Birmingham, AL Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Birmingham
Weather in Birmingham is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 89°F (32°C), while January highs hover near 53°F (12°C). Annual precipitation averages 54.6 inches (1388 mm) over about 134 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 89°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 53°F (12°C)
- Record high: 99°F (37°C) · Record low: 6°F (-14°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: March (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 89°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 72°F (22°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 53°F (12°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 99°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 6°F (-14°C).
Rain, sun and snow
March is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.9 inches (151 mm) of rain over 13 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53° | 36° | 10 | 5.0 in | 6.8 h/day | 71% |
| February | 60° | 41° | 12 | 5.9 in | 6.7 h/day | 73% |
| March | 66° | 47° | 13 | 5.9 in | 8.3 h/day | 71% |
| April | 72° | 52° | 11 | 5.1 in | 10.0 h/day | 69% |
| May | 81° | 62° | 10 | 3.7 in | 11.3 h/day | 70% |
| June | 87° | 69° | 13 | 4.8 in | 11.6 h/day | 72% |
| July | 89° | 72° | 16 | 4.6 in | 11.7 h/day | 75% |
| August | 89° | 72° | 14 | 4.5 in | 10.8 h/day | 73% |
| September | 85° | 67° | 8 | 3.4 in | 10.3 h/day | 69% |
| October | 76° | 57° | 6 | 3.6 in | 9.1 h/day | 67% |
| November | 65° | 46° | 8 | 3.3 in | 7.9 h/day | 70% |
| December | 58° | 42° | 11 | 4.8 in | 6.3 h/day | 75% |
Birmingham month by month
Birmingham weather in January
January brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Birmingham.
Birmingham weather in February
February brings highs around 60°F (15°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 12 wet days.
Birmingham weather in March
March brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Birmingham.
Birmingham weather in April
April brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 11 wet days.
Birmingham weather in May
May brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 10 wet days.
Birmingham weather in June
June brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 13 wet days.
Birmingham weather in July
July brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 16 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Birmingham.
Birmingham weather in August
August brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 14 wet days.
Birmingham weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 8 wet days.
Birmingham weather in October
October brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 6 wet days.
Birmingham weather in November
November brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Birmingham.
Birmingham weather in December
December brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), about 11 wet days.
Seasons in Birmingham
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Birmingham is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 73°F (23°C) and nights around 54°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Birmingham runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 71°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 44 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Birmingham brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Birmingham stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 57°F (14°C) and nights around 40°F (4°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Birmingham?
Is Birmingham hot in summer?
Is Birmingham cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Birmingham get in a year?
Best time to visit Birmingham
The best time to visit Birmingham is generally April to May and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).
Pack for Birmingham with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 72°F (22°C).
Birmingham temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.