Hattiesburg Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Spring and Summer (March-August):

Hattiesburg experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Spring, from March to May, is characterized by increasing temperatures and frequent rainfall. April and May are especially wet months, with an average of 5 to 6 inches of precipitation each. As summer approaches in June, temperatures soar, reaching an average monthly high of 89°F in July and August. Humidity levels are also high during this season, making the air feel oppressive. Thunderstorms are common throughout the summer months, bringing brief but heavy downpours.

Fall and Winter (September-February):

Fall in Hattiesburg brings a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. September and October offer mild temperatures in the 70s and 80s, with occasional showers. November marks the onset of winter, with temperatures gradually dropping throughout the season. December and January are the coldest months, with average highs in the 50s and average lows dipping into the 30s. Winter occasionally brings frost or even freezing temperatures, but snow accumulation is rare. Rainfall is more evenly distributed in the fall and winter, with an average of 3 to 4 inches per month.

Annual Temperature Trends

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 66.1°F (18.9°C). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 36°F (2.2°C) to 52°F (11.1°C). Conversely, July is the warmest month, with temperatures soaring to an average high of 92°F (33.3°C) and a low of 71°F (21.7°C).

Monthly Temperature Variations

Throughout the year, temperatures in Hattiesburg fluctuate significantly. January and February witness the coldest conditions, with average low temperatures dipping below freezing. Spring arrives in March, bringing warmer temperatures and an increase in precipitation. April and May are pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Summer kicks off in June, with temperatures rising steadily until reaching their peak in July. August remains hot and humid, with average temperatures only slightly cooler than July. September marks the transition into autumn, with temperatures gradually declining. Fall brings mild conditions, with average temperatures hovering between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21.1°C) in October and November. December signals the onset of winter, with temperatures dropping into the 40s°F (4.4°C) and 50s°F (10°C).

Cloud Cover and Patterns

Hattiesburg experiences a variety of cloud cover throughout the year. During the summer months, cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds are common, bringing frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms. In the winter, stratus and stratocumulus clouds often dominate, resulting in overcast skies and occasional drizzle. Cloud cover can play a significant role in local weather patterns, affecting precipitation, temperature, and humidity.

Cloud Climatology

Climatological data for Hattiesburg indicates that the city experiences an average of 250 sunny days per year, with the least cloud cover occurring during the spring and autumn months. The cloudiest period typically falls between December and February, when overcast skies are more prevalent. The frequency and duration of cloud cover can influence the amount of sunlight received by the city, impacting plant growth, energy production, and recreational activities.

Seasonal Variability of Precipitation in Hattiesburg

Precipitation patterns in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, are highly seasonal, with significant variations throughout the year. During the spring and summer months (March to August), the city experiences abundant rainfall, typically receiving over 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) per month. This precipitation is primarily driven by frequent thunderstorms and warm, humid air masses originating from the Gulf of Mexico. The summer months are characterized by particularly heavy downpours and occasional tropical storms.

Annual Precipitation Distribution

Annually, Hattiesburg receives approximately 1,520 millimeters (59.8 inches) of precipitation. The wettest months are typically July and August, with average rainfall exceeding 130 millimeters (5.1 inches) each. Conversely, the driest months are December and January, when rainfall drops below 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) per month. This variance in precipitation is influenced by the shifting position of the subtropical jet stream, which brings moisture-laden air during the summer and drier conditions during the winter.

Annual Rainfall Patterns

Hattiesburg experiences abundant annual rainfall, with an average of around 60 inches per year. The wettest months typically fall during the spring and summer, with May and June often receiving the most precipitation. During these months, thunderstorms and heavy downpours are common, contributing to the region’s high annual rainfall totals. In contrast, the winter months are relatively dry, with average rainfall dipping to around 3 inches per month.

Variability and Extremes

Rainfall in Hattiesburg can exhibit significant variability from year to year. Extended periods of drought and flooding are not uncommon. During severe droughts, annual rainfall can drop below 50 inches, leading to water shortages and agricultural losses. Conversely, excessive rainfall can cause flooding, particularly during the hurricane season. In 2020, the region experienced record-breaking rainfall, with over 22 inches falling in August alone, resulting in widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.

Climate and Snowfall Patterns

Hattiesburg is located in southern Mississippi, a region with a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences hot and humid summers with average temperatures in the upper 80s Fahrenheit, while winters are mild with average temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is relatively rare in Hattiesburg, occurring only occasionally during the winter months.

Recent Snowfall Events

Notably, Hattiesburg experienced a significant snowfall event in January 2022, when a winter storm brought more than 5 inches of snow to the city. This was the heaviest snowfall in over a decade and caused widespread disruption, with schools and businesses closing and roads becoming impassable. While snowfall in Hattiesburg is typically light and infrequent, the 2022 event served as a reminder that the city is not immune to winter weather disruptions.

Daily Sunshine Hours

Hattiesburg, located in the southeastern United States, experiences ample sunshine throughout the year. On average, the city receives approximately 254 sunny days per year, with most of them occurring during the summer months. During June, July, and August, Hattiesburg enjoys an average of 11-12 hours of sunshine per day, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and vitamin D absorption.

Seasonal Variations

The amount of sunshine Hattiesburg receives varies significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, from November to February, the city experiences shorter days and less sunshine. On average, January is the cloudiest month, with only about 5 hours of sunshine per day. In contrast, the summer months bring longer days and more sunshine. July is typically the sunniest month, with an average of over 12 hours of sunshine per day. This seasonal variation is primarily due to the Earth’s tilt and the amount of daylight it receives at different times of the year.

Moon Rise and Set in Hattiesburg

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the moon’s daily rise and set times vary throughout the year. During the summer months, the moon typically rises around 8:00 PM and sets around 5:00 AM. In winter, the moon rises around 6:00 PM and sets around 8:00 AM. The moon’s position in the sky also changes throughout the night. It is highest in the sky around midnight and lowest in the sky around noon.

Moon Phases in Hattiesburg

The moon goes through different phases as it orbits the Earth. The main phases are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The new moon phase occurs when the moon is not visible from Earth. The full moon phase occurs when the moon is completely illuminated by the sun. In Hattiesburg, the full moon typically rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. The other phases of the moon can be seen at different times throughout the night.

Annual Humidity Patterns

Hattiesburg, located in the humid subtropical climate zone, experiences significant humidity year-round. Average annual humidity levels hover around 75%, with minimal variation throughout the seasons. During the summer months (June-August), humidity reaches its peak, often exceeding 80% as warm, moisture-laden air from the Gulf of Mexico dominates the region. Conversely, winter (December-February) brings slightly drier conditions, with humidity levels dropping to around 70%.

Factors Influencing Humidity

Several factors contribute to Hattiesburg’s high humidity. Firstly, the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provides a constant source of moisture for the atmosphere. Additionally, the relatively flat topography and lack of significant elevation barriers prevent the effective dispersal of moisture. Furthermore, the prevailing wind patterns in the area often carry warm, humid air from the Gulf region over Hattiesburg, exacerbating humidity levels.

Wind Patterns in Hattiesburg, United States

Hattiesburg, Mississippi is located in the southeastern United States in the Gulf Coastal Plain, which is characterized by a humid subtropical climate. The city is influenced by the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, which provides consistent breezes throughout the year. The prevailing wind direction in Hattiesburg is from the south or southeast, bringing in warm and humid air from the Gulf, contributing to the city’s humid climate.

The average wind speed in Hattiesburg varies throughout the year. The calmest months are typically June and July, when the average wind speed is around 4 miles per hour (6.4 kilometers per hour). The windiest months are January and February, when the average wind speed increases to around 6 miles per hour (9.7 kilometers per hour). These variations in wind speed are influenced by the seasonal changes in atmospheric pressure patterns and the movement of weather fronts.

Spring (March-May)

Spring in Hattiesburg is a season of rejuvenation and renewal. The temperatures are mild, ranging from the low 50s Fahrenheit (about 10 degrees Celsius) in March to the low 80s Fahrenheit (about 28 degrees Celsius) in May. With moderate humidity and minimal rainfall, spring offers an ideal weather for outdoor activities. This is the perfect time to explore the city’s numerous parks, such as the Longleaf Trace, Paul B. Johnson State Park, and the Hattiesburg Zoo. Additionally, the many festivals and events that take place during this season, such as the Hub City Brewfest and the Pine Belt Blues Festival, add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Fall (September-November)

Fall brings a welcome respite from the summer heat, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s Fahrenheit (about 13 degrees Celsius) in September to the low 60s Fahrenheit (about 16 degrees Celsius) in November. The cooler weather and crisp air make it a great time to go hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a walk through the city’s historic neighborhoods. Another highlight of fall in Hattiesburg is the city’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, which typically features live music, authentic German food and beer, and family-friendly activities.

Current Status and Potential

Hattiesburg, Mississippi enjoys ample sunlight with an average of 200 sunny days per year. This makes solar energy an attractive renewable energy source for the city. Currently, there are several solar projects in operation or under development in Hattiesburg. One notable project is a 4.5-megawatt solar farm installed at the University of Southern Mississippi. This farm generates enough electricity to power approximately 1,000 homes.

Hattiesburg has the potential to expand its solar energy capacity significantly. The city has identified several areas with high solar potential, including vacant land, rooftops, and parking lots. By utilizing these areas, Hattiesburg could reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to its sustainability goals.

Incentives and Programs

To encourage the adoption of solar energy, Hattiesburg offers various incentives and programs. These include tax credits, rebates, and net metering. Tax credits reduce the cost of installing solar panels, while rebates provide financial assistance directly to homeowners and businesses. Net metering allows solar system owners to sell excess electricity they generate back to the grid at a reduced rate. These incentives make solar energy more affordable and accessible to residents of Hattiesburg.

Overview

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is situated in the Gulf Coastal Plain, a region characterized by gently rolling hills and flatlands. The topography of the city is influenced by the Pascagoula River, which meanders through the area. The elevation ranges from approximately 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level in the river valley to around 300 feet (90 meters) in the surrounding uplands.

Rolling Hills and Gentle Slopes

The terrain in Hattiesburg is predominantly rolling hills with gradual slopes. These hills provide scenic vistas and contribute to the city’s natural beauty. Some of the notable hills include Jeff Davis Hill, which overlooks the downtown area, and Hardy Street Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. The sloping terrain provides natural drainage and helps reduce the risk of flooding.

Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional Airport

Located approximately 10 miles northwest of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional Airport (HLZ) serves as the nearest airport for air travel to and from the city. This regional airport primarily caters to the needs of the Hattiesburg-Laurel metropolitan area, offering convenient connections to various destinations.

HLZ features a single asphalt runway, designated 5/23, which measures 6,500 feet in length and 150 feet in width. The airport operates daily passenger flights operated by United Airlines, connecting Hattiesburg to major hubs like Houston and Atlanta. These flights provide seamless access to a broader network of destinations, facilitating both business and leisure travel for the region. Additionally, HLZ serves as a hub for general aviation activities, with facilities and services tailored to private pilots and aircraft owners.

Attractions in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The Hattiesburg Zoo is a 12-acre facility featuring over 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. The zoo also has a petting area where visitors can interact with friendly farm animals. The Hattiesburg Children’s Museum is another popular destination, offering hands-on exhibits and activities designed to entertain and educate children. For art enthusiasts, the Hattiesburg Arts Council, Fine Arts Gallery, and Midtown Art Gallery showcase a diverse collection of local and regional artwork.

Outdoor Recreation in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Longleaf Trace is a 40-mile paved trail that runs through the city, perfect for walking, biking, or skating. The Paul B. Johnson State Park, located just outside Hattiesburg, offers hiking trails, camping sites, and a lake for fishing and boating. For a more adventurous experience, the Southern Cross Ranch offers horseback riding and trail rides through the scenic Mississippi countryside. The City of Hattiesburg also maintains several parks and recreational areas, including the Hattiesburg Zoo Conservatory, Tatum Park, and Lake Terrace Convention Center, which offer a variety of amenities for families and individuals alike.