Climate of Alabama

Alabama‘s climate is warm and humid, with hot summers, mild winters and plentiful rain. The Gulf of Mexico supplies moisture and moderates coastal temperatures, and the southern half of the state is slightly warmer than the north [1]. The growing season runs from about 200 days a year in the north to about 250 in the south.

Temperatures

Montgomery’s average minimum in January is about 35.8°F and its average maximum in July about 93°F. Mobile’s January average minimum is about 39.9°F, versus about 29.3°F in Huntsville, while Mobile’s July average maximum is about 91.2°F versus 86.5°F in Huntsville. The record high and low listed by the Encyclopedia of Alabama “appear to be” 112°F and -27°F [1].

Seasons and rainfall

Warm, moist Gulf air dominates summer. From autumn through spring, cold fronts cross the state roughly once a week, usually bringing heavy rain followed by cold, dry air. Rainfall is heaviest in the south. Day length in Montgomery ranges from about 10 hours in December to 14 in June [1].

Snow

Snow is more common in the north but rare statewide. The record 24-hour snowfall is 13 inches at Birmingham on March 12-13, 1993 [1].

Hurricanes

The hurricane season runs from May to October and peaks in September. Tropical cyclones affect Alabama about once every 1.5 years, hurricanes about once every 7.5 years, and hurricanes make landfall on the coast about once every 16 years. Hurricane Frederic (Category 4) crossed Dauphin Island on September 12, 1979, with about $1.4 billion in damage, and Hurricane Ivan (Category 3) made landfall at Gulf Shores on September 15, 2004, with about $3 billion in damage [1]. See Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Severe storms

Alabama also has two tornado seasons, in spring and in November. For the full story of storms and outbreaks see Dixie Alley [1]. For the larger setting, see Geography of Alabama.

Climate type and temperatures

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate under the Koppen system, with mild winters, hot summers and year-round precipitation. Montgomery averages about 35.8 F for January minimum and 93 F for July maximum, Mobile 39.9 F and 91.2 F, and Huntsville 29.3 F and 86.5 F. The state record high is 112 F at Centreville on September 5, 1925, and the record low is -27 F at New Market on January 30, 1966.[2]

Rainfall and growing season

Precipitation is higher in the south, with Mobile averaging up to 65.9 inches and Huntsville 57.0 inches. The growing season is about 200 days in the north and 250 in the south, and the Gulf of Mexico supplies moisture and moderates coastal temperatures.[2]

Severe weather

Alabama averages about 20 tornadoes a year, most often in March, April and November, with hotspots around Birmingham and Mobile. The April 27, 2011 outbreak killed 238 people in the state, and the April 3-4, 1974 outbreak produced F5 tornadoes at Tanner and Guin. Hurricane season runs May to October, peaking in September; hurricanes affect Alabama about every 7.5 years, with Frederic (1979) causing about .4 billion in damage and Ivan (2004) about billion. Snow is rare, with a record 13 inches in 24 hours at Birmingham on March 12-13, 1993.[2]

FAQs

What is Alabama’s record high? 112°F at Centreville in 1925.

What is the record low? -27°F at New Market in 1966.

How long is the growing season? About 200 days in the north to 250 in the south.

When is hurricane season? May to October, peaking in September.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Alabama’s Climate
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Alabama Climate

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue