Climate in Birmingham AL ⛈ What to Know About Birmingham Weather Monthly

Don't forget about the climate in Birmingham AL! According to the US Census, Birmingham had a population of 200,542 people in 2020. Birmingham is a large city located in northern Alabama, in a mountainous area with rivers, creeks, and valleys. The formal climate in Birmingham AL type is humid subtropical, meaning the city has hot summers, mild winters, and steady rainfall throughout the year.

Birmingham Alabama is known for having sunny summers and severe weather, including severe thunderstorms during the spring and summer. Some people start living in Birmingham to enjoy the warm weather, and others visit Birmingham during the summer, expecting to enjoy sunshine. But before you start moving to Birmingham, you need to know more about Birmingham weather monthly.

It's important to distinguish between the climate in Birmingham AL and the weather. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the climate is the long-term trends in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind that take place in a particular area. The weather is the short-term trends, including patterns by month. If you want a full appreciation of the weather conditions in Birmingham, you need to look at the climate in Birmingham AL and break down Birmingham weather monthly. Here is your guide to the climate in Birmingham AL.

Birmingham Seasons

Birmingham has four distinct seasons, though the average rainfall in Birmingham Alabama is steady across all seasons. The springs are mild and partly cloudy, the summers are hot and very humid, the falls are cool and sunny, and the winters are cold and wet. According to the City of Birmingham, the peak tornado season in Birmingham is from March to May, though there is a secondary tornado season in the fall. However, tornadoes can occur during Birmingham weather year round and during any time of day.

You can start understanding climate in Birmingham AL by breaking down the four seasons in Birmingham. Here is what to know about the spring, summer, autumn, and winter in Birmingham, with climate data from Weather Spark.

Spring in Birmingham

The spring in Birmingham starts in March and ends in May. Springs in Birmingham are relatively comfortable, though you can experience rain showers and humidity, especially as the season progresses. There isn't a formal rainy season in Birmingham, as almost every month has at least seven rainy days and 3.0 inches of rainfall. However, you can experience a lot of rain in the spring climate in Birmingham AL, with roughly 30 rainy days and 13.1 inches of rainfall on average every spring.

The average temperatures increase by roughly 20 degrees from March 1 to June 1. The average temperature in the spring in Birmingham is 62 degrees, with an average high of 72 degrees and an average low of 52.

Plants and flowers bloom in Birmingham during all four seasons, so spring isn't the only blooming season. However, you can see blooming cherry blossoms in the spring at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and other destinations. You can start participating in outdoor activities like hiking and boating at top parks like Red Mountain Park.

Summer in Birmingham

The summer in Birmingham starts in June and ends in August. It's the hottest season of the climate in Birmingham AL, with July being the hottest month of the year. The average high in the summer in Birmingham is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, the average temperature is 79 degrees, and the average low is 69. July has an average high of 90 degrees, an average temperature of 80, and an average low of 72.

The summer months are warm but uncomfortable due to the extremely high humidity. Nearly every day is humid, and roughly 70% of summer days are muggy, oppressive, or miserable. The summer is the rainiest month of the climate in Birmingham AL in terms of rainy days, with 36.0 rainy days on average every year. It has 10.0 inches of rain on average. However, August has the least rainfall in Birmingham weather monthly, with 2.9 inches of rain.

You can beat the heat and go swimming at City of Birmingham pools like Crestwood Park Pool and East Thomas Park Swimming Pool. If it's too hot to be outside, you can go inside to McWane Science Center, which hosts summer camps and other special events throughout the summer.

Fall in Birmingham

The fall in Birmingham starts in September and ends in November. Temperatures decline by roughly 27 degrees from September 1 to November 30. The average high temperature in the fall in Birmingham is 75 degrees, the average temperature is 65, and the average low is 56.

For most people, the autumn is the most comfortable season in the climate in Birmingham AL and the best season to visit Birmingham. It's the sunniest season of the climate in Birmingham AL, with over 60% clear days, 22.4 rainy days, and 10.3 inches of rainfall. Humidity levels drop off significantly in the autumn, with November having only one muggy day on average. You can stay comfortable in a light jacket or windbreaker.

According to WVTM 13, peak foliage occurs in the Birmingham area in late October. You can view the fall leaves at Railroad Park, Ruffner Mountain, and other outdoor destinations in Birmingham and cities near Birmingham AL like Vestavia Hills and Hoover. Ghost tours are very popular in Birmingham in the fall, and you can go on guided tours at night with companies like the Birmingham Historic Touring Company.

Winter in Birmingham

The winter in Birmingham starts in December and ends in February. It's the coldest season of the climate in Birmingham AL, with January being the coldest month with the coldest nights in Birmingham weather monthly. The average high temperature in Birmingham winter weather is 58 degrees, the average temperature is 48 degrees, and the average low is 39 degrees. January has an average high temperature of 54 degrees, an average temperature of 44, and an average low of 36. Freezing temperatures occur on occasion, but the climate in Birmingham AL remains warm and mild relative to the climate in other cities.

Winter is the cloudiest season of the climate in Birmingham AL, with roughly 50% of days being overcast and mostly cloudy. The Birmingham winter weather has 27.4 days of precipitation and 13.5 inches of rainfall, making it the rainiest season by rainfall. 1.8 inches of snow fall in Birmingham during the winter, but the relatively warm temperatures mean that the snow melts quickly. Blizzards, whiteouts, and other harsh weather patterns are not common.

Many outdoor destinations stay open during the winter in Birmingham, so you can continue to visit state and municipal parks, including ones in the best neighborhoods in Birmingham AL. Railroad Park offers Christmas tree lightings and ice skating during the winter, and the Birmingham Zoo offers Glow Wild, with lanterns and lights throughout the zoo.

Birmingham Weather Monthly | Birmingham AL Average Temperatures

Now that you know about the climate in Birmingham AL across seasons, you can start to break down the Birmingham weather monthly. Here are the Birmingham weather averages by month, including the Birmingham AL average temperature for each month.

Birmingham Weather in January

January is the coldest month in Birmingham, with the coldest nights in Birmingham weather monthly. The average high is 54 degrees, the average Birmingham AL temperature is 44, and the average low is 36. It's also the snowiest month, with 1.4 inches of snowfall, and the cloudiest month, with 53% cloudy days. The top thing to do in January in Birmingham is the Birmingham Boat Show, the largest boat show in Alabama.

Birmingham Weather in February

Birmingham weather in February gets slightly warmer, but it remains cold and cloudy. February has an average high of 59 degrees, an average Birmingham AL temperature of 47, and an average low of 39. February is Black History Month, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and other organizations host seminars, film screenings, and other events throughout February.

Birmingham AL Weather in March

February and March are the rainiest months of the climate in Birmingham AL, with each month having 5.0 inches of abundant rainfall. March has an average high of 67 degrees, an average temperature of 55, and an average low of 46. Birmingham AL weather in March is also the windiest month, with an average wind speed of 5.1 miles per hour, so you should wear a windbreaker when going outside. The Annual St. Patrick's Celebration takes place every year in March in Five Points South.

Birmingham Weather in April

Birmingham weather monthly starts to get warm and humid in April. Birmingham weather in April has an average high temperature of 74 degrees, an average temperature of 63, and an average low of 53. The Magic City Art Connection is an annual art festival in April, with over 100 visual artists featured at the festival.

Birmingham Weather in May

Birmingham weather in May is warm and sunny, and you can start to wear short-sleeved shirts without jackets on a regular basis. May has an average high of 81 degrees, an average temperature of 71, and an average low of 61. Do Dah Day is an annual dog-friendly festival that provides funding to local animal charities every May.

Birmingham Weather in June

Birmingham weather in June has an average high of 87 degrees, an average temperature of 77, and an average low of 69. The climate in Birmingham AL can be humid and hot, so you should drink water, wear sunscreen, and wear light clothing. Central Alabama PrideFest is the largest Pride event in Alabama and takes place every June in Birmingham.

Birmingham Weather in July

July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 90, an average temperature of 80, and an average low of 72. It's also the most humid month, with 26.9 muggy days, and it has the most rainy days of any month, with 13.0 rainy days. You should bring an umbrella and a rain jacket on rainy days, though you should wear a short-sleeved shirt due to the humidity in Birmingham weather in July. Thunder on the Mountain is a fireworks display and July 4th celebration at Vulcan Park and Museum.

Birmingham Weather in August

Birmingham weather in August remains very hot and humid. The average high temperature in August is 89 degrees, the average is 80 degrees, and the average low is 71. August has the least rainfall of any month in the climate in Birmingham AL, with 2.9 inches of rain. You can experience 25.0 muggy days in August on average, so you should continue to monitor weather reports and wear light clothes to avoid sweltering conditions. The Sidewalk Film Festival takes place every August at the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema.

Birmingham Weather in September

Birmingham weather in September is when you can begin to experience lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures. The average high is 84 degrees, the average is 74 degrees, and the average low is 65. The Birmingham Artwalk is an art festival in Downtown Birmingham every September.

Birmingham Alabama Weather in October

Birmingham Alabama weather in October is when conditions start to feel cool, so you can start wearing a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket. October is the driest month of the climate in Birmingham AL, with 3.0 inches of rainfall and 6.7 rainy days. It's also the sunniest month, with 66% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. The average high is 75 degrees, the average temperature is 63, and the average low is 54.

The Magic City Classic is the most popular annual event in Birmingham and the largest HBCU event in the country. It's a football game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University that takes place in late October every year.

Birmingham Alabama Weather in November

Birmingham Alabama weather in November can be cold, with a number of rainy and overcast days that bring temperatures down. The average high temperature in November is 65 degrees, the average temperature is 54, and the average low is 45. The Christmas Village Festival is a Christmas-themed festival with vendors offering decorations, holiday gifts, and other festive items.

Birmingham Alabama Weather in December

Birmingham Alabama weather in December is chilly and cloudy, so you should start wearing a coat and a long-sleeved shirt whenever you go outside. The average high temperature is 57 degrees, the average temperature is 46, and the average low is 39. In addition to Glow Wild, you can also attend Alabama Founder Fest in Birmingham.

Annual Birmingham Climate Statistics

• Average number of sunny days: 213
• Birmingham annual rainfall per year: 47.4 inches
• Average snowfall per year: 2.0 inches
• Coldest month: January (average low of 36 degrees)
• Hottest month: July (average high of 90 degrees)
• Driest month: October (3.0 inches of rainfall)
• Wettest month: February and March (5.0 inches of rainfall)
• Rainiest month: July (13.0 rainy days)
• Most humid month: July (26.9 muggy days)
• Snowiest month: January (1.1 inches of snowfall)
• Sunniest month: October (66% sunny days)
• Birmingham record cold temperature: -10 degrees (February 13, 1899)
• Birmingham record high temperature: 107 degrees (July 29, 1930)

Birmingham AL Tornado Season and Extreme Weather in Birmingham

Birmingham can experience several types of severe weather, making the climate in Birmingham AL uncomfortable. According to ABC 33/40, the Birmingham area is a lightning hot spot in Alabama, with Jefferson County recording nearly 48,000 flashes of lightning in 2025 alone. Birmingham experiences severe thunderstorms throughout the year that create lightning, high winds, and substantial downpours.

A thunderstorm can also cause a Birmingham AL tornado. Birmingham has experienced several EF-4 and EF-5 tornadoes, with the most recent one striking in 2011. The 2011 Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado killed 65 people, injured over 1,500 others, and caused over $2 billion in damages.

On rare occasions, Birmingham can experience a tropical storm or a hurricane in the mid- or late summer. According to AL.com, Hurricane Ivan dropped over six inches of rain and knocked over 200 trees in Birmingham in 2004.

Birmingham experiences severe heat on many occasions during the summer. According to Bham Now, Birmingham experienced a heat index of over 105 degrees on at least three days during the summer of 2025.

It's essential that you monitor Birmingham local weather reports and Birmingham tornado warning from organizations like ABC 33/40 throughout the year. You can also visit the website of the Office of Public Information for the City of Birmingham to read extreme weather advisories and advice on severe Birmingham weather monthly.

Best Time to Visit Birmingham

October is the best time to visit Birmingham and enjoy the climate in Birmingham AL. It's the sunniest and driest month, so you don't need to bring an umbrella or wear a rain jacket. The temperatures in the climate in Birmingham AL are moderate, so you can wear a long-sleeved shirt without worrying about heat waves or severe humidity.

You and your family can enjoy a wide range of attractions in Birmingham. All major outdoor destinations are open, so you can continue to go hiking, boating, and dog-walking at state parks. You can also enjoy Halloween-themed events like Conjure Haunted Attraction.

FAQ

What Is the Weather Like in Birmingham Alabama?

The weather in Birmingham Alabama varies from season to season. Summers are hot and sunny but extremely humid. Autumns and springs are comfortable and mild, while winters are cool and cloudy but not freezing and harsh. You can experience substantial rain at any point, with thunderstorms occurring frequently in the summer.

Does It Snow in Birmingham Alabama?

Yes, it snows in Birmingham Alabama. The community receives 2.0 inches of snow per year on average.

How Cold Does It Get in Birmingham, Alabama?

Birmingham, Alabama, can get cold, with the average low reaching 36 degrees in January. Freezing temperatures can occur on occasion, but you can expect mild winters for the most part.

Understand the Climate in Birmingham AL

The climate in Birmingham AL is important to understand. Birmingham has a humid continental climate with hot and very humid summers, cold and overcast winters, and mild springs and falls. Autumn is the most comfortable season in Birmingham, with October having the best Birmingham weather monthly. You can experience tornadoes and thunderstorms in Birmingham, so be prepared by following local weather forecasts.

You can start enjoying the climate in Birmingham AL today with help from top moving professionals. This Side Up Moving is the most trusted moving company in Birmingham, with nearly 20 years in the moving industry. Call 205-484-9360 for a free estimate for our Birmingham movers.