Columbus Weather

Columbus has a mild, temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The area is generally hot and humid in the summer and cold and dry during the winter season. The weather can be changeable, and is influenced by air masses from central and southwest Canada.

Summer

In spite of the summer's humidity, there's more to do in Columbus in summer than during any other season. The locals are usually keen to get outdoors following a harsh winter and an often wet spring. The temperatures start to rise significantly by June, and by July and August it can be hot and sticky. August usually has the hottest weather, when temperatures are frequently in the 90s (°C). The humidity can be extremely high, making it feel a lot hotter than it is.

Winter

As in the rest of the Great Lakes region, winters in Columbus can be harsh, with icy winds, plenty of snow and night-time temperatures plummeting well below zero. The first freeze of the year is usually in mid-October and the last freeze around mid-April. If you are visiting during the winter, expect at least a couple of surprise snowstorms or ice storms. The farther north you go, the colder, windier and snowier it gets, mainly due to the presence of Lake Erie. There is an annual average snowfall of 28 inches.

Spring and autumn
The weather in spring and autumn can be enjoyable, but watch out for rain and chilly conditions during April and May. Autumn can often be the most pleasant time to visit when the days are usually quite warm and the parks are full of colour. It's also a good time for outdoor activities.

Average Temperature (°C)

30 22 15 8 0

Jan -3.1

Feb -1.3

Mar 4.9

Apr 10.5

May 16.2

Jun 20.6

Jul 22.8

Aug 21.9

Sep 18.6

Oct 12.0

Nov 6.0

Dec 0.0

Rainfall (mm)

120 90 60 30 0

Jan 70.1

Feb 58.3

Mar 78.8

Apr 86.5

May 96.2

Jun 100.1

Jul 116.8

Aug 86.4

Sep 67.0

Oct 54.0

Nov 76.2

Dec 68.2