Weather in Columbus, Ohio
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Rain82%76°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast38%83°61°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—86°62°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle58%86°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle61%70°55°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast13%66°47°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle26%64°55°
- PM 2.5
- 4.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 4.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 6.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 79.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:20 AM
- Moonset
- 1:09 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Columbus at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 4°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 16 (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
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Columbus's warmest temperatures (~75°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~29°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in May (4.8 inches) and hits its lowest point in February (2.6 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° | 3.1″ | 7 |
| February | 31° | 2.6″ | 9 |
| March | 41° | 3.9″ | 8 |
| April | 53° | 4.0″ | 9 |
| May | 63° | 4.8″ | 10 |
| June | 72° | 4.7″ | 9 |
| July | 75° | 4.3″ | 8 |
| August | 73° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| September | 66° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| October | 55° | 3.2″ | 8 |
| November | 43° | 3.0″ | 7 |
| December | 34° | 3.4″ | 8 |
Regional context
Columbus falls within a humid subtropical climate region. This classification connects the city to nearby areas that share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Cincinnati, OH, Dayton, OH, Middletown, OH, Newark, OH, Springfield, OH.
Naturalist notes
Late April brings the return of chimney swifts to Columbus skies, their chattering calls marking the transition from spring to early summer.
Redbud trees typically bloom in early April, their purple-pink flowers appearing before the leaves unfurl.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Columbus?
- Columbus's last spring frost typically falls around mid-April, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Columbus?
- May is the wettest month with about 4.8 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 45 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Columbus?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in Columbus?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 29°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Columbus?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Columbus get?
- Columbus averages about 95 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Columbus?
- Columbus'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
Columbus, Ohio experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 29°F while July averages 75°F — creating a 46°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Columbus receives about 45 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 95 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude (40.0°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.