Weather in Columbia, South Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—88°54°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—93°67°
- MondayMay 18Clear—92°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—92°62°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast11%91°65°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast67%93°67°
- FridayMay 22Overcast67%91°67°
- PM 2.5
- 11.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.2 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 95.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:33 AM
- Moonset
- 12:41 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Columbia at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 76°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: March 11 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July stands as Columbia's warmest month with average temperatures around 82°F, while January brings the coldest conditions at roughly 45°F. Precipitation follows its own seasonal pattern, peaking in August at 4.7 inches and reaching its lowest point in November with 3.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| February | 48° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| March | 55° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| April | 63° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| May | 71° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| June | 78° | 4.4″ | 8 |
| July | 82° | 4.7″ | 8 |
| August | 80° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| September | 75° | 4.6″ | 6 |
| October | 64° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| November | 54° | 3.0″ | 4 |
| December | 48° | 4.1″ | 6 |
Regional context
Columbia belongs to the humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climatic zone.
Similar climates: Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Rock Hill, SC, Spartanburg, SC.
Naturalist notes
Late April brings the peak migration of wood warblers through Columbia's area, with dozens of species passing through during their northward journey.
Cherokee roses typically reach full bloom in May, their white petals opening as temperatures consistently warm.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Columbia?
- Columbia's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-March, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Columbia?
- August records the highest rainfall with approximately 4.7 inches on average; the city's annual total reaches roughly 46 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Columbia?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Columbia?
- January usually delivers the coldest weather, averaging about 45°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Columbia?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March; warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Columbia get?
- Columbia experiences about 75 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Columbia?
- Columbia's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Columbia, South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 45°F, while July brings averages of 82°F — creating a 37°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 46 inches, distributed across roughly 75 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors determine the city's weather patterns: its latitude at 34.0°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements combine to influence local plant growth, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.