If you’ve spent any time in North Mississippi, you know the drill. You wake up in a parka and by lunch you're wondering why on earth you didn't wear shorts. Honestly, the temp in oxford ms is less of a predictable statistic and more of a local mood ring. It changes fast.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we’re sitting in the thick of a classic Southern winter. It's currently a crisp 29°F outside. It feels more like 20°F because of a 9 mph wind coming up from the south. The air is surprisingly damp, with humidity hovering at 71%. If you're looking out the window, it's just a lot of "partly cloudy" nighttime vibes.
Why the Temp in Oxford MS Refuses to Stay Put
People think the South is always hot. That's a myth. Well, mostly.
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Oxford sits in a humid subtropical zone. Basically, that means we get the worst of the humidity in August and the biting, damp cold in January. Today, January 16, we’re actually expecting a high of 55°F. That's a massive jump from the morning freeze. But don't get too comfortable. Tonight, it’s dropping back down to 31°F.
Tomorrow is looking even weirder. We’re expecting a high of 43°F with a 20% chance of snow. Yes, snow. In Mississippi. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, the whole town basically holds its breath. Usually, it's more of a "wintry mix"—that slushy stuff that makes driving on Jackson Avenue a nightmare—than a scenic dusting.
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The Seasonal Rollercoaster
- Spring (March–May): This is the sweet spot. You get these glorious days between 65°F and 80°F. It’s perfect for the Double Decker Arts Festival, though you've gotta watch out for those sudden afternoon thunderstorms that roll through like they own the place.
- Summer (June–August): This is the "muggy" season. Highs hit 91°F or 92°F regularly. With the humidity, the "feels like" temp in Oxford MS can easily soar past 100°F. The cicadas get loud, and the air feels like a warm, wet blanket.
- Fall (September–November): Tailgating weather. It stays warm through September, but October finally brings that 75°F relief. It's the best time to be in the Grove.
- Winter (December–February): Short but aggressive. We average about 50°F for highs in January, but the lows dip to 31°F or lower.
Historically, we aren't immune to extremes. While Oxford usually stays between 32°F and 89°F throughout the year, the state record is a wild -19°F (set in Corinth, not too far from here) and a blistering 115°F. Oxford itself rarely sees those digits, but we’ve seen plenty of 96°F days that felt much hotter.
Surviving the "Muggy" Factor
Humidity is the real villain here. It’s why a 90-degree day in Oxford feels way more exhausting than a 90-degree day in a desert. In July, the dew point often hits 71°F. That’s "uncomfortably humid" territory. Your sweat doesn't evaporate; it just sits there.
If you're visiting, the "comfortable" days are actually pretty limited. We get about 136 days a year that hit that goldilocks zone—highs between 65°F and 86°F with low humidity. Most of those happen in April, May, and October. If you’re coming for a campus tour or a weekend on the Square, aim for those months.
What’s Coming Next Week?
The 10-day outlook is a total mixed bag. We’ve got "mostly sunny" days with highs of 39°F coming up Monday, followed by a stretch of light rain toward the end of next week. By Friday the 23rd, the temp in Oxford MS is supposed to climb back to 56°F.
It’s inconsistent. It’s frustrating for your wardrobe. But it’s also just life in Lafayette County.
Actionable Prep for Oxford Weather
- The Layer Rule: Never trust the morning temperature. Always have a light jacket or flannel you can ditch by 2:00 PM.
- Humidity Protection: If you're here in the summer, hydration isn't enough; you need shade. The humidity makes heat stroke a very real risk for people not used to the "soupy" air.
- Winter Prep: When the forecast mentions a "wintry mix" or snow (like we're seeing for tomorrow), check the local school closings early. Oxford tends to shut down quickly when ice is involved because our hills and bridges get slick fast.
- App Alerts: Use a weather app that tracks dew point, not just temperature. It’ll give you a much better idea of how miserable (or pleasant) it actually feels outside.
The temp in oxford ms is currently 29°F, but give it a few hours. It’ll be something entirely different soon enough. Stick to the shade in the summer, keep a coat in the car in the winter, and enjoy those rare, perfect spring afternoons when the azaleas are actually in bloom.