Columbus, OH Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Columbus
Weather in Columbus is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 84°F (29°C), while January highs hover near 38°F (3°C). Annual precipitation averages 47.1 inches (1196 mm) over about 138 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 38°F (3°C)
- Record high: 95°F (35°C) · Record low: -19°F (-28°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 12 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 84°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 67°F (19°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 38°F (3°C) and lows around 23°F (-5°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 95°F (35°C) and dropped as low as -19°F (-28°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.9 inches (124 mm) of rain over 13 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.8 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 12 days in a typical year, mostly from November through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 23° | 11 | 3.6 in | 5.0 h/day | 72% |
| February | 43° | 25° | 11 | 3.7 in | 6.5 h/day | 70% |
| March | 52° | 33° | 12 | 4.5 in | 7.4 h/day | 68% |
| April | 62° | 42° | 14 | 4.5 in | 9.0 h/day | 67% |
| May | 73° | 54° | 14 | 4.5 in | 10.0 h/day | 71% |
| June | 81° | 62° | 13 | 4.9 in | 11.7 h/day | 70% |
| July | 84° | 67° | 13 | 4.6 in | 11.8 h/day | 73% |
| August | 83° | 65° | 12 | 3.9 in | 11.1 h/day | 73% |
| September | 79° | 60° | 9 | 3.2 in | 9.9 h/day | 70% |
| October | 66° | 48° | 9 | 3.2 in | 8.0 h/day | 71% |
| November | 52° | 36° | 8 | 3.1 in | 6.4 h/day | 71% |
| December | 44° | 29° | 11 | 3.4 in | 4.9 h/day | 75% |
Columbus month by month
Columbus weather in January
January brings highs around 38°F (3°C), lows near 23°F (-5°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Columbus.
Columbus weather in February
February brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 25°F (-4°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Columbus weather in March
March brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Columbus weather in April
April brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), about 14 wet days.
Columbus weather in May
May brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 14 wet days.
Columbus weather in June
June brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Columbus.
Columbus weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 13 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Columbus.
Columbus weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 12 wet days.
Columbus weather in September
September brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 9 wet days.
Columbus weather in October
October brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 9 wet days.
Columbus weather in November
November brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Columbus.
Columbus weather in December
December brings highs around 44°F (7°C), lows near 29°F (-1°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Seasons in Columbus
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Columbus stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Columbus brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 38 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 Columbus is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 26 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Columbus is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 42°F (5°C) and nights around 26°F (-3°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season, plus around 9 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Columbus?
Is Columbus hot in summer?
Is Columbus cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Columbus get in a year?
Best time to visit Columbus
The best time to visit Columbus is generally April to September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 77°F (25°C).
Pack for Columbus with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 67°F (19°C).
Columbus temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.