Columbus, IL experiences a humid continental climate. Located in an inland setting, the city is subject to extreme temperature variations throughout the year with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures during the summer months range from 70 to 90 degrees F while winter temperatures can dip into negative double digits. Precipitation levels are relatively consistent throughout the year with average snowfall of 17 inches and annual rainfall of around 36 inches. The area also experiences frequent thunderstorms during the summer months as well as occasional tornadoes due to its location in what is known as “ tornado alley”.
Columbus, Illinois gets 39 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
Columbus averages 18 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
On average, there are 197 sunny days per year in Columbus. The US average is 205 sunny days.
Columbus gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 97 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure.
Weather Highlights
Summer High: the July high is around 86 degrees
Winter Low: the January low is 17
Rain: averages 39 inches of rain a year
Snow: averages 18 inches of snow a year