Columbia’s spring weather outlook for 2024

Learn about the predicted spring weather outlook including March, April, and May in Columbia, SC — psst... the first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19.

State House -0312.jpg

The Historic Horseshoe at USC blooms each spring. | Photo by COLAtoday

We know the question on your mind, Soda Citizens — when’s it going to get warm again? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect — keep reading for the spring weather outlook in Columbia for March, April, and May.

While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what spring will bring.

Reminder: The first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19 — thanks, Leap Year.

COLAtoday Spring Forecast.png

It may be slightly warmer in Columbia this spring. | Screenshot via Climate Prediction Center

Temperature

Think warmer. Columbia has a 33-40% chance of temps being hotter than usual. Usually, the city averages highs of 68° in March, 76° in April, and 83° in May.

Precipitation

Expect slightly more precipitation. has a 40-50% chance of seeing higher than average rainfall amounts this spring.

March

Typically in Columbia, March’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 46° and an average high of 64° — it’s still a little chilly, so don’t put your jackets away just yet. The high is usually ~8° warmer than in February.

On the sunny side: kick off spring with the annual Art Blossoms event at the Columbia Museum of Art on Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24.

April

You’ll most likely need to keep a light jacket close by in April — the average high and low temps are between 76° + 53.° Expect gentle breezes, mild-cool temps, and above-average precipitation. This month, we’ll get about 13 hours of daylight a day (one more hour than in March).

May

Historically, average highs in May are 83°, with an average low of 62°. Enjoy these moderate-high temperatures while they last, because Cola’s temps typically rise ~6° in June. Pro tip: The Sumter Iris Festival returns Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, May 26 with a bloom of plants and flowers along with concerts, arts, and food.

More from COLAtoday
More than 40 authors are headed to Richland Library Main Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29.
A new USC exhibit explores 250 years of revolution and rare South Carolina artifacts.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
The Great Backyard Bird Count invites participants to observe and report birds to help track global populations.
Opening Weekend begins Friday, Feb. 13 with a Friday doubleheader and new upgrades at Founders Park.
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
Sugar Ray headlines the free, two-day Meeting Street Music Festival, bringing live music, food, and spring block-party energy to WECO.
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The grand opening of the winter event is today in Northern Italy. We’re imagining how it would go down in the Columbia area.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.