The climate of Asheville
Asheville,
North Carolina, USA, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, experiences a humid subtropical climate, more specifically identified as a Marine west coast, warm summer climate by the Köppen climate classification (Cfb). This prevalent type of climate offers a rich blend of both moderate and distinct weather patterns throughout the year.
The city encounters average high temperatures between 44.1°F (6.7°C) in
January and reaching up to 84°F (28.9°C) in the peak summer month of
July. The lowest temperatures vary considerably as well from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in January to an agreeable 62.1°F (16.7°C) during the peak of summer in July. Asheville's climatic conditions represent a marked difference between the colder winter months and the warm summers, with a progressive rise and fall noted through the transition seasons of spring and autumn.
Asheville's binary pattern extends to its levels of humidity too, showing a slim range fluctuation from 73% in
November to a high of 78% in
May. Rainfall varies slightly throughout the year, with the highest levels recorded in
December with a measurement of 3.54" (90mm). Snowfall is seen primarily in the colder months, December and January register most accumulation, with respective averages of 4.21" (107mm) and 2.17" (55mm). On the other hand, the summer season observes essentially no measurable snowfall.
Daylight hours span from 9.8 hours in winter month December to a generous 14.5 hours in the summer month
June. Similarly, sunshine hours display a substantial range, stretching from 5.5 hours in December to a towering 10.6 hours in June. The UV index follows the course of the solar pattern, ranging from a low level of 2 during winter to a higher level of 6 in summertime.
The best time to visit Asheville
The best time to visit
Asheville largely depends on individual preferences related to weather conditions. For visitors seeking a blend of warm temperatures and relatively low humidity, the months from
April to
June prove desirable. The temperature averages from 65.5°F (18.6°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C) coupled with relatively low cloud percentage does provide a recipe for pleasurable weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Asheville
While
Asheville's weather conditions are generally moderate, the winter months of
December and
January can be less inviting due to cold temperatures and potent snowfall. The temperature during these months falls between 27.7°F (-2.4°C) and 48.4°F (9.1°C). The cloud percentage surges to a substantial 43%, and the UV index drops to 2, indicating relatively lesser sunny days.
Spring weather in Asheville
Spring in
Asheville unfolds a visible shift in weather patterns.
March signals the start of this transition with average high and low temperatures moving between 55.6°F (13.1°C) and 37.6°F (3.1°C). By the time
May arrives, these temperatures experience a significant surge, resulting in averages from 73.8°F (23.2°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C). Rainfall is seen to slightly decrease from 2.28" (58mm) in March to 1.73" (44mm) in May.
Summer weather in Asheville
Summer weather in
Asheville is quite pleasant with the temperature averages fluctuating between 73.8°F (23.2°C) and 62.1°F (16.7°C), giving way to warm and agreeable conditions which peak in
July at 84°F (28.9°C). Rainfall during these months remains relatively low, contributing to the generally sunny conditions. The average cloud percentage remains around 31-32% and the UV index elevates to a high of 6.
Autumn weather in Asheville
The onset of autumn in
Asheville indicates a substantial plunge in temperature.
September marks the start of this season with average high and low temperatures of 77.7°F (25.4°C) and 55.9°F (13.3°C) which steadily decrease to winter-like temperatures of 55.6°F (13.1°C) and 37.2°F (2.9°C) by
November. The change in seasons is also marked by an increase in cloud percentage, from 37% in September to 33% in November.
Winter weather in Asheville
Winter is marked by a noticeable change in
Asheville's weather pattern with temperatures dropping as low as 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in
January. Despite the drop in temperatures, average high temperatures maintain around 44.1°F (6.7°C) to 48.4°F (9.1°C). These colder months are also when Asheville experiences its highest rainfall and snowfall, particularly in
December with rainfall averaging around 3.54" (90mm) and snowfall 4.21" (107mm). The cloud percentage soars to 43%, suggesting significantly overcast conditions during this season.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Asheville,
North Carolina, greets residents with a mixture of cool temperatures and a high possibility of precipitation. With the average temperature reaching no higher than 44.1°F (6.7°C), locals can expect comfortable, cool days and significantly cooler nights.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the last stretch of winter plays out in
Asheville,
February brings slightly milder temperatures compared to
January. This month spots the highest amount of snowfall, accumulating to nearly 2.91" (74mm). Despite the occasional snow, February also offers increased hours of sunshine than the previous month, enabling city dwellers to enjoy more outdoor activities during the day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the arrival of spring in
Asheville, ushering in warmer temperatures and a noticeable increase in amount of daylight. The snowfall seen in winter months makes way to rain with the city experiencing rainfall across 14 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a significant change in weather conditions in
Asheville, with temperatures continuing to increase and snow now a distant memory. Seeing the highest increase in daylight duration from the previous month, the city basks in 13.1 hours of daylight.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As spring ends,
May in
Asheville promises warmer days with temperatures pushing towards a comfortable 73.8°F (23.2°C). This month marks a notable increase in the city's humidity levels. Though the rainfall continues to be seen in May, daylight hours and sunshine keep the climes comfortable.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the start of summer in
Asheville with comfortable climbs in temperature and a decrease in rainfall. Now, the city enjoys the longest days of the year, with a peak of 14.5 hours of daylight. Outdoor activities are at a high with numerous festivals and music events kicking off the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Summer hits its peak in
Asheville during
July, making it the hottest month of the year with the temperature reaching a comfortable high of 84°F (28.9°C). Despite the hot days, fresh mountain breezes offer relief from the summer heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August carries on the summer spirit of
Asheville, showcasing temperatures comparable to those in
July. This month brings with it the least wind throughout the year. As the August days roll, warm, long evenings provide a perfect setting for campfires under the stars.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the arrival of fall in
Asheville with dropping temperatures and decreasing daylight hours. While the daylight duration dips to 12.4 hours, the fall season provides scenic beauty as the leaves start transforming into vibrant shades of orange and red.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Asheville is characterized by remarkable fall colors and pleasant weather. Witnessing a further decrease in temperature, the city feels the gentle touch of autumn chill. As the colder air begins to set in, Asheville offers an abundantly colourful and remarkable sight of fall foliage.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Asheville brings a noticeable drop in temperature as winter starts to take hold. Despite the onset of colder times, Asheville is rewarded with less rain than seen in preceding months. The city’s visibility rises to an annual high of six miles, painting clear, crisp autumn skies.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Asheville sees the onset of winter in full force, with temperatures dropping further. With the occurrence of snow being more prominent in December, the city witnesses a snowy transformation. The trees get a dusting of snow, completing the city's transformation into a winter wonderland.
Weather in December »