Tallahassee Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States
Winter (December – February)
Tallahassee experiences a mild winter with average temperatures ranging from 32°F (0°C) to 60°F (16°C). January is typically the coldest month, while December and February offer slightly warmer temperatures. Precipitation is common, primarily in the form of rainfall, with an average of 6 inches (15 cm) spread across the season. Despite the mild temperatures, occasional cold fronts can bring brief periods of frost or freezing temperatures.
Spring (March – May)
Spring in Tallahassee is characterized by increasing temperatures and rainfall. Average temperatures rise from 45°F (7°C) in March to 70°F (21°C) in May. Precipitation becomes more frequent, with an average of 8 inches (20 cm) during the season. The warm temperatures and abundant rainfall promote lush vegetation and wildflower blooms. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional storms or cooler days.
Monthly Average Temperatures
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. The average temperature throughout the year is 66.8°F (19.3°C), with significant fluctuations between the warmest and coldest months.
During the summer months (June-September), the average temperature peaks at around 84°F (29°C). July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 84.7°F (29.3°C). The high humidity during this time makes the heat feel even more oppressive. In contrast, during the winter months (December-February), the average temperature drops to around 52°F (11°C). January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 50.7°F (10.4°C).
Seasonal Variations
The spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) seasons in Tallahassee bring moderate temperatures with less extreme humidity. In spring, the average temperature gradually rises from 59°F (15°C) in March to 72°F (22°C) in May. This period is characterized by warm days and cool nights, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities. In fall, the temperatures gradually decrease from 76°F (24°C) in October to 64°F (18°C) in November. The crisp autumn air and vibrant fall foliage create a picturesque setting.
Types of Clouds
Tallahassee primarily experiences four types of clouds. Cumulus clouds are puffy and isolated. Stratus clouds are flat and gray and cover the entire sky. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds that appear high in the atmosphere. Cumulonimbus clouds are tall, puffy clouds that can produce thunderstorms.
Cloud Cover and Precipitation
Tallahassee has an average cloud cover of 60%. This means that about 60% of the time, the sky is at least partially cloudy. The cloudiest months are January and February, while the clearest months are June and July. Tallahassee receives an average of 55 inches of precipitation per year. This precipitation is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly more rain falling in the summer months.
Average Precipitation
Tallahassee experiences a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by abundant precipitation throughout the year. On average, the city receives around 56 inches (142 centimeters) of precipitation annually, with rainfall occurring fairly evenly distributed throughout the 12 months. The wettest months are June, July, and August, when heavy thunderstorms are common. During these months, the city can experience up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain per month. The driest months are November, December, and January, when rainfall typically ranges from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 centimeters) per month.
Seasonal Variation
The amount and intensity of precipitation in Tallahassee vary significantly with the seasons. During the spring and summer months, convective thunderstorms are the dominant form of precipitation. These storms typically produce brief but intense bursts of heavy rain, often accompanied by lightning and thunder. In contrast, during the fall and winter months, frontal systems moving from the west or northwest bring steadier and more prolonged periods of rain to the city. These systems can produce several days of light to moderate rain, resulting in significant accumulations over time. Additionally, Tallahassee is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones, which can bring torrential rainfall and flooding to the region.
Average Rainfall and Seasonal Patterns
Tallahassee experiences a humid subtropical climate with year-round precipitation. The average annual rainfall is approximately 56 inches (142 centimeters). The wettest months are June through September, with an average of over 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain each month. The driest months are November through April, with an average of less than 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain per month.
Interannual Variability and Extreme Events
Like many areas around the world, Tallahassee’s rainfall patterns can exhibit significant interannual variability due to factors such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). In wet years, the city can receive over 70 inches (178 centimeters) of rain, while in dry years, it may receive less than 40 inches (102 centimeters). Additionally, extreme rainfall events can occur, leading to flash flooding and other hazards.
Snowfall in Tallahassee, United States: A Rare Occurrence
Snowfall in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is an infrequent meteorological event. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Tallahassee typically receives ample rainfall throughout the year. However, the occurrence of snowfall is exceptionally rare, with the last significant accumulation recorded in 1989.
Factors Contributing to Snowfall in Tallahassee
For snowfall to occur in Tallahassee, specific atmospheric conditions must align. Cold air from the north must make its way into the region, colliding with warmer, moist air from the Gulf. The warm air rises, creating unstable air masses that promote cloud development. If the temperatures are sufficiently low and moisture is abundant, precipitation can take the form of snow. Additionally, winds must be strong enough to transport the snow-bearing clouds over Tallahassee. These conditions rarely materialize all at once, making snowfall in the city a rare phenomenon.
Sunrise and Sunset
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, experiences a range of sunrise and sunset times throughout the year due to its location at 30.45° N, 84.27° W. Generally, the earliest sunrise occurs in early June around 6:15 AM, while the latest sunset is witnessed in early July around 8:30 PM. During the winter solstice in December, the sun rises around 7:15 AM and sets around 5:00 PM, providing shorter daylight hours. Conversely, the summer solstice in June brings approximately 14 hours of daylight, with the sun rising as early as 6:15 AM and setting as late as 8:30 PM.
Yearly Solar Radiation
Tallahassee receives an abundance of solar energy due to its subtropical climate and location in the Sun Belt. The average annual solar radiation in Tallahassee is approximately 5,800 kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²), which is significantly higher than the national average. This ample sunlight makes Tallahassee an ideal location for solar energy generation and utilization. The city has a growing number of solar installations, including residential rooftop systems and large-scale solar farms, contributing to renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Visibility and Phases:
The moon is a celestial body that orbits the Earth, affecting the tides, seasons, and weather patterns. In Tallahassee, United States, the moon is visible throughout the month, with its appearance changing depending on its phase. The full moon, when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun, is the most prominent and recognizable phase. Tallahassee experiences full moons approximately once a month, each lasting for several days. During new moon, the moon is not visible from Earth as it is positioned between the Earth and the sun. The moon’s other phases, including waxing and waning crescents and gibbous, can also be observed in Tallahassee’s night sky.
Moonrise, Moonset, and Position:
The timing of moonrise and moonset in Tallahassee varies throughout the month due to the moon’s orbit around the Earth. As the moon orbits Earth, the time difference between moonrise and moonset changes. Additionally, the position of the moon in the sky also varies depending on its phase. During full moon, the moon is typically high in the sky, near the zenith, whereas during new moon, it is low on the horizon. The moon’s position affects its visibility and the timing of its rising and setting.
Relative Humidity in Tallahassee, United States
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, experiences significant variation in relative humidity throughout the year. The city is located in the southeastern United States, within the subtropical climatic zone. Tallahassee’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico contributes to its high humidity levels, especially during the summer months. The relative humidity ranges from an average of 60% to 70% during the dry season (November-April) to 75% to 85% during the wet season (May-October).
During the dry season, the lower humidity levels can provide a more comfortable feel to the air. However, during the wet season, the high humidity levels can make the air feel thick and oppressive. This is due to the influx of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, which creates a humid and muggy atmosphere. The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity can lead to discomfort and heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Wind Patterns
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, experiences variable wind patterns throughout the year. During spring and summer, prevailing winds blow from the east-southeast, driven by the moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. These winds contribute to the formation of afternoon thunderstorms, which are common during the warmer months. In contrast, during fall and winter, winds shift to a more westerly direction, bringing cooler, drier air from the continent. These winds are often accompanied by clear skies and calm weather.
Wind Speed and Direction
The average wind speed in Tallahassee is approximately 7 miles per hour (mph). However, wind speeds can vary significantly, especially during severe weather events such as hurricanes. The highest wind speed ever recorded in Tallahassee was 142 mph during Hurricane Kate in 1985. Wind direction also varies depending on the season and weather conditions. Prevailing winds typically blow from the east-southeast during the summer and from the west-northwest during the winter. However, during tropical storms and hurricanes, winds can change direction rapidly and become much stronger, potentially causing significant damage.
Spring and Fall (March-May, September-November)
Tallahassee’s spring and fall offer optimal conditions for visiting. Temperatures are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the low 50s. This pleasant weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as visiting the Tallahassee Museum, exploring parks like Cascades Park or Maclay Gardens State Park, or enjoying a stroll through the historic downtown.
Additionally, the abundance of blooming flowers and foliage during these seasons enhances the city’s aesthetics. Visitors can witness the vibrant shades of the gardens and parks, especially during the annual Springtime Tallahassee festival, which celebrates the city’s natural beauty. The exceptional weather and picturesque surroundings provide an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking respite from extreme temperatures.
Potential for Solar Energy
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, presents significant potential for harnessing solar energy due to its abundant sunshine. The city receives an average of 225 sunny days annually, with an average daily solar radiation of 5.5 kWh/m2. This favorable solar resource has spurred the development of numerous solar energy projects in and around Tallahassee.
Solar Energy Initiatives
The city of Tallahassee has implemented several initiatives to promote the adoption of solar energy. The Tallahassee Acts Greener program provides rebates and incentives to residents and businesses installing solar panels. Additionally, the city has partnered with local utilities to offer net metering programs that allow solar panel owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. As a result of these initiatives, Tallahassee has seen a rapid increase in the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in recent years. The city is on track to achieve its goal of generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with solar energy playing a significant role in this effort.
Topography of Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is situated in the northern region of the state. The topography of Tallahassee is characterized by a gently rolling terrain, with elevations ranging from 50 to over 200 feet above sea level. The city is bordered by a series of hills to the north and east, while the southern and western regions are relatively flat. The highest point in Tallahassee is St. Augustine Hill, which rises to a height of 205 feet.
The underlying geology of Tallahassee has a significant influence on its topography. The area is underlain by a thick layer of limestone, which has been eroded over time by water and wind. This erosion has created a series of sinkholes, caves, and other karst features throughout the region. The topography of Tallahassee is also shaped by the presence of the Apalachicola River, which flows through the southern part of the city. The river has created a floodplain that is characterized by wide, flat areas that are prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) is the primary airport serving Tallahassee, Florida, and the surrounding area. It is located approximately 7 miles northwest of the city center and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. TLH offers a variety of direct flights to major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas, providing convenient connections to other destinations worldwide. The airport features a modern terminal with amenities including shops, restaurants, and a business center. TLH is also a regional hub for Delta Air Lines, which offers several daily departures to its hubs in Atlanta and Cincinnati.
Other Nearby Airports
In addition to Tallahassee International Airport, there are several other airports located within a reasonable driving distance of Tallahassee. These include:
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP): Located approximately 55 miles west of Tallahassee, ECP serves the Panama City Beach and Destin areas. It offers a range of nonstop flights to major cities, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Dallas.
- Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD): Situated approximately 45 miles east of Tallahassee in Valdosta, Georgia, VLD provides limited commercial service to Atlanta and Orlando.
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): Located approximately 110 miles east of Tallahassee, JAX is a major international airport with a wide selection of flights to destinations throughout the United States and beyond.
History
Tallahassee, the vibrant capital of Florida, boasts a rich and storied history. Founded in 1824, the city initially served as a frontier settlement known as the “Middletown.” In 1826, it became the official state capital, marking the beginning of its prominent role in Florida’s political landscape. Tallahassee played a pivotal role during the American Civil War, serving as a Confederate stronghold and witnessing the imprisonment of Union soldiers. Throughout the 20th century, the city experienced significant growth and development, emerging as a hub of education, culture, and government.
Culture and Education
Tallahassee is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Tallahassee Museum, which showcases Florida’s natural history and culture. The Capitol Theatre hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway plays to musical concerts. The Railroad Square Art Park is a bustling hub of creativity, featuring art galleries, studios, and special events. Tallahassee’s educational landscape is equally impressive, with Florida State University serving as a prestigious research institution. The university’s athletic programs, particularly its football team, draw enthusiastic crowds and contribute to the city’s spirited atmosphere.