A
Mild Climate With Four Distinct Seasons
One of the really nice things about living in Western
North Carolina is our climate. The combination
of high altitudes and southern latitudes results in
comfortably mild weather with four distinct seasons.
-
Spring
begins early here in the mountains, with the first
flowers often starting to bloom in late February
or early March. We enjoy an abundant and continuous
succession of flowering trees and plants -- both
in our gardens and in the wild -- all the way through
the summer and into early autumn.
- Summer
in our mountains is famous for our mild temperatures.
People began retreating from the sweltering summer
heat to our area well over a century ago, and our
many camps and conference centers -- the worlds
largest concentration -- are a continuing testimony
to this fact. While many newer homes in the
area have air conditioners, a great many folks find
that they are able to live just fine without them.
-
Autumn is a glorious time! Our
fall foliage is renowned the world over, and visitors
come from all over just to experience the view for
a few days. Imagine yourself living here,
and being able to enjoy the view everyday during
the season!
- Winter
in the mountains holds its own delights. Yes,
it does get a little colder, and we do get an occasional
snow. More often, however, the snow and frost
are limited to the mountain peaks. Combined
with the crisp, clear winter air, those of us who
remain here year-round are treated to some of the
best scenery of all -- vista which many visitors
never have an opportunity to see.
Local
Climate Statistics
Courtesy
of National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, NC
Monthly
Average Temperatures, 2000
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
| Max |
45.4 |
55.3 |
63.0 |
64.7 |
78.7 |
81.9 |
83.2 |
81.5 |
75.1 |
71.7 |
55.1 |
42.2 |
66.5 |
| Ave |
36.0 |
43.3 |
49.9 |
53.0 |
66.2 |
70.6 |
72.8 |
71.7 |
65.2 |
57.2 |
44.6 |
32.5 |
55.3 |
| Min |
26.5 |
31.3 |
36.8 |
41.3 |
53.6 |
59.3 |
62.4 |
61.8 |
55.3 |
42.7 |
34.0 |
22.8 |
44.0 |
Monthly
Precipitation (inches), 2000
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
3.10 |
2.33 |
3.82 |
5.11 |
1.27 |
2.78 |
2.84 |
4.45 |
3.27 |
0.00 |
4.25 |
2.37 |
35.59 |
Long-term
Averages
| Average Annual Rainfall |
47.59 inches |
| Average Annual Snowfall |
16.20 inches |
| Average Annual Temperature |
55.5 degrees F |
| Number of Heating Degree Days |
4,308 |
| Number of Colling Degree Days |
787 |
| Average Relative Humidity |
58% (@ 1:00 PM) |
|
