Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Mississippi, classified as Cfa under the Köppen-Geiger system, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be quite cold, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -18°C (0°F) in January, while summers bring sweltering heat, with average maximum temperatures soaring to 39°C (103°F) in September. The annual temperature average rests at a moderate 19°C (66°F), reflecting the state's transitional nature between subtropical and temperate climates. Such variability presents both challenges and opportunities for ecological and agricultural practices in the region.
Mississippi experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, are marked by frigid conditions, with minima dropping to -18°C (0°F) and average temperatures hovering around 9°C (48°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April showcasing a transition, evidenced by average temperatures increasing to 15°C (60°F) and 18°C (64°F), respectively. The onset of summer in May heralds a dramatic shift, with maxima reaching up to 39°C (102°F) by August, while average temperatures remain warm at around 27°C (81°F). This heat persists into September before a gradual cooling in the fall. October and November bring a return to cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping again, culminating in December where temperatures drop back to averages of 11°C (52°F). Overall, the state's climate reveals a marked progression from cold winters to sweltering summers, shaping its unique ecological and agricultural landscapes.
Vicksburg, Tunica Resorts, and Biloxi showcase a range of temperatures throughout the year. In Vicksburg, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -12°C (11°F) in January and rise to a sweltering 39°C (102°F) in September, offering a diverse climate experience as detailed in the monthly temperature in Vicksburg. Meanwhile, Tunica Resorts experiences its chilliest temperatures in February with lows of -16°C (4°F), and heats up to 36°C (97°F) in September, as indicated in the monthly temperature in Tunica Resorts. In Biloxi, the weather is slightly more tempered with January seeing the coldest days at -7°C (20°F) and reaching a peak of 37°C (99°F) in July, as outlined in the monthly temperature in Biloxi.
Precipitation patterns in Mississippi exhibit noticeable seasonal variation, with monthly averages highlighting a tendency for higher rainfall during the winter and summer months. February leads the way with significant rainfall at 159 mm (6.3 in), while January follows closely with 114 mm (4.5 in). Spring months, notably March and April, also contribute to Mississippi's overall precipitation, delivering 135 mm (5.3 in) and 148 mm (5.8 in), respectively. This period is characterized by frequent rainfall occurrences, averaging around 12 days of precipitation, which supports the region's lush vegetation and agricultural productivity.
As summer approaches, June sees a peak in precipitation with 156 mm (6.1 in), while July and August maintain substantial rainfall levels at 126 mm (5.0 in) and 143 mm (5.6 in), respectively. Notably, these months have a higher number of rainy days, with July experiencing up to 16 days of rain. The transition into autumn showcases a decrease in both precipitation and rainy days, with September dropping to 104 mm (4.1 in) and averaging just 9 days of moisture. Ultimately, Mississippi's climate thrives on its diverse precipitation patterns, which play a crucial role in sustaining both natural ecosystems and the state's agricultural practices.
In Mississippi, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter through summer. Beginning with 160 hours in January, the state gradually experiences heightened sunlight as spring approaches. February shows a modest uptick to 174 hours, followed by a more pronounced increase in March, where sunshine reaches 234 hours. April continues this trend, with total hours of daylight soaring to 274 hours. This upward trajectory culminates in May and June, where the state enjoys an impressive 311 hours and 305 hours, respectively, laying the groundwork for the sunny conditions typical of Mississippi's summer months.
July marks the pinnacle of sunshine duration, with a remarkable 332 hours of daylight, making it the sunniest month of the year. As the summer progresses into August, the sunshine remains abundant at 311 hours, contributing to the hot and humid atmosphere characteristic of this period. However, as fall approaches, there is a noticeable decrease in sunlight, with September capturing 286 hours and October yielding 272 hours. By November, hours of sunshine dip to 243 hours, while December drops further to 198 hours, signaling the return of shorter days during the winter months. This variation not only influences the climate but also impacts recreational activities and agricultural cycles across the region.
The UV Index in Mississippi displays a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the state's climatic variations and exposure to solar radiation throughout the year. Winter months begin with a moderate UV Index of 5 in January, which slightly increases to 8 by February. As spring unfolds, UV levels rise significantly, reaching 9 in March and hitting 11 in both April and May. This trend indicates a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially as outdoor activities become more prevalent with the warming weather.
The peak UV Index occurs during the height of summer, with both June and July recording a maximum of 12, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during these months. Although August sees a slight decrease to 11, the UV Index remains elevated as the summer heat lingers. As the seasons shift into fall, the UV Index gradually declines, settling at 10 in September and dropping to 8 and 6 in October and November, respectively. Finally, December experiences the lowest UV levels at 4, marking the onset of winter when sun exposure is minimized. This seasonal ebb and flow of the UV Index underscores the need for awareness and sun safety practices throughout the year, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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In Mississippi, daylight duration undergoes significant seasonal changes, influencing both daily activities and the natural environment. The year begins with relatively shorter days in January, providing only 10 hours of daylight. As February unfolds, daylight increases to 11 hours, setting the stage for the gradual lengthening of days that occurs during spring. By March, daylight maintains the 11-hour mark, while April welcomes a more noticeable increase to 12 hours. As the transition to summer occurs in May, Mississippi experiences 13 hours of daylight, which peaks during the summer months of June and July at 14 hours, allowing for extended outdoor activities and vibrant ecosystems.
As summer wanes into late summer and fall, daylight begins to diminish once again. August retains a solid 13 hours, but by September, daylight reduces to 12 hours, marking the onset of the autumn season. October brings a further decrease to 11 hours, while November and December drop back to 10 hours. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only dictates seasonal rhythm but also plays a vital role in agriculture, recreation, and the overall lifestyle of Mississippians. Understanding these variations allows residents and visitors to better plan their outdoor experiences throughout the year.
Biloxi, United States, experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Throughout the year, average temperatures range approximately from 12°C (53°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in July and August. Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in the summer months with June and August receiving up to 251 mm (9.9 in) and 220 mm (8.7 in) respectively, contributing to a wetter season, while November remains the driest month with 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with the sunniest months being May and July, offering over 319 hours of sunshine each. For more detailed information, visit Biloxi climate.
Clarksdale, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with varying temperatures throughout the year, including chilly winters with average lows dropping to -16°C (4°F) in February and warm summers with highs reaching up to 37°C (98°F) in August. The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation ranging from 83 mm (3.3 in) in November to 199 mm (7.8 in) in February, offering a semi-humid environment. Clarksdale enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, particularly during the summer months, with July receiving the most sunshine at 348 hours, ensuring long, bright days. With these climatic variations, Clarksdale provides a dynamic weather pattern suitable for various outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Clarksdale climate page.
Natchez, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with noticeable seasonal variations. Winters can be chilly, especially in January with temperatures as low as -11°C (13°F), while summers are quite hot, reaching up to 39°C (103°F) in September. The region receives consistent precipitation throughout the year, with the highest in April and May at 151 mm (5.9 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly during the summer months, peaking at 329 hours in July. For more details, visit the Natchez climate.
Oxford, United States experiences distinct seasons with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, like January and February, are relatively mild with average temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and 9°C (49°F), respectively, while summer months such as June through August see average temperatures rising to around 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is fairly distributed with February receiving the most at 189 mm (7.4 in), and November the least at 82 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine hours peak in July with 341 hours, indicating ample sunlight during the summer period. For more information, visit the Oxford climate page.
Tunica Resorts, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a brisk 6°C (43°F) in January to a sweltering 28°C (82°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent, with higher rainfall in the spring months, peaking in February at 179 mm (7.0 in), while late summer and autumn tend to be drier. Sunshine hours peak in the summer, with July receiving the most at 351 hours, gradually decreasing towards the winter months. For more detailed information, visit Tunica Resorts climate.
Vicksburg experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. During winter months, temperatures range from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) in January to an average maximum of 27°C (82°F). Summers are quite warm, with July's maximum temperatures reaching up to 38°C (100°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking at 169 mm (6.6 in) in February and dropping to 81 mm (3.2 in) in September. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with July offering the most sunshine at 338 hours. For more details on the climate, visit Vicksburg climate.
In conclusion, Mississippi's climate is characterized by distinct seasonal patterns that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With cold winters transitioning into hot summers, the state's residents experience a diverse climatic landscape that supports a variety of ecosystems and agricultural practices. The notable increase in sunshine and UV Index during the warmer months, paired with longer daylight hours, highlights the importance of sun safety and outdoor engagement during this time. As the seasons shift, Mississippians must adapt to changing weather conditions and utilize their understanding of these climatic trends to maximize their quality of life and outdoor experiences throughout the year.