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The weather in Arkansas is mild and typically pleasant with four distinct, yet temperate, seasons. 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. In the following seasonal descriptions temperatures are given in degrees fahrenheit.

Winter

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. January temperatures often fall below the average minimum but rarely drop to single digits. January is usually the heaviest snowfall month. February is similar to January with occasional variations in low temperatures.

January Averages

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Campus after a snow

Arkansas in the winter

Spring

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 is considered to be the first true spring month with more consistently 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 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 opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts.

April Averages

Pecan Grove on a spring day

Arkansas in the spring

Summer

June is the month when the heat and humidity of the summer become noticeable. Temperatures still remain fairly moderate and participation in outdoor activities remains high. The early part of the month is usually quite pleasant. The old saying "Hot as a Fourth of July firecracker" applies particularly toward the end of July. Temperatures can reach into 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 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.

August Averages

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ campus on a summer day

Arkansas in the summer

Fall

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 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. Frost starts to become common during the month of November. 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 in the northern portions of the state.

October Averages

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ campus in the fall

Arkansas in the fall