Climate - Birmingham (Alabama)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Birmingham (Alabama)
The climate of Birmingham, the most populous city in Alabama, is humid subtropical, with mild and rainy winters, during which short cold spells can occur, and hot and muggy summers, with many hours of sunshine but also with rains and thunderstorms.
The city is located in the southern United States, 200 meters (650 feet) above sea level.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 7.1 °C (45 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 27.5 °C (82 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Birmingham - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 1.6 | 12.5 | 7.1 | 35 | 54 | 44.7 |
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| February | 3.6 | 15.1 | 9.3 | 38 | 59 | 48.8 |
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| March | 7.2 | 19.5 | 13.4 | 45 | 67 | 56 |
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| April | 11.2 | 23.9 | 17.5 | 52 | 75 | 63.6 |
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| May | 16.1 | 27.8 | 21.9 | 61 | 82 | 71.5 |
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| June | 20.3 | 31.2 | 25.7 | 68 | 88 | 78.3 |
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| July | 22.3 | 32.8 | 27.5 | 72 | 91 | 81.6 |
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| August | 21.8 | 32.6 | 27.2 | 71 | 91 | 80.9 |
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| September | 18.5 | 29.9 | 24.2 | 65 | 86 | 75.6 |
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| October | 12.2 | 24.4 | 18.3 | 54 | 76 | 65 |
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| November | 6.1 | 18.3 | 12.2 | 43 | 65 | 54 |
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| December | 3.3 | 13.8 | 8.6 | 38 | 57 | 47.4 |
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| Year | 12.1 | 23.5 | 17.75 | 53.7 | 74.3 | 64 |
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Precipitation amounts to 1,440 millimeters (56.6 inches) per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from 85 mm (3.3 in) in the driest month (October) to 145 mm (5.7 in) in the wettest (March). Here is the average precipitation.
Birmingham - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
|---|
| January | 130 | 5.1 | 10 |
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| February | 125 | 4.9 | 11 |
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| March | 145 | 5.7 | 11 |
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| April | 130 | 5.1 | 9 |
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| May | 125 | 4.9 | 10 |
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| June | 120 | 4.7 | 11 |
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| July | 140 | 5.5 | 12 |
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| August | 110 | 4.3 | 11 |
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| September | 100 | 3.9 | 7 |
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| October | 85 | 3.3 | 7 |
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| November | 105 | 4.1 | 8 |
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| December | 125 | 4.9 | 10 |
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| Year | 1440 | 56.7 | 118 |
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The winter, from December to February, is mild. There are periods of good weather alternating with periods characterized by clouds and rains. Subtropical air masses can bring temperatures of 18/20 °C (64/68 °F) even in January.
However, intrusions of cold air from Canada can cause sudden drops in temperature and very cold periods, usually of short duration, in which the temperature can drop as low as -10/-12 °C (10/14 °F).
Snow in Birmingham is rare. On average, 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) of snow fall per year, but a few years can pass between one snowfall with accumulation and another. The heaviest snowfall in one day occurred on March 13, 1993, when 26 cm (10.3 in) of snow fell.
Sometimes, the dangerous phenomenon of the "ice storm" (rain that freezes in contact with a cold ground) can also occur.
In recent decades, the cold record was -21 °C (-6 °F), recorded in January 1985.
The summer, from June to August, is hot and muggy, with an often unpleasant combination of temperature and humidity. The sun shines quite often, although cloud coverings can form, which can produce thunderstorms.
On the hottest days of the year, the temperature typically reaches 37/38 °C (99/100 °F). The record is 41 °C (106 °F), recorded in July 1980 and in August 2007.
Occasionally, between late summer and early autumn, Birmingham can be affected by hurricanes or their remnants. Hurricane season runs from June to November, although the period in which they are most likely is from August to October. The city is far enough away from the coast, so in general it is not hit by hurricanes at their maximum strength.
In spring and autumn, from March to May and from September to November, the weather is variable. The rains are quite frequent, although there can be rainless periods of a week. In spring, severe thunderstorms are more likely. In March and November, there can be cold air outbreaks, while in April and October they are rare. In May and September, there can be hot periods, with summer-like temperatures.
In spring, and more rarely in autumn, tornadoes can form. Birmingham is located in a particularly endangered area, the so-called "Dixie Alley".
On average, there are around 2,640 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Birmingham - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
|---|
January | 5 | 150 | February | 5.5 | 160 | March | 7 | 220 | April | 8.5 | 250 | May | 9 | 285 | June | 9.5 | 280 | July | 8.5 | 265 | August | 8.5 | 260 | September | 7.5 | 225 | October | 7.5 | 230 | November | 5.5 | 165 | December | 5 | 155 | Year | 7.2 | 2640 |
Best Time
The best periods to visit Birmingham are spring and autumn, to avoid both the winter cold and the summer heat, and in particular, the months of April and October.
Return to the climate of Alabama.
Birmingham - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 7.1 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 1.6 °C (34.9 °F) and a maximum of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -9 °C (15.5 °F). However, it dropped to -14 °C (6.8 °F) in January 2003.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it reached 25.6 °C (78.1 °F) in January 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
February is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.3 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 3.6 °C (38.4 °F) and a maximum of 15.1 °C (59.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6.5 °C (20.5 °F). However, it dropped to -15.6 °C (3.9 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24 °C (75 °F). However, it reached 28.3 °C (82.9 °F) in February 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 125 mm (4.9 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
March is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.4 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 7.2 °C (45 °F) and a maximum of 19.5 °C (67.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3.5 °C (26 °F). However, it dropped to -11.7 °C (10.9 °F) in March 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82 °F). However, it reached 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in March 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 145 mm (5.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 59% of the time.
The average humidity is 61%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
April is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.5 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 11.2 °C (52.1 °F) and a maximum of 23.9 °C (75 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (35 °F). However, it dropped to -2.8 °C (27 °F) in April 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 32.8 °C (91 °F) in April 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.9 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 16.1 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 27.8 °C (82 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). However, it dropped to 4.4 °C (39.9 °F) in May 2020.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90.5 °F). However, it reached 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) in May 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 125 mm (4.9 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
June is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 25.7 °C (78 °F), with a minimum of 20.3 °C (68.5 °F) and a maximum of 31.2 °C (88.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 14.5 °C (57.5 °F). However, it dropped to 9.4 °C (48.9 °F) in June 1993.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 40 °C (104 °F) in June 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 120 mm (4.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
July, the hottest month of the year, is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 27.5 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 22.3 °C (72.1 °F) and a maximum of 32.8 °C (91 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18 °C (64.5 °F). However, it dropped to 13.9 °C (57 °F) in July 2014.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 40 °C (104 °F) in July 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 140 mm (5.5 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 61% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
August is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 27.2 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 21.8 °C (71.3 °F) and a maximum of 32.6 °C (90.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 11.1 °C (52 °F) in August 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36.5 °C (97.5 °F). However, it reached 41 °C (105.8 °F) in August 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 110 mm (4.3 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
September is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 24.2 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 18.5 °C (65.3 °F) and a maximum of 29.9 °C (85.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it dropped to 5 °C (41 °F) in September 1996.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in September 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
October is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.3 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 12.2 °C (53.9 °F) and a maximum of 24.4 °C (76 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2.5 °C (36.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.2 °C (28 °F) in October 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31 °C (88 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in October 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
November is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12.2 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 6.1 °C (43 °F) and a maximum of 18.3 °C (65 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3.5 °C (26 °F). However, it dropped to -7.8 °C (18 °F) in November 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 31.1 °C (88 °F) in November 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 8.6 °C (47 °F), with a minimum of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) and a maximum of 13.8 °C (56.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6 °C (21 °F). However, it dropped to -11.1 °C (12 °F) in December 2000.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it reached 26.1 °C (79 °F) in December 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 125 mm (4.9 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
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