Columbus, OH Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Columbus has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters typical of the Midwest.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Columbus Climate Overview
Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms. Cold winters with moderate snowfall.
Severe weather possible in spring. Variable weather patterns common throughout the year.
Columbus Weather by Season
spring
Spring warms from the 50s°F in March to the 70s°F by May. Rain is frequent and severe weather begins to pop up by late April.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the mid-80s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in June and July.
fall
Fall is Columbus's standout season — cool, sunny, dry days in the 60s-70s°F with beautiful foliage across central Ohio.
winter
Winters are cold and cloudy with highs in the upper 30s°F. Snow is moderate (about 22 inches per year) and ice storms are the biggest winter hazard.
Columbus Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37° | 41° | 51° | 63° | 73° | 82° | 85° | 83° | 77° | 65° | 52° | 40° |
| Low °F | 21° | 23° | 31° | 41° | 51° | 60° | 64° | 63° | 55° | 43° | 34° | 25° |
Best Time to Visit Columbus
Late April through June and September through October. Both deliver mild temperatures, manageable humidity, and minimal storm risk.
Severe Weather Risks
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Ice storms
- Flash flooding
- Polar vortex outbreaks
Weather Facts About Columbus
- >Columbus is one of the cloudiest major cities in the US, averaging over 175 cloudy days per year.
- >The city sits in a low-tornado zone compared to Indianapolis, but severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are common.
- >Annual snowfall averages about 22 inches, much less than Cleveland to the north.
Columbus Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Columbus?
Late April through early June or September through October. Mild temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain. OSU home football games make fall weekends especially popular.
How cold does Columbus get?
Average winter highs are in the upper 30s°F with lows in the 20s°F. Polar vortex events can drop temperatures below zero, though extended deep cold is less common than further north.
Does Columbus get tornadoes?
Yes but less often than Indianapolis. Central Ohio sees occasional severe weather outbreaks each spring and summer. Ice storms are the more common winter hazard.
Is Columbus always cloudy?
Close to it. The city averages 175+ cloudy days per year, especially November through March. Summer brings more sunshine but also more humidity.