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Weather & Climate in Columbia, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 264 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 5.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 709 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg | |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 264 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 709 ft (216 m) |
| Area | 67.6 sq mi (175.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,883/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9517°N, 92.3341°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.3.
| Jul 31, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 43 km | 5 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 143 km | 5 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 | 5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri | M3.1 | 110 km | 5 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 72 km | 5 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 | 1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri | M2.9 | 130 km | 4 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 | 3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri | M2.6 | 139 km | 2 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 | 7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri | M2.6 | 140 km | 7 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 | 1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri | M2.6 | 137 km | 2 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 116 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
372 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 244 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF4 | 57 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF4 | 86 km | 28.2 mi | 1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF4 | 82 km | 16.1 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 73 km | 32.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | EF3 | 89 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | EF3 | 84 km | 44.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 43 km | 19.7 mi | 4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 76 km | 35.0 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 95 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 | EF3 | 0 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 | EF3 | 51 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 | EF3 | 13 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 | EF3 | 0 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF3 | 66 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1980 | EF3 | 99 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 99 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1971 | EF3 | 99 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF3 | 49 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF3 | 87 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2011 | EF2 | 83 km | 2.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: WOOLDRIDGE FIRE (1,323 acres, 2022).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2022 | WOOLDRIDGE FIRE | 1,323 | 16 km |
| 2010 | KK RANCH ROAD | 1,112 | 74 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 644 | 99 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 578 | 76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 34°F (1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| March | 44°F (7°C) | 3.0 in | |
| April | 55°F (13°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 76°F (25°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 68°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 57°F (14°C) | 3.3 in | |
| November | 44°F (7°C) | 3.2 in | |
| December | 33°F (0°C) | 2.4 in |
Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.5").