The climate of Banner Elk
Tucked in the mountains of
North Carolina, the town of
Banner Elk enjoys a Marine west coast climate with warm summers (Cfb according to Köppen climate classification). Observing the weather data, seasonal shifts in temperature, rainfall, and snowfall become strikingly prominent.
Throughout the year, the average high temperature varies from 38.8°F (3.8°C) in the colder month of
January to 80.1°F (26.7°C) in the warmest month of
July. Conversely, the average low temperature ranges from 24.3°F (-4.3°C) in January to 59.5°F (15.3°C) in July. Coupled with that, there is an incremental rise in relative humidity from 77% in
November to a peak of 80% in
February,
May, and
December, contributing to the overall feel of the weather.
Variations in rainfall and snowfall further define the climate. Banner Elk experiences rainfall all year round but it shows an upsurge in the amount of rain during summer with July witnessing the maximum rainfall of 3.07" (78mm). In contrast, the snowfall predominantly occurs in winter, specifically between the months of January.
The best time to visit Banner Elk
As warmth blankets the town, summer emerges as the most attractive time of the year to visit
Banner Elk. The period from
June to
August, when the average high temperature stays between 69.6°F (20.9°C) and 80.1°F (26.7°C) and the relative humidity plays around 78%, furnishes pleasant and enjoyable weather. Visitors during this time will benefit from an abundance of sunshine hours, peaking at 10.3 hours in June and
July. However, do remember to pack an umbrella as these months also witness the highest rainfall, with July receiving 3.07" (78mm) of precipitation.
The worst time to visit Banner Elk
For those averse to cold weather, winter can be the challenging time to visit
Banner Elk, specifically from
December through
February. The average daily temperature in this period fluctuates between 24.3°F (-4.3°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C), and the town also experiences the peak of snowfall with 4.65" (118mm) in December to 4.57" (116mm) in
January. Coupled with the least daylight hours (9.7 hours in December), the weather can be biting cold and somewhat harsh.
Spring weather in Banner Elk
From
March to
May, the spectator can witness the transition from winter to spring in
Banner Elk. During this period, the average highs hover between 51.3°F (10.7°C) and 69.6°F (20.9°C) while the lows shift from 34.3°F (1.3°C) to 50.7°F (10.4°C). Though the rainfall increases progressively from 1.73" (44mm) in March to reach 2.72" (69mm) in May, there is a decline in snowfall, dropping to as low as 0.47 inch in May. This season offers visitors the backdrop of blooming fauna amidst increasing daylight hours from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May.
Summer weather in Banner Elk
Moving into summer, from
June through
August,
Banner Elk experiences warm weather with the high temperature range from 69.6°F (20.9°C) to 80.1°F (26.7°C) and lows from 56.5°F (13.6°C) to 59.5°F (15.3°C). Increased rainfall, peaking in
July with 3.07" (78mm), accompanies the high temperatures. Yet, it's the season of sunny sky with sunshine hours dwelling between 10.3 hours in June and August.
Autumn weather in Banner Elk
Autumn ushers in a cooling period from
September to
November. High temperatures gradually descend from 74.3°F (23.5°C) in September to 51.1°F (10.6°C) in November, while the lows also see a shift from 54°F (12.2°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C). Rainfall persists, ranging from 1.38" (35mm) in September to 1.5" (38mm) in November. The average daylight hours also reduce from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Banner Elk
Winter in
Banner Elk, encapsulating the period from
December to
February, introduces visitors to a cold and predominantly snowy landscape. High temperatures fluctuate between 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C), and the low temperatures from 24.3°F (-4.3°C) to 30.6°F (-0.8°C). Snowfall peaks to around 4.57" (116mm) in
January while rainfall also remains significant. Despite the shorter daylight hours (9.7 hours in December), an average of 5.4 hours of sunshine in December perpetuates the charm of this season.
Weather in January
January presents
Banner Elk,
North Carolina with a cool climate, with temperatures dropping to 24.3°F (-4.3°C) at the lowest. The fresh coat of 4.57" (116mm) of snow adds a winter wonderland feel to the city, creating picturesque scenes.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February is still enveloped in the chill of winter. However, snowfall decreases to 4.13" (105mm), leaving the streets less covered in white compared to
January.
Banner Elk experiences a small yet noticeable change in the overall temperature range.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the advent of spring in
Banner Elk. The temperature sees a significant increase with a high reaching up to 51.3°F (10.7°C), as the chilly winter winds make way for the gentler breezes of spring. Companies that hold snow-dependent activities might see a downturn as snowfall is down to 3.19" (81mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Banner Elk brings clear signs of spring's arrival as snow subsides to a mere 0.98" (25mm). The temperature continues to climb complemented by increasingly longer daylight hours. The emergence of fresh flora and the chirping of birds enhances the city's charming ambiance.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May offers the warm embrace of spring weather, with temperatures rising to a comforting 69.6°F (20.9°C). Snowfall is negligible and the city becomes greener, teeming with vibrant plant life. Rain showers are more frequent, providing a soothing cool-down effect.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes summer with higher temperatures and a peak daylight duration of 14.6 hours. The sun shines brighter, and
Banner Elk exudes an invigorating vibe. Lush green landscapes complemented by clear blue skies make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the hottest month in
Banner Elk with the temperature soaring to 80.1°F (26.7°C). Bask in the sun and enjoy the beach weather, but ensure to wear sunblock as UV index peaks at 5. Despite the heat, rainfall hits its yearly high and a sudden downpour might be on the forecast.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the summer heat, but the highest temperature drops slightly to 78.6°F (25.9°C). The streets of
Banner Elk still bustle with the activities of summer while the cityscape drapes itself in the golden hues of the setting sun.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the fall with a soft tapering of the summer's heat. The cooler weather brings in a serene atmosphere. Natural scenery around
Banner Elk begins its transformation, with the leaves taking on hues of golden yellow and burnt orange.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The cool breeze of
October enhances the autumn vibe in
Banner Elk. This month sees a marked decrease in temperature, adding a hint of chill to the air. The vibrant palette of the city changes, bringing out earthy tones as leaves shed their green.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November announces the arrival of colder climes in
Banner Elk as temperatures drop and snowfall makes a return at 1.85" (47mm). The city begins to prepare for the upcoming winter season. With shorter days and longer nights, folks indulge more in indoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December encapsulates
Banner Elk in a winter blanket with snowfall at 4.65" (118mm) and a minimum temperature falling to 30.6°F (-0.8°C). The city sparkles under the holiday lights, fostering an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Weather in December »