Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Weather
Winter in Arkansas -- Autumn in Arkansas
The weather in Arkansas is mild and typically pleasant. No matter what time of year you plan on visiting Arkansas, you'll find The Natural State offering beautiful scenic views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. With four distinct, yet temperate, seasons, Arkansas is the perfect year-round vacation destination. Spring and fall are particularly mild with the most extreme temperatures occurring in late summer when days are hot and humid and during winter months when temperatures occasionally dip into the teens or below.
Weather in Arkansas often changes dramatically due to surrounding weather influences. When two or more weather systems merge, clouds form, temperature changes and precipitation often follows. Arkansas's central location allows weather systems from all directions to influence its climate.
Select a month below to view Arkansas weather averages based on previous years. This information is intended for general planning purposes only. Please contact the National Weather Bureau at (501) 834-0308 or visit www.weather.com for an up-to-date Arkansas weather forecast before you start your trip.
January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
August
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September
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October
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November
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December
January
- average maximum temperature 50
- average minimum temperature 33
- average precipitation 4.6 inches
- average snowfall 2.3 inches
- north/northeasterly winds
January temperatures often fall below the average minimum
and occasionally drop to the 0 range. January is usually the heaviest snowfall month. By
most standards, January road conditions are good; however, during early morning and late
evening hours, ice patches are common. This is particularly true in rural areas due to low
traffic volumes. Ice storms and freezing rain occur most frequently during the month of
January.
February
- average maximum temperature 54
- average minimum temperature 35
- average precipitation 3.89 inches
- average snowfall 1.4 inches
- northwesterly winds
February is similar to January with occasional variations
in low temperatures and icy road conditions.
March
- average maximum temperature 62.7
- average minimum temperature 43.2
- average precipitation 4.66 inches
- average snowfall .5 inches
- west/southwesterly winds
March gradually signals the beginnings of spring; however,
it is common to see one last snowfall. During the latter part of the month, leaves and
flower buds begin opening to welcome the warmer temperatures.
April
- average maximum temperature 72.5
- average minimum temperature 52.6
- average precipitation 5.10 inches
- southwesterly winds
April is considered to be the first true spring month with
more consistent warmer temperatures. April also has the highest average rainfall. This
early spring period is the time when the cabin fever blues of winter are washed away by
spring showers and sunshine.
May
- average maximum temperature 79.9
- average minimum temperature 60.4
- average precipitation 5.02 inches
- northwesterly winds
May is one of the most popular months in Arkansas for
traveling. The weather is moderate, early wildflowers are abundant, and trees are
beginning to show plenty of new growth. Rivers, streams, and waterfalls swell with heavy
flows from spring rains and provide many photo opportunities.
June
- average maximum temperature 87.8
- average minimum temperature 68.5
- average precipitation 3.71 inches
- southwesterly winds
June is the month when the heat and humidity of the summer
begin to be noticeable. Temperatures still remain fairly moderate and participation in
outdoor activities remains high. The early part of the month is usually quite pleasant.
July
- average maximum temperature 91.0
- average minimum temperature 71.8
- average precipitation 3.41 inches
- southwesterly winds
The old saying "Hot as a Fourth of July
firecracker" applies particularly toward the end of the month. Temperatures can reach
in the triple-digit range for short periods. Late July through early September generally
signals a marked decrease in strenuous outdoor activities. This is a time when water
sports are certainly the most popular activities.
August
- average maximum temperature 90.3
- average minimum temperature 70.7
- average precipitation 3.32 inches
- southerly winds
August is generally known to be the "pinnacle"
of summer heat and humidity. Temperatures frequently reach the triple-digit range and
humidity levels can become quite high.
September
- average maximum temperature 84.4
- average minimum temperature 64.0
- average precipitation 3.40 inches
- south/southeasterly winds
September is the slow transition from summer heat to the
pleasant temperatures of autumn. During the first half of the month, summer usually tends
to drag on; however, pleasant conditions usually prevail by the last week of the month.
October
- average maximum temperature 74.4
- average minimum temperature 52.9
- average precipitation 2.91 inches
- north/northeasterly winds
October truly signals the beginning of autumn. Fall colors
begin to appear in the northern sections of the state by the second week in October and
continue slowly southward. Mid to late October generally provides peak fall color in the
northern portions of Arkansas. October and November are two of the most popular months for
visitors due to the beautiful fall colors and pleasant temperatures.
November
- average maximum temperature 61.6
- average minimum temperature 42.1
- average precipitation 4.15 inches
- average snowfall .3 inches
- northwesterly winds
Frost starts to become common during this month. The first
of November is generally peak fall color in the central to southern parts of the state. As
the month progresses, temperatures can frequently change to harsh cold.
December
- average maximum temperature 52.4
- average minimum temperature 35.2
- average precipitation 4.13 inches
- average snowfall .8 inches
- northwesterly winds
December signals the beginning of winter temperatures with
heavy frosts becoming quite common. This is the preferred winter month for those who like
to experience the colder temperatures.