Columbia (MD) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Columbia.
Climate overview of Columbia
Columbia, Maryland, United States of America, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with July peaking at 31°C (88°F) and January dropping to 6°C (43°F).
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1233 mm (49 in) per year. October is the wettest month and November the driest. The city also experiences very warm summers and cold winters. The most sunshine falls in June, with an average of 9.4 hours of daily sunshine.
Columbia Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Columbia - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Columbia
Visitors to Columbia can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 31°C (88°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 6°C (43°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) in July to around -4°C (25°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Columbia
Columbia is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1233 mm (49 in). While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. October brings wetter days averaging 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation, spread over 10 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month November experiences a drier climate, with about 74 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall spread across 9 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Columbia Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Columbia
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Columbia. While June receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 9.4 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 4.3 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Columbia by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Columbia.
The city experiences its highest humidity in August, reaching 69%. In March, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 58%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Columbia
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: May, June, September and October
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: June and July
- Seasonal pattern: Very warm summers and cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -4°C (25°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Columbia
What is the best time to visit Columbia?
May, June, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Columbia. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Columbia has very warm summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Columbia?
Daytime highs range from 6°C (43°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -4°C (25°F) to 19°C (66°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Columbia get?
Annual rainfall is around 1233 mm (49 in). October is the wettest month with 140 mm (5.5 in), while November is the driest with 74 mm (2.9 in).
How sunny is Columbia?
Columbia receives around 2,520 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 282 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 130 hours. Overall, Columbia enjoys abundant sunshine.
Columbia 3-Day Forecast
Columbia (MD) 3-Day Forecast
Columbia on the map
Columbia is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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