Weather in Columbus, Georgia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—85°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast17%91°66°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—91°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—92°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle20%96°70°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Showers42%90°67°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle42%83°67°
- PM 2.5
- 10.9 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 6.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 89.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:53 AM
- Moonset
- 12:54 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Columbus at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 2 (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 brings Columbus's highest temperatures (~81°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~45°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in March (5.2 inches) and drops to its lowest point in October (3.1 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45° | 4.5″ | 15 |
| February | 49° | 4.8″ | 16 |
| March | 56° | 5.2″ | 17 |
| April | 63° | 4.2″ | 14 |
| May | 71° | 3.5″ | 12 |
| June | 78° | 4.5″ | 15 |
| July | 81° | 4.6″ | 15 |
| August | 80° | 4.4″ | 15 |
| September | 75° | 3.5″ | 12 |
| October | 65° | 3.1″ | 10 |
| November | 54° | 4.2″ | 14 |
| December | 48° | 5.2″ | 17 |
Regional context
Columbus falls within a humid subtropical climate region that extends across multiple nearby cities. This climate zone creates similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions throughout the area.
Similar climates: Atlanta, GA, Augusta, GA, Savannah, GA, Gainesville, GA, Macon, GA.
Naturalist notes
Late April brings the return of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Columbus gardens and woodlands.
Southern magnolias begin their fragrant blooming period in May, filling the air with their distinctive scent.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Columbus?
- Columbus typically sees its last spring frost around mid-March, with the first fall frost arriving around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Columbus?
- March stands as the wettest month with about 5.2 inches of rain on average, while the city receives roughly 52 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Columbus?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Columbus?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 45°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Columbus?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-March), while warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Columbus get?
- Columbus experiences about 172 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Columbus?
- Columbus's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Columbus, Georgia experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 45°F while July averages 81°F — creating a 36°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Columbus receives about 52 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 172 rainy days.
Weather patterns here depend on latitude (32.5°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.