctuations during the day, as well as to the change of seasons. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to take comfortable shoes for long walks, as the city is conducive to on-foot exploration. Considering that precipitation in the form of rain or snow is possible practically all year round (from 9 to 15 days with precipitation per month), a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become your reliable companions.

If your trip falls during the cold period, from November to March, when average temperatures can drop to -0.2°C in January (with lows down to -3.8°C), pay special attention to warm clothing. You will need: a warm winter jacket or coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and possibly thermal underwear. Waterproof shoes will also be very useful, especially in the winter months when snow is possible. For the off-season (April, May, October), a mid-season jacket, sweaters, jeans, and closed shoes are suitable. Even in these months, evenings can be cool, so a light extra layer of clothing will not hurt.

For a summer visit to Columbus (June-August), when average temperatures reach 22-24°C (with highs up to 28.6°C), choose light and breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sandals. Be sure to take sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the active summer sun. Despite the daytime warmth, evenings can be a bit cooler, or air conditioners indoors can create a noticeable temperature difference, so a light sweater, cardigan, or thin jacket will come in handy even in summer. Remember that even in the warmest months, rains are possible, so an umbrella remains relevant.