Weather in Birmingham, Alabama
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:58 AM
- Moonset
- 1:04 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Birmingham at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 8 (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 Birmingham's peak heat with average temperatures around 82°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 45°F. Rain follows its own calendar — March sees the heaviest downpours at 5.7 inches, while October marks the driest period with just 3.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45° | 5.0″ | 7 |
| February | 49° | 5.0″ | 8 |
| March | 56° | 5.7″ | 8 |
| April | 64° | 5.1″ | 6 |
| May | 72° | 4.9″ | 7 |
| June | 78° | 4.8″ | 8 |
| July | 82° | 5.4″ | 8 |
| August | 81° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| September | 76° | 4.0″ | 4 |
| October | 65° | 3.3″ | 5 |
| November | 54° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| December | 47° | 4.9″ | 8 |
Regional context
Birmingham falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Huntsville, AL, Mobile, AL, Montgomery, AL, Tuscaloosa, AL, Auburn, AL.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming period for Southern magnolia trees, their large white flowers opening in succession across the city's residential areas.
By early June, the distinctive calls of Mississippi kites can be heard overhead as these raptors arrive to establish summer territories in Birmingham's wooded neighborhoods.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Birmingham?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-March in Birmingham, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Birmingham?
- March receives the most rainfall, averaging about 5.7 inches, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 57 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Birmingham?
- July typically registers as the warmest month, with average temperatures around 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Birmingham?
- January stands as the coldest month, averaging about 45°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Birmingham?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Birmingham get?
- Birmingham experiences approximately 81 rainy days each year.
- What hardiness zone is Birmingham?
- Birmingham's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city's ZIP code.
Climate
Birmingham, Alabama experiences a humid subtropical climate. January temperatures typically hover near 45°F, while July averages reach 82°F, creating a 37°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 57 inches, distributed across roughly 81 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here follow the city's latitude of 33.5°N, along with its proximity to large water bodies and elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.