Anniston weather by month
Understand the climate of Anniston, Alabama, and plan your activities, wardrobe, and travel accordingly. Whether you’re a local resident, a new homeowner, or a tourist, knowing what each month brings will help you stay comfortable and make the most of the Beautiful South’s changing weather.
Table of Contents
- Anniston Weather Overview
- Monthly Weather Patterns
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Practical Seasonal Tips
- Comparison Table: Anniston vs. Birmingham
- FAQs
- Resources
Anniston Weather Overview
Anniston experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city receives an average of 42 inches of precipitation annually, spread fairly evenly but with a pronounced rainy season in late spring and early summer. Here’s why this matters:
- Leverage the warm months for outdoor adventures such as hiking the Muscle Shoals or exploring the North Warrior.
- Prepare for nighttime fog especially in early spring and fall, which can limit visibility while driving.
- Adjust indoor HVAC and dehumidifiers during the humid months to maintain indoor comfort.
Monthly Weather Patterns
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Anniston’s average temperatures, precipitation, and notable weather events. Use this as a quick reference for planning.
January
- Avg. High: 46 °F (8 °C)
- Avg. Low: 26 °F (‑3 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.3 in (58 mm)
- Typical Weather: Mild, occasional frost, low humidity.
February
- Avg. High: 50 °F (10 °C)
- Avg. Low: 30 °F (‑1 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.1 in (53 mm)
- Typical Weather: Windy, clear skies, chance of sudden snow flurries.
March
- Avg. High: 59 °F (15 °C)
- Avg. Low: 38 °F (3 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.8 in (71 mm)
- Typical Weather: Gradual warming, increasing humidity.
April
- Avg. High: 68 °F (20 °C)
- Avg. Low: 49 °F (9 °C)
- Rainfall: 4.0 in (102 mm)
- Typical Weather: Showers, occasional thunderstorms, pleasant evenings.
May
- Avg. High: 76 °F (24 °C)
- Avg. Low: 57 °F (14 °C)
- Rainfall: 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Typical Weather: Pre‑summer heat, rise in humidity, early heatwaves possible.
June
- Avg. High: 84 °F (29 °C)
- Avg. Low: 65 °F (18 °C)
- Rainfall: 5.2 in (132 mm)
- Typical Weather: Hot and humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
July
- Avg. High: 88 °F (31 °C)
- Avg. Low: 70 °F (21 °C)
- Rainfall: 6.0 in (152 mm)
- Typical Weather: Peak heat, high humidity, 1‑2 tropical storm remnants each season.
August
- Avg. High: 86 °F (30 °C)
- Avg. Low: 69 °F (21 °C)
- Rainfall: 5.8 in (148 mm)
- Typical Weather: Consistently hot, thunderstorms, occasional flash floods.
September
- Avg. High: 81 °F (27 °C)
- Avg. Low: 63 °F (17 °C)
- Rainfall: 5.0 in (127 mm)
- Typical Weather: Declining temperatures, decreasing precipitation, early chances of tropical systems.
October
- Avg. High: 71 °F (22 °C)
- Avg. Low: 45 °F (7 °C)
- Rainfall: 3.5 in (89 mm)
- Typical Weather: Crisp evenings, moderate humidity, pleasant hiking conditions.
November
- Avg. High: 60 °F (16 °C)
- Avg. Low: 35 °F (2 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Typical Weather: Cooler mornings, gradual temperature drop, early rain showers.
December
- Avg. High: 49 °F (9 °C)
- Avg. Low: 27 °F (‑3 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.6 in (66 mm)
- Typical Weather: Mild winters, occasional snowfall (rare), reduced humidity.
Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46 °F (8 °C) | 26 °F (‑3 °C) | 2.3 | Mild, frost possible |
| Feb | 50 °F (10 °C) | 30 °F (‑1 °C) | 2.1 | Windy, slight snow risk |
| Mar | 59 °F (15 °C) | 38 °F (3 °C) | 2.8 | Warming trend |
| Apr | 68 °F (20 °C) | 49 °F (9 °C) | 4.0 | Showery, humid |
| May | 76 °F (24 °C) | 57 °F (14 °C) | 3.8 | Pre‑summer heat |
| Jun | 84 °F (29 °C) | 65 °F (18 °C) | 5.2 | Hot, thunderstorms |
| Jul | 88 °F (31 °C) | 70 °F (21 °C) | 6.0 | Peak heat, tropical risk |
| Aug | 86 °F (30 °C) | 69 °F (21 °C) | 5.8 | Hot, flash floods |
| Sep | 81 °F (27 °C) | 63 °F (17 °C) | 5.0 | Cooling down |
| Oct | 71 °F (22 °C) | 45 °F (7 °C) | 3.5 | Crisp, cozy |
| Nov | 60 °F (16 °C) | 35 °F (2 °C) | 2.9 | Cooler, rain |
| Dec | 49 °F (9 °C) | 27 °F (‑3 °C) | 2.6 | Mild winter, rare snow |
Practical Seasonal Tips
| Season | Key Actions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Warm layers, check HVAC, keep windows sealed against wind | Wear a windproof jacket and carry a reusable water bottle to prevent dehydration. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Monitor thunderstorm alerts, bring light rain gear | Use a portable umbrella, especially around Chattanooga & N. Warrior Trail. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, use sunscreen | Drink at least 8 glasses of water, attend outdoor events after 3 pm. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Layer clothing, watch for early frost | A lightweight jacket for nighttime hikes in the Eno River Trail. |
Additional Tips
- Heatwaves: Install a dehumidifier in living spaces to reduce perceived temperature.
- Thunderstorms: Use a safe harbor (e.g., sturdy building) and avoid lakeside boating during heavy rain.
- Fall foliage: Plan trips to Lookout Mountain between late September and early October for vivid colors.
- Winter sports: Look for Ski resorts in nearby Mountain towns; Anniston itself offers scenic autumn drives.
Comparison Table: Anniston vs. Birmingham
| Feature | Anniston | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Summer Temp (°F) | 87 | 86 |
| Avg. Winter Temp (°F) | 49 | 48 |
| Annual Precipitation (in) | 42 | 47 |
| Humidity (Summer) | 70–80 % | 75–85 % |
| Mountain Access | Requires 1‑hour drive | 30‑minute drive |
| Typical Rainfall (April) | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Snowfall (Dec) | Rare, <0.5 in | Rare, <0.5 in |
Birmingham’s urban setting gives slightly more precipitation, while Anniston’s more rural charm offers quieter, natural experiences.
FAQs
-
What is the best time to visit Anniston for outdoor activities?
Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) offer moderate temperatures and lower humidity.
-
Does Anniston experience tornadoes?
While not in the core Tornado Alley, tornadoes can occur in late spring and early summer; keep a weather app handy.
-
Is it cold enough for snow in December?
Snow is rare and typically light, but temperatures can dip below freezing; prepare for chillier evenings.
-
What’s the humidity like on a typical summer day?
Humidity can reach 80–90 % in July and August, making it feel hotter than the temperature alone suggests.
- When are the most pleasant fireworks displays?
July 4th and the Fourth of July weekends usually have optimal temperatures with manageable humidity.
Resources
- National Weather Service – Anniston, AL: NWS Anniston
- Weather Underground – Anniston Historical Data: WU Anniston
- Mississippi Valley State University – Climate Research: MVSU Climate
- Visit Anniston Tourism: Anniston Tourism
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA Climate Data Online
Keep this guide handy whenever you plan your day or month in Anniston—whether it’s to plan a hike, schedule a workday, or enjoy a holiday. Happy exploring!