Weather in Jackson, Mississippi
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—85°69°
- SundayMay 17Overcast19%86°65°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle14%85°73°
- TuesdayMay 19Drizzle50%89°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers60%86°70°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Showers61%87°67°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle69%90°69°
- PM 2.5
- 5.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 6.5 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.4 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 80.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:16 AM
- Moonset
- 1:15 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Jackson at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 10°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 1 (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 Jackson's warmest temperatures (~83°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~47°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in April (5.3 inches) and drops to its lowest point in September (3.3 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 5.1″ | 7 |
| February | 51° | 4.4″ | 7 |
| March | 59° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| April | 66° | 5.3″ | 5 |
| May | 74° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| June | 80° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| July | 83° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| August | 83° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| September | 78° | 3.3″ | 5 |
| October | 67° | 3.6″ | 4 |
| November | 56° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| December | 50° | 4.7″ | 7 |
Regional context
Jackson belongs to a humid subtropical climate region — sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this cohort.
Similar climates: Gulfport, MS, Hattiesburg, MS, Southaven, MS, Biloxi, MS, Olive Branch, MS.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak migration of indigo buntings through central Mississippi, their electric blue males singing from power lines and forest edges.
By mid-April, southern magnolia buds begin swelling throughout Jackson's neighborhoods, preparing for their creamy white blooms that will open in early summer.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Jackson?
- Jackson's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Jackson?
- April is the wettest month with about 5.3 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 51 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Jackson?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 83°F.
- What is the coldest month in Jackson?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 47°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Jackson?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Jackson get?
- Jackson averages about 74 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Jackson?
- Jackson's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Jackson, Mississippi experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 47°F while July averages 83°F — a 35°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Jackson receives about 51 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 74 rainy days.
Latitude (32.3°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation determine the city's yearly rhythm — shaping what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather patterns.