Climate and monthly weather forecastColumbus, MT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Columbus
Columbus, Montana, is predominantly classified under the BSk or Mid-latitude steppe in the Köppen climate classification. This climate type corresponds to semi-arid conditions; the area is not quite a desert, but still experiences significantly low annual rainfall. Geographically, Columbus is situated in a region that witnesses contrasting weather conditions throughout the year.Weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall, display notable fluctuations as the seasons shift. The highest average temperatures are observed in July, reaching up to 82.6°F (28.1°C), while the lowest temperatures, dropping to 17.4°F (-8.1°C), are reported in February. This stark contrast exhibits the extreme weather divergence in Columbus. Apart from temperature, the relative humidity percentage oscillates between 41% (August) and 76% (January), indicating the wide-ranging atmospheric moisture levels.
Rainfall varies from 0.63" (16mm) in January to 2.6" (66mm) in May, throughout the year. However, rainfall does not dictate the entire precipitation - the region also experiences snowfall, with December and January seeing the most considerable snow accumulation of 5.2" (132mm) each. In terms of sunlight, the city enjoys between 6.2 to 12 hours a day, with the longest sunlight hours observed from June to August. Cumulatively, these factors underscore the diverse climatic characteristics of Columbus.
The best time to visit Columbus
Considering weather parameters like temperature, sunshine hours, and precipitation, the most favorable time to visit Columbus would be between June and August. The temperature during this period ranges from 72.7°F (22.6°C) to 82.6°F (28.1°C), providing warm and enjoyable weather for outdoor activities. In addition, these months showcase the highest amount of sunshine hours, extending up to 15.6 hours a day in June. Simultaneously, the rainfall remains relatively low, hovering around 1.85" (47mm) in June, decreasing to 0.75" (19mm) in July.The worst time to visit Columbus
Conversely, the least favorable period in terms of weather conditions in Columbus would likely be the winter months, from December to February. During this time, the temperature can drop to as low as 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in February. The snowfall peaks in these months as well, reaching up to 7.36" (187mm) in February, which could result in unfavorable conditions for travel and outdoor activities. Besides, daylight hours are notably shorter during this period, reducing to 8.8 hours a day in December.Spring weather in Columbus
Spring in Columbus is marked by moderate temperatures and increasing rainfall. From March to May, temperatures gradually rise from 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 61°F (16.1°C). Concurrently, the rainfall shows an upward trend, starting from 1.34" (34mm) in March and reaching its annual peak of 2.6" (66mm) in May. The snowfall decreases significantly in this period, with negligible amounts registered in May.Summer weather in Columbus
The summer months in Columbus are characterized by warm temperatures, extended sunshine hours, and reduced rainfall. From June to August, the temperature fluctuates between 72.7°F (22.6°C) and 82.6°F (28.1°C), making it the warmest period of the year. The rainfall reduces after the spring peak, stabilizing from 1.85" (47mm) in June to 0.71" (18mm) in August. Residual snowfall does not occur during this period.Autumn weather in Columbus
Autumn in Columbus exhibits a gradual decline in temperatures and minimal rainfall. The period from September to November sees temperatures fall from 72°F (22.2°C) to 42.3°F (5.7°C). The rainfall marginally increases, from 0.79" (20mm) in September to 1.06" (27mm) in November. Snowfall starts reappearing from November, with an average accumulation of 5.59" (142mm).Winter weather in Columbus
Winter in Columbus is marked by the lowest temperatures and the highest snowfall of the year. The period from December to February sees temperatures sink to 19°F (-7.2°C) in December and further decline to the annual low of 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in February. Snowfall is frequent in these months, with December and January both reporting a peak snowfall of 5.2" (132mm). Despite the decline in temperature, the rainfall exhibits a downward trend, falling from 0.71" (18mm) in December to 0.63" (16mm) in February.Weather in January
In January, the weather in Columbus, Montana, is characterized by cold and snowing conditions, a distinct departure from the weather observed in December. Snowfall is a significant 4.49" (114mm), recording the highest level of snowfall since December. Weather in January »Weather in February
Columbus, Montana, undergoes marginally milder weather conditions in February compared to January. The most significant weather event in this month is the observed snowfall at 7.36" (187mm), with the month seeing the second-highest amount of snowfall in the year. Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in March in Columbus, Montana, starts showing signs of Spring, diverging from the conditions experienced in February. March records a precipitation level of 1.34" (34mm); a significant increase from the previous month. Weather in March »Weather in April
April marks the transition from winter to spring in Columbus, Montana, with weather conditions distinctly different from those in March. The weather characteristics of this month include a snowfall of 5.2" (132mm), and rainfall totals of 1.97" (50mm). Weather in April »Weather in May
Weather in Columbus, Montana, in May indicates clear signs of transition from spring to summer compared to April. May experiences a rainfall peak of 2.6" (66mm), standing as the wettest month of the year. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but the majority of the days are warm - a testament to the impending summer. Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in Columbus, Montana, with drastic changes from the weather conditions experienced in May. Relative humidity dips to 56%, offering dry and sunny days throughout the month. The increase in temperature results in an upsurge in outdoor activities. Weather in June »Weather in July
In July, Columbus, Montana, experiences the peak of summer, with a shift from the traditional weather conditions of June. Notably, the month hosts the highest recorded temperature at a peak of 82.6°F (28.1°C), making it the warmest month of the year. Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in Columbus, Montana, signals the end of summer, closely replicating the conditions of July. The month records a high temperature of 81.1°F (27.3°C), almost matching its predecessor. Outdoor activities continue to peak, fueled by the ongoing warm temperatures. Weather in August »Weather in September
September in Columbus, Montana, marks the transition from summer to autumn, deviating from the weather patterns of August. The month sees a rainfall of around 0.79" (20mm), indicating the commencement of the anticipated fall season. Weather in September »Weather in October
October brings with it autumn in Columbus, Montana, a significant departure from the weather conditions observed in September. Snowfall reoccurs, markedly ahead of winter, with a recorded snowfall amount of 4.06" (103mm). The temperature drops gradually, and the days get shorter, drawing the curtains to beautiful fall foliage. Weather in October »Weather in November
In November, Columbus, Montana, the weather conditions are reminiscent of early winter, marking a departure from those experienced in October. This month has an increased snowfall to 5.59" (142mm), announcing the arrival of the winter season. Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally, winter in Columbus, Montana, firmly establishes itself in December, following the weather patterns observed in November. December experiences a snowfall of 5.2" (132mm), offering a winter wonderland experience. The cold temperatures and light pressure bring about a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for holiday celebrations. Weather in December »Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 0.63" (16mm) of precipitation.
Throughout the year, there are 125.4 rainfall days, and 14.49" (368mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 63.3 snowfall days, and 39.09" (993mm) of snow is accumulated.
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 13.4 days and typically aggregates up to 7.36" (187mm) of snow.
February and December, with an average of 6.2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 17.5 days and typically aggregates up to 2.6" (66mm) of precipitation.
In Columbus, snow does not fall in June through August.
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 36min of daylight.
July, having an average high-temperature of 82.6°F (28.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 57°F (13.9°C), is the warmest month.
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12h of sunshine.
With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index.
The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 41%.
In Columbus, December is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 30.9°F (-0.6°C) and a low of 17.8°F (-7.9°C).
With an average of 8h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Columbus, MT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (30.9°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (57.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (17.4°F).
Average pressure
Columbus, MT
- Average pressure in January:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.12"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.88"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.15"Hg
The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and December (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).
Average wind speed
Columbus, MT
- Average wind speed in January:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
7.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in May:
7.2mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.9mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.1mph - Average wind speed in September:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in October:
8.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
8.4mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.1mph).
Average humidity
Columbus, MT
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (41%).
Average rainfall
Columbus, MT
- Average rainfall in January:
0.63" - Average rainfall in February:
0.98" - Average rainfall in March:
1.34" - Average rainfall in April:
1.97" - Average rainfall in May:
2.6" - Average rainfall in June:
1.85"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.75" - Average rainfall in August:
0.71" - Average rainfall in September:
0.79" - Average rainfall in October:
1.1" - Average rainfall in November:
1.06" - Average rainfall in December:
0.71"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.6").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.63").
Average rainfall days
Columbus, MT
- Average rainfall days in January:
8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.5 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
7.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
6.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6.7 days).
Average snowfall
Columbus, MT
- Average snowfall in January:
4.49" - Average snowfall in February:
7.36" - Average snowfall in March:
6.06" - Average snowfall in April:
5.2" - Average snowfall in May:
0.91" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (7.36").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Columbus, MT
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
13.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
5.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in October:
3.9 days - Average snowfall days in November:
7.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
11.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (13.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Columbus, MT
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 12min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 24min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 54min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 36min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 18min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 6min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 30min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 48min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 12min - Average sunshine in March:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in April:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 36min
- Average sunshine in July:
12h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 42min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 36min - Average sunshine in December:
6h and 12min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 12h and 0min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 6h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Columbus, MT
- Average sunshine days in January:
16.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
9.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
9.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.6 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
17.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is September (18.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (9.5 days).
Average UV index
Columbus, MT
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Columbus, MT
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 39).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 14).
Average visibility
Columbus, MT
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
