Located in the eastern part of the state, Ashland is a charming city nestled in Clay County, Alabama. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Ashland boasts picturesque landscapes characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering streams. The city is affiliated with the United States and is part of the state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, Ashland had a population of approximately 2,800 residents. Covering an area of around 10.5 square miles, Ashland is known for being the home of Clay County Hospital and Southern Union State Community College. The city is dotted with several major landmarks, including the historic Ashland Town Square, the Clay County Courthouse, and the Ashland City Hall. See other cities in Alabama on AlabamaSwitcher.
Climate and Weather Overview
Ashland experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying throughout the year. To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate patterns, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in the table below:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50 | 5.1 | 4 |
| February | 54 | 4.8 | 5 |
| March | 62 | 5.7 | 6 |
| April | 70 | 4.9 | 7 |
| May | 77 | 4.6 | 8 |
| June | 84 | 4.4 | 9 |
| July | 87 | 5.2 | 9 |
| August | 86 | 4.8 | 8 |
| September | 81 | 3.9 | 7 |
| October | 71 | 3.5 | 6 |
| November | 61 | 4.5 | 5 |
| December | 52 | 4.8 | 4 |
January
January in Ashland is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional precipitation. Average temperatures hover around 50°F, with about 5.1 inches of precipitation spread throughout the month. While the weather may be too chilly for outdoor activities, visitors can explore indoor attractions such as the Ashland Town Square or enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace.
February
February brings slightly warmer temperatures to Ashland, with average highs reaching around 54°F. Precipitation levels remain relatively consistent, with about 4.8 inches of rainfall expected. Despite the cooler weather, February offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking in nearby Talladega National Forest or birdwatching at the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge.
March
March marks the beginning of spring in Ashland, with temperatures gradually warming up to around 62°F on average. Precipitation levels increase slightly, with approximately 5.7 inches of rainfall expected. As the weather becomes milder, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking at Clay County Park or exploring the scenic trails of Cheaha State Park.
April
April brings pleasant weather to Ashland, with average temperatures reaching around 70°F. While rainfall remains consistent at around 4.9 inches, sunny days become more frequent, providing ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Visitors can take advantage of the spring weather by visiting local attractions such as the Talladega Scenic Drive or participating in outdoor recreational activities like fishing or kayaking on Lake Wedowee.
May
May is characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine in Ashland, with average highs reaching around 77°F. Rainfall decreases slightly, with approximately 4.6 inches expected throughout the month. With longer daylight hours and comfortable weather, May is the perfect time to explore outdoor attractions such as the Cheaha Wilderness Area or embark on scenic drives along the Talladega Scenic Byway.
June
June brings the onset of summer in Ashland, with average temperatures climbing to around 84°F. While rainfall remains moderate at around 4.4 inches, sunny days become more prevalent, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Visitors can take advantage of the warm weather by hiking the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail or enjoying water-based activities at Lake Martin.
July
July is the hottest month in Ashland, with average highs reaching around 87°F. While temperatures soar, precipitation levels increase to around 5.2 inches, providing relief from the summer heat. Despite the warm weather, visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming at Lake Wedowee or exploring the scenic beauty of Cheaha Mountain.
August
August brings continued warmth to Ashland, with average temperatures remaining around 86°F. While rainfall levels remain consistent at around 4.8 inches, sunny days become less frequent, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Visitors can beat the heat by visiting local attractions such as the Ashland City Park or taking a leisurely stroll along the Clay County Nature Trail.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Ashland, with average temperatures dropping to around 81°F. Rainfall decreases to approximately 3.9 inches, and sunny days become more prevalent once again. With mild weather and fewer crowds, September is an ideal time to explore outdoor attractions such as the Dugger Mountain Wilderness or participate in recreational activities like birdwatching or mountain biking.
October
October brings cooler temperatures to Ashland, with average highs reaching around 71°F. While rainfall levels decrease to around 3.5 inches, sunny days remain abundant, providing perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Visitors can take advantage of the crisp autumn weather by hiking the Odum Scout Trail or enjoying fall foliage drives through Talladega National Forest.
November
November heralds the arrival of fall in Ashland, with average temperatures dropping to around 61°F. While rainfall levels increase to approximately 4.5 inches, sunny days are still common, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Visitors can embrace the autumn season by exploring local attractions such as the Ashland Historic District or attending fall festivals and events in the area.
December
December brings cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation to Ashland, with average highs reaching around 52°F. While rainfall levels remain consistent at around 4.8 inches, sunny days become less frequent as winter approaches. Despite the cooler weather, visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as holiday light displays at Clay County Park or festive events in downtown Ashland.