Alabama's Climate

Precipitation

Alabama is one of the wettest states in the Southeast, receiving an average of 56.88 inches of rainfall per year based on 30-year averages (1991–2020). The wettest conditions tend to occur along the Gulf Coast and in parts of northeastern Alabama near the Paint Rock Valley, where annual totals often exceed 60 inches. In contrast, portions of the Black Belt are relatively drier, with average annual rainfall closer to 52–54 inches.

While these averages describe typical conditions, they do not capture how much Alabama’s rainfall fluctuates from year to year. This variability is evident in the long-term record of annual precipitation dating back to 1895. Annual totals frequently fluctuate above and below the 30-year average, with prolonged dry periods occurring during the 1930s Dust Bowl era, a sharp decline in the 1950s, and additional drought episodes in the early 2000s. These dry intervals are punctuated by years of well above-average rainfall, reinforcing that Alabama’s precipitation is driven by strong year-to-year variability rather than a consistent long-term trend.

Rainfall totals in Alabama are highly variable, and the state’s ecosystems have adapted to receive roughly 55–65 inches of rain per year. While this amount is greater than in many other states, even modest departures below this range can have significant impacts on ecosystems, water resources, agriculture, and the broader economy. The defining characteristic of Alabama’s rainfall is not its abundance, but its variability, which becomes more apparent when examined at monthly and seasonal scales.

Seasonal Patterns

• Winter and spring bring widespread rainfall from frontal systems and occasional severe weather.
• Summer rainfall is dominated by frequent thunderstorms.
• Fall precipitation is more variable and often influenced by tropical systems and hurricanes.

Wettest & Driest Months

• Wettest months: January (5.29 inches) and December (5.46 inches).
• Driest months: October (3.50 inches) and May (4.18 inches).

Notable Rainfall Extremes

• Wettest year on record: 1929 (75.07 inches statewide).
• Driest year on record: 1954 (35.4 inches statewide).
• Highest weather station total: Evergreen in 1975 (114.02 inches).
• Lowest weather station total: Primrose Farm in 1954 (21.94 inches).

View County Specific Precipitation Data

Temperature

Alabama averages 63.6°F each year based on 30-year averages (1991–2020), though temperatures vary across the state. The warmest annual average temperatures occur along the Gulf Coast and across southern Alabama, where values often exceed 66°F. Cooler conditions are typically found in northern Alabama and higher-elevation areas, where average annual temperatures are generally closer to 60–62°F.

The long-term record of annual average temperature dating back to 1895 shows considerable variability, with no consistent pattern from one year to the next. Cold years are not necessarily followed by warm years, and departures from average conditions can persist for long periods of time. This is especially evident during the latter part of the 20th century, when temperatures remained below normal for several decades. In contrast, more recent years have featured annual temperatures that are more often above average.

Although individual years continue to fluctuate above and below the long-term mean, changes in temperature patterns have important implications for Alabama’s climate system. Variations in temperature influence evapotranspiration rates, growing season length, water demand, and the occurrence of heat extremes. As with precipitation, understanding how temperature varies at annual, seasonal, and monthly scales is essential for assessing impacts to ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure, and public health.

Seasonal Patterns

• Winter temperatures are generally mild but can drop sharply during outbreaks of Arctic air.
• Spring features a rapid warm-up and increased variability, with occasional late-season cold snaps.
• Summer is consistently hot and humid statewide, with the highest average temperatures of the year.
• Fall brings gradual cooling, though early fall often remains quite warm.

Coldest & Warmest Months

• Coldest month: January (45.3°F).
• Warmest month: July (80.3°F).

Notable Temperature Extremes

• Hottest year on record: 1921 (65.7°F statewide).
• Coldest year on record: 1976 (60.7°F statewide).
• Hottest temperature on record: 112°F at Centreville on September 6, 1925.
• Coldest temperature on record: −27°F at New Market on January 30, 1966.

View County Specific Temperature Data

Climate Extremes