Columbia, SC Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Columbia
Located in South Carolina, United States, Columbia experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 92°F (33°C) in July and dip to about 56°F (13°C) in January, with around 46.8 inches (1188 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 92°F (33°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 56°F (13°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: 15°F (-10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: December (10 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 92°F (33°C) and overnight lows stay near 74°F (23°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows around 38°F (3°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as 15°F (-10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
December is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.0 inches (126 mm) of rain over 10 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 | 56° | 38° | 10 | 4.2 in | 7.1 h/day | 71% |
| February | 61° | 42° | 9 | 3.6 in | 7.5 h/day | 71% |
| March | 68° | 47° | 10 | 3.4 in | 8.2 h/day | 66% |
| April | 76° | 53° | 8 | 3.8 in | 10.4 h/day | 62% |
| May | 83° | 62° | 10 | 3.9 in | 10.8 h/day | 66% |
| June | 89° | 70° | 12 | 3.4 in | 11.6 h/day | 69% |
| July | 92° | 74° | 15 | 4.4 in | 11.7 h/day | 71% |
| August | 89° | 72° | 14 | 4.6 in | 11.0 h/day | 74% |
| September | 85° | 67° | 10 | 4.4 in | 10.0 h/day | 72% |
| October | 76° | 57° | 6 | 3.4 in | 9.1 h/day | 73% |
| November | 65° | 47° | 8 | 2.9 in | 7.8 h/day | 71% |
| December | 59° | 42° | 10 | 5.0 in | 6.5 h/day | 75% |
Columbia month by month
Columbia weather in January
January brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Columbia.
Columbia weather in February
February brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 9 wet days.
Columbia weather in March
March brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 10 wet days.
Columbia weather in April
April brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 8 wet days.
Columbia weather in May
May brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 10 wet days.
Columbia weather in June
June brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 12 wet days.
Columbia weather in July
July brings highs around 92°F (33°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Columbia.
Columbia weather in August
August brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 14 wet days.
Columbia weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 10 wet days.
Columbia weather in October
October brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 6 wet days.
Columbia weather in November
November brings highs around 65°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Columbia.
Columbia weather in December
December brings highs around 59°F (15°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 10 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Columbia.
Seasons in Columbia
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Columbia brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 54°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Columbia brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 90°F (32°C) and nights around 72°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 40 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 Columbia is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Columbia is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 59°F (15°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Columbia?
Is Columbia hot in summer?
Is Columbia cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Columbia get in a year?
Best time to visit Columbia
The best time to visit Columbia is generally February 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 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Columbia 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 74°F (23°C).
Columbia temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.