Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate, and its seasons definitely stand apart. Highs swing from the low 50s°F in January up to the mid-90s°F in July. Precipitation never really stops, but it pours the most in spring. Knowing these monthly shifts helps locals and visitors brace for everything from winter ice to summer heat waves.
Because Arkansas sits right in the middle of the country, it often finds itself at the mercy of competing weather systems. Northern towns like Fayetteville usually run cooler than southern spots like Texarkana. Little Rock tends to show off typical conditions for much of the state.
These regional differences stand out most in winter, when the north gets more snow and ice.
Arkansas weather usually follows a seasonal script, but sometimes it throws a curveball. Spring can get wild, with tornadoes and hail. Summer feels heavy with humidity and frequent thunderstorms.
Fall? That’s when the state seems to breathe a little, with some of the nicest days all year. Winter brings its own drama, with ice and snow that can really mess up plans.
Overview of Monthly Weather in Arkansas
Arkansas really leans into its humid subtropical vibe. Summers get hot and sticky, winters stay pretty mild, and the rain shifts from winter storms to summer downpours.
Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
Arkansas sits where all sorts of weather systems can collide. Cold fronts drop in from the north during winter. When summer rolls around, warm, moist air pushes up from the Gulf of Mexico.
Spring tends to get rowdy. Thunderstorms and tornadoes show up more often between March and May. The jet stream’s position makes things pretty unstable then.
During summer, high pressure often parks itself overhead. That brings heat and humidity. Afternoon storms pop up a lot, breaking up the heat for a bit, but sometimes they dump heavy rainfall.
Fall feels like a slow exhale. Cooler air starts to take over. Storms lose their punch, and things settle down for a while.
Average Monthly Temperatures
Winter is when Arkansas chills out the most. January averages land between 30°F and 50°F. Up north, it gets colder than down south.
Spring warms up fast, especially from March through May. By March, most places see the 60s. By May, it’s up to the 70s and low 80s.
Summer brings the hottest weather around here. June through August, highs regularly hit the upper 80s to mid-90s. Humidity makes it feel even hotter.
Fall cools things down again. September can still feel summery, with highs in the 80s. By November, it’s more like the 60s and 70s.
Elevation plays a role too. The higher spots in the north and west stay cooler all year.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Arkansas gets about 32.57 millimeters of rain per month on average. It rains around 73 days a year, but that changes a lot from season to season.
Winter usually brings big storm systems. Northern areas sometimes get snow and ice, but rain is more common.
Spring brings the wettest period for much of Arkansas. Severe storms can dump a lot of rain during March, April, and May. Flash flooding can become an issue.
Summer rain mostly falls during afternoon and evening storms. Those storms can be quick but intense. Sometimes, hot, dry stretches lead to droughts.
Fall tends to be drier than spring or summer. October and November usually have less rain, with lighter showers instead of big storms.
Monthly Breakdown: Arkansas Weather by Month
Arkansas cycles through four real seasons, with temps from the 30s in winter to the mid-90s in summer. Rain falls steadily, but spring is the wettest, and late summer dries out a bit.
January Through March: Winter and Early Spring Conditions
January usually brings the coldest days of the year. Average temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F, and the north and higher elevations freeze more often.
Snow and ice storms do happen, but not all that often. Most of the time, it’s just rain. Cold fronts sweep through, making temperatures bounce up and down.
February keeps things chilly, but there’s a hint of warmth. Temperatures usually run from 35°F to 55°F. By the end of the month, the days feel noticeably longer.
March feels like the switch to spring. Temperatures jump to 45°F to 65°F. Storms ramp up, making March one of the wettest months.
Thunderstorms start popping up more often. The weather gets unpredictable—warm one day, chilly the next. Rain averages about 4.9 inches statewide.
April Through June: Spring to Early Summer Trends
April brings mild, pleasant weather. Temperatures run from 55°F to 75°F, which makes it great for getting outside. Wildflowers and trees burst into bloom everywhere.
Spring storms hit their stride in April and May. Thunderstorms and even tornadoes can show up when weather systems clash. Most of the severe stuff happens in the late afternoon or evening.
May is a favorite for many Arkansans. Temperatures warm up to 60°F to 80°F, and everything looks lush and green. Rain stays high at about 5.4 inches on average.
June turns up the heat and humidity. Temperatures rise to the 70°F to 90°F range. Humidity climbs, making it feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Afternoon storms become a daily thing. They cool things off for a bit, but can bring heavy rain and lightning.
July Through September: Peak Summer to Early Fall
July usually claims the title of hottest month. Temperatures shoot up from 75°F to 95°F, and humidity sticks around. Sometimes, the heat index goes over 100°F in the afternoons.
Thunderstorms still pop up but don’t last long. They offer quick relief from the heat. Rain drops a bit, averaging around 3.6 inches for the month.
August keeps the heat and humidity going. Temperatures hover between 73°F and 92°F. Midday can feel pretty rough with all that moisture in the air.
September starts to cool things down. Temperatures settle between 65°F and 85°F, and humidity drops. The second half of the month feels a lot more comfortable.
Severe storms aren’t as common as earlier in summer. Rain stays moderate, and you start to notice bigger differences between hot days and cooler nights.
October Through December: Fall Into Winter
October might just have the best weather all year. Temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F, and humidity drops. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains show off their fall colors.
The weather usually stays dry and sunny. Clear skies and comfy temps make it perfect for being outside. Rain averages 4.4 inches, and storms are rare.
November brings a chill as winter gets closer. Temperatures run from 45°F to 65°F. Fall colors peak early, then the leaves drop.
Rain picks up to about 5.3 inches as patterns shift. Days get shorter, and sunsets come earlier.
December kicks off winter for real. Temperatures fall to 35°F to 55°F in most places. The north gets more freezes.
Snow doesn’t show up much, but it’s possible, especially up high. Ice storms are a bigger worry than heavy snow. Overcast days become more common as winter settles in.
Weather in Little Rock: Monthly Focus
Little Rock sees temperatures from 34°F to 93°F through the year. Rain and humidity follow the seasons, with spring the wettest and summer and winter bringing the most temperature extremes.
Temperature Averages by Month in Little Rock
Little Rock’s weather follows a pretty classic continental pattern. Summers push into the low 90s°F—July is always the hottest.
Winter chills things down from December through February. Lows drop to about 34°F. It’s rare for temps to dip below 21°F or shoot past 100°F.
Spring and fall bring the nicest days. March to May warms things up after winter. September to November cools things back down.
Temperatures swing a lot from day to night. Summer evenings cool to 71°F to 80°F. Winter days often warm up nicely from cold mornings.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Little Rock gets rain every month. April usually brings the most, with about 2.24 inches.
Late fall and winter are the driest. Some winter months barely top 1.06 inches of rain.
Humidity spikes in summer, making it feel much hotter. June through August can get downright muggy.
Spring rain helps everything grow. Thunderstorms show up often, dumping heavy rain in short bursts.
Notable Weather Events and Records
Little Rock has seen its share of extreme temperatures. Some summers, the mercury climbs past 100°F.
Record lows have dipped well below the usual winter minimums. These cold snaps usually follow blasts of Arctic air.
Severe storms—thunderstorms and the occasional tornado—aren’t unusual. Spring months bring the highest risk.
Winds usually blow from the west-northwest. Most of the year, wind speeds stay between 5 and 10 mph.
Factors Influencing Arkansas Weather Patterns
Arkansas weather comes from a mix of geography and shifting air masses. The state’s spot between the Gulf and the continental interior makes for some interesting climate quirks.
Geographical and Topographical Impacts
Arkansas sits right where air masses like to meet and mix. Its central location lets weather move in from every direction.
The Gulf of Mexico has a big influence. Warm, moist air drifts up from the Gulf, giving Arkansas its signature humidity.
Mountain ranges make a real difference. The Ozarks in the north and Ouachitas in the west block and redirect winds.
These highlands stay cooler than the lowlands. They also get more rain, since air cools and drops moisture as it climbs over the peaks.
The Mississippi River Delta in the east has its own thing going on. It’s warmer and more humid than the mountains to the west.
Arkansas’s geography creates “runways” for severe weather. Flat stretches between mountain ranges help storms build and move fast.
Seasonal Climatic Influences
Air mass patterns steer Arkansas weather as the year goes on. Winter brings cold, dry air from Canada and the northern plains.
These Arctic blasts drop temperatures. When they meet warm, moist Gulf air, ice storms and winter precipitation can happen.
Spring and fall bring the most unpredictable weather. Air masses with different temps clash often.
This is prime time for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The sharp contrast between warm and cool air fuels these storms.
Summer is all about hot, humid air from the Gulf. High pressure often sits overhead for weeks.
That setup creates the muggy, stormy summer days Arkansas is known for. Afternoon storms pop up as the heated air rises and cools.
Travel and Outdoor Planning by Month
Arkansas offers something different every season, but spring and fall really shine for outdoor fun. The weather shapes which activities work best and when.
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
Spring (March-May) is the sweet spot for hiking and camping. Temperatures range from 54°F to 71°F, which feels just about perfect.
March brings more rain—about 4.9 inches—so trails might get muddy. April and May balance mild weather and blooming scenery.
Fall (September-November) is another great time to get outside. September’s average of 74°F means cooler hikes with less humidity.
October stands out for outdoor plans. With 63°F and not much rain, camping and hiking feel easy and pleasant.
Summer can be tricky, thanks to the heat and humidity. July hits 82°F, and the sun gets intense, so early mornings or evenings work best.
Winter limits some outdoor options, but there’s still plenty to do. January’s 41°F makes hot springs inviting, and indoor attractions are always an option.
Weather Tips for Tourists
Pack layers for all seasons. Arkansas weather changes fast, and you never really know what you’ll get. Spring and fall can surprise you with chilly mornings and evenings, so a light jacket comes in handy.
Don’t forget rain gear during peak precipitation months. March through May and November usually bring the most rain, and May sometimes dumps as much as 5.4 inches.
If you’re visiting in summer, bring sun protection. That means hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The humidity’s no joke—it makes the heat feel a lot worse than the thermometer says.
Keep an eye on weather alerts during spring. Thunderstorms and tornadoes pop up most often then, and afternoon storms aren’t rare from March through August.
Pick the right footwear for the season. Waterproof boots make sense in the soggy spring months. When fall dries things out, breathable hiking shoes feel a lot better.
Comparing Arkansas Weather to Nearby Regions
Arkansas shares some weather patterns with its neighbors, but its central spot and mixed-up terrain really shake things up. Weather systems roll in from all directions, so you get a mix of familiar and not-so-familiar conditions.
Similarities and Differences with Neighboring States
Arkansas weather feels pretty similar to Missouri and Tennessee, at least when you look at the seasons. All three states get hot, humid summers with highs often reaching the upper 80s and 90s.
Winters in Arkansas usually feel milder than Missouri’s, but about the same as Tennessee’s. Northern Arkansas dips to around 34°F, while the southern part stays a bit warmer.
Here’s where things start to diverge in precipitation patterns:
- Louisiana picks up more rainfall throughout the year,
- Texas stays drier, especially out west,
- Mississippi really cranks up the humidity in summer.
You’ll see less snow in Arkansas than in Missouri, but more than in Louisiana or eastern Texas. Northern Arkansas averages about 5-10 inches of snow each year.
Spring tends to show up earlier in Arkansas than in Missouri or northern Tennessee. That means a longer growing season and more chances to get outside.
Influence of Regional Weather Systems
Weather systems from all four directions shape Arkansas’s climate all year long. Cold fronts sweep down from Canada through Missouri, so winter storms and sudden temperature drops aren’t unusual.
Moisture from the Gulf pushes north from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. That brings on the state’s muggy summer air and plenty of thunderstorms.
Major weather influences include:
- Arctic air masses coming down from the north in winter
- Tropical moisture drifting up from the south in summer
- Dry air blowing in from western Texas and Oklahoma
- Storm systems tracking over from the Pacific Northwest
The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains really change how these systems move through the state. Sometimes, they slow storms down and cause more rain in the higher spots.
Arkansas gets more variety in its weather than states dominated by just one system. Being right in the middle means the weather can flip fast, and honestly, you never really know what to expect next.