Columbus - When to Visit

When to Columbus

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Columbus Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -9°C 2°C 13°C 24°C 35°C Rainfall (mm) 0 59 119 Jan Jan: 2.0°C high, -4.0°C low, 89mm rain Feb Feb: 8.0°C high, -2.0°C low, 61mm rain Mar Mar: 13.0°C high, 1.0°C low, 102mm rain Apr Apr: 18.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 119mm rain May May: 23.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 104mm rain Jun Jun: 28.0°C high, 16.0°C low, 86mm rain Jul Jul: 30.0°C high, 19.0°C low, 109mm rain Aug Aug: 28.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 74mm rain Sep Sep: 26.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 48mm rain Oct Oct: 20.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 43mm rain Nov Nov: 12.0°C high, 1.0°C low, 66mm rain Dec Dec: 6.0°C high, -1.0°C low, 79mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Columbus experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold winters. The city sees its warmest temperatures from June through August, with July being the hottest month reaching highs of 86°F, while winter months from December through February are quite cold with January lows dropping to 24°F. Precipitation is fairly well-distributed throughout the year, with spring months (March-May) receiving the most rainfall, particularly April with 4.7 inches, while late summer and early fall (September-October) tend to be the driest periods. The consistent 70% humidity year-round contributes to the muggy feel during summer months and can make winter temperatures feel more biting, making shoulder seasons particularly pleasant for outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
June through August offer the warmest temperatures (82-86°F highs) ideal for outdoor relaxation, though humidity remains high at 70% throughout.
Cultural Exploration
May and September-October provide comfortable temperatures (68-78°F) with lower rainfall, perfect for walking tours and outdoor cultural activities.
Adventure & Hiking
Late spring (May) and early fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and the lowest rainfall of the year.
Budget Travel
Winter months (December-February) typically offer the best deals due to cold temperatures, though indoor attractions remain accessible.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is the coldest month in Columbus with frigid temperatures and moderate precipitation. Expect bundled-up weather with highs barely reaching 35°F and overnight lows dropping to 24°F. Indoor activities are preferred during this winter month.

35°F High
24°F Low
3.5 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February begins to show slight warming trends but remains quite cold with highs of 46°F. This is typically the driest winter month with only 2.4 inches of rainfall. Late winter activities and indoor attractions are still the focus.

46°F High
28°F Low
2.4 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of spring with more noticeable warming and highs reaching 55°F. Rainfall increases to 4.0 inches as spring weather patterns develop. It's a transitional month with variable conditions.

55°F High
33°F Low
4.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April brings pleasant spring weather with comfortable highs of 64°F, though it's the wettest month with 4.7 inches of rainfall. Spring blooms are at their peak, making it beautiful despite the frequent showers.

64°F High
42°F Low
4.7 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

May offers some of the most pleasant weather of the year with warm 73°F highs and mild 51°F lows. Rainfall decreases slightly to 4.1 inches, making it excellent for outdoor activities and events.

73°F High
51°F Low
4.1 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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June

June ushers in summer with warm 82°F highs and comfortable 60°F lows. Rainfall drops to 3.4 inches, making it great for outdoor festivals and activities. The weather is consistently warm and pleasant.

82°F High
60°F Low
3.4 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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July

July is the hottest month with peak summer temperatures reaching 86°F highs. Despite increased rainfall of 4.3 inches, the warm weather makes it prime time for outdoor events and summer activities.

86°F High
66°F Low
4.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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August

August remains hot with 82°F highs but sees decreased rainfall at 2.9 inches. The combination of warm temperatures and relatively lower precipitation makes it excellent for late summer activities and events.

82°F High
62°F Low
2.9 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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September

September brings ideal early fall weather with comfortable 78°F highs and the year's lowest rainfall at just 1.9 inches. This is one of the best months for outdoor activities with pleasant temperatures and minimal precipitation.

78°F High
57°F Low
1.9 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

October offers beautiful fall weather with mild 68°F highs and continues the dry trend with only 1.7 inches of rainfall. Fall foliage and comfortable temperatures make this an excellent month for outdoor exploration.

68°F High
44°F Low
1.7 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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November

November marks the transition to winter with cooler 53°F highs and increasing rainfall to 2.6 inches. Late fall activities are still possible, though warmer clothing becomes necessary as temperatures drop.

53°F High
33°F Low
2.6 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December brings winter weather with cold 42°F highs and 30°F lows. Rainfall increases to 3.1 inches, often in the form of winter precipitation. Holiday activities and indoor attractions become the main focus.

42°F High
30°F Low
3.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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Activities in Columbus