Weather in Little Rock: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Little Rock—and Arkansas in general—experiences all four seasons throughout the year and its climate is considered subtropical with warm, humid summers and short, cool winters.

It's considered a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and short, cool winters. Its temperatures are affected by the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the cold, dry air from Canada. Little Rock is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, though some maps classify Little Rock as 7b. 

Overall, the weather in Little Rock is quite pleasant, with the worst weather problems occurring during tornado season from March through May. However, Little Rock receives almost 50 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the national average. Despite this, it also averages 3097 hours of sunshine, which is also higher than the national average.

Fast Weather Facts

• Hottest Month: July and August (86 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: January (42 degrees Fahrenheit/6 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: November (5.28 inches)
• Most Humid Month: September (72 percent humidity)

During the tornado season of the central United States, which runs from March through May each year, tornadoes can be a big issue in Little Rock. Considered to be a part of "Tornado Alley," which is an area of the United States that has more tornadoes than average, Arkansas receives an average of 7.5 tornadoes per 10,000 square miles. If you're traveling to the Little Rock area during tornado season, be sure to subscribe to local weather alerts on your phone.

Temperatures in the summer can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average high temperature of 72.8 degrees Fahrenheit. August is typically the driest and hottest month in Little Rock, and the period from July through September is the driest of the year. 

Although the average temperatures for the summer months seem tolerable, the humidity in Little Rock is high (especially in August), which can make the heat seem more oppressive. This is because high humidity in Little Rock makes hot temperatures more constant, and the higher the relative humidity, the higher the temperature actually feels.

What to pack: Light, comfortable, and breathable clothing is a must when coming to Little Rock in the summer but also pack sunscreen and a bathing suit if you plan on visiting a public pool. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sandals, and tennis shoes are all recommended.

Average Temperatures and Humidity by Month

June: 89 F (32 C) / 69 F (21 C); 71 percent humidity

July: 92 F (33 C) / 73 F (23 C); 69 percent humidity

August: 93 F (34 C) / 72 F (22 C); 69 percent humidity

Although the heat starts to wane in the fall, high humidity sticks around for much of the season. Still, nighttime temperatures drop around the end of September, and you can generally enjoy cooler evenings in Little Rock by the start of November. Leaves begin to change colors early in Little Rock—compared to the rest of the United States—so plan your trip to view the foliage by at least mid-October to catch the height of the season.

What to pack: While it can get chilly at night, especially in November, you should be fine with a t-shirt and shorts or pants during the daytime. Pack a light jacket or sweater for adventures after dark and be sure to bring clothing you can layer to accommodate for the varying temperatures.

Average Temperatures and Humidity by Month

September: 86 F (30 C) / 65 F (18 C); 72 percent humidity

October: 75 F (24 C) / 53 F (12 C); 69 percent humidity

November: 63 F (17 C) / 42 F (6 C); 70 percent humidity

Winter temperatures rarely dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit with an average low temperature of 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the season. December, January, and February are the most likely months for snow, but snow generally falls in a light mix and short-lived once it's on the ground. Conversely, ice can be quite problematic o in Arkansas. The last year that Little Rock got more than six inches of snow was 1995; in 2011 and 2016, Arkansas had a little over five inches of snow each year.

What to pack: While temperatures rarely drop below freezing for too long, you may still want to bring a heavy coat since the high humidity keeps the air crisp and cold most of the season. Also pack a variety of sweaters, thermal undergarments, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and light jackets to stay warm and waterproof shoes to stay dry.

Average Temperatures and Humidity by Month

December: 52 F (11 C) / 34 F (1 C); 69 percent humidity

January: 51 F (10.5 C) / 32 F (0 C); 70 percent humidity

February: 55 F (13 C) / 35 F (2 C); 68 percent humidity

By mid-March, Little Rock has already started to warm up for the spring season, but rainfall totals also increase along with the temperatures for most of April and May. Fortunately, humidity is at its annual low, days remain relatively cool, and nights stay mildly warm throughout much of the season.

What to pack: Be sure to bring a raincoat and umbrella but also pack a variety of layers for cool, wet days and warm, sunny afternoons in Little Rock.

Average Temperatures and Humidity by Month

March: 64 F (18 C) / 43 F (5 C); 64 percent humidity

April: 73 F (23 C) / 51 F (10.5 C); 64 percent humidity

May: 81 F (21 C) / 62 F (17 C); 71 percent humidity

While the weather in Little Rock remains relatively pleasant for most of the year, it experiences four unique seasons with varying temperature averages and rainfall totals. If you're trying to plan the perfect trip to Little Rock this year, knowing what to expect from the weather month-to-month will help you know what to pack and what you can do in the city once you arrive.

The average monthly temperature, rainfall, and humidity levels above are taken from many different collecting points, so the numbers may vary from one source to another. The official temperature is taken at the Little Rock National Airport.