Winter weather forecast in Columbia, South Carolina 2021

snow

Assembly Street in the snow in 1973 | Image via The State Newspaper Photograph Archive via Richland Library

It’s a winter-ful life ❄️
Hey, Soda Citizens — with winter on the way weather you like it or not, we couldn’t resist peeping at some of the major weather trends headed our way. Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect for Dec., Jan., + Feb.

While exact weather conditions like snowfall typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, accurate seasonal outlooks can help communities prepare for what winter will bring. Here’s what’s coming in our city:

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm. This winter, there is a 50-60% chance that Columbia’s temperatures will be higher than normal.

🌨️ Precipitation

Let it snow...or rain. Columbia’s precipitation levels are predicted to be 33-40% below our 2.9 inch average. DYK — Columbia received a record snowfall of 16 inches in Feb. 1973?

By the month: December

Columbia’s average low-temperature in December is 39°F, so we might see more days this year closer to the average high-temperature — 61°F — because of the anticipated temperature rise.

By the month: January

Columbia’s lows in January are 36°F on average, with highs of 58°F. January tends to be Columbia’s coldest month, but with the chance of higher temperatures this season, we might see warmer days. DYK — January is the month with the most snowfall in Columbia with 1.1 inches on average? Two of our snowiest calendar days are Jan. 23 + 24.

By the month: February

Historically, February gets a little warmer in Columbia with an average low-temperature of 39°F + an average high-temperature of 63°F, so expect to be closer to those highs.

Fun fact — The average amount of sunshine on a February day in Columbia is 6.49 hours.

Bonus: here are the NOAA’s winter safety tips. ❄️

More from COLAtoday
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
Women’s History Month is in full swing in Columbia — here are a few ways to support local women in the arts.
The Great Backyard Bird Count invites participants to observe and report birds to help track global populations.
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
Columbia’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with longtime favorites expanding, new taprooms opening, and several breweries closing their doors as the industry reshapes after a decade of growth.
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.