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.

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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.

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.

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David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.