Weather in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—86°58°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—88°64°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—89°65°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast11%91°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers57%85°67°
- ThursdayMay 21Heavy Drizzle57%90°67°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle57%89°67°
- PM 2.5
- 7.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.8 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 91.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:02 AM
- Moonset
- 1:06 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Tuscaloosa at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 7°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 6 (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 Tuscaloosa's warmest temperatures (~82°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~46°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in February (5.6 inches) and drops to its lowest point in September (3.5 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46° | 5.1″ | 7 |
| February | 50° | 5.6″ | 8 |
| March | 57° | 5.5″ | 8 |
| April | 64° | 5.4″ | 7 |
| May | 72° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| June | 79° | 5.3″ | 7 |
| July | 82° | 4.9″ | 7 |
| August | 81° | 4.2″ | 8 |
| September | 76° | 3.5″ | 4 |
| October | 65° | 3.6″ | 5 |
| November | 54° | 4.8″ | 5 |
| December | 48° | 5.2″ | 8 |
Regional context
Tuscaloosa falls within a humid subtropical climate region — sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, Mobile, AL, Montgomery, AL, Auburn, AL.
Naturalist notes
Mid-May brings the return of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Tuscaloosa's gardens and woodlands.
Dogwood trees typically reach peak bloom in early April throughout the area.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Tuscaloosa?
- Tuscaloosa's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-March, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Tuscaloosa?
- February stands as the wettest month with about 5.6 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 57 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Tuscaloosa?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Tuscaloosa?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 46°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Tuscaloosa?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Tuscaloosa get?
- Tuscaloosa experiences about 79 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Tuscaloosa?
- Tuscaloosa's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Tuscaloosa, Alabama experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 46°F while July averages 82°F — a 36°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Tuscaloosa receives about 57 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 79 rainy days.
Latitude (33.2°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation determine the yearly rhythm — shaping what grows here, when frost arrives, and daily weather patterns.