The climate of Hickory
Hickory,
North Carolina, sits within the köppen climate classification of Cfa. This classification represents a humid subtropical climate, with no dry season. Due to this categorization, Hickory witnesses a blend of temperatures, humidity, and precipitation throughout the year.
Not restricted to a constant weather framework, Hickory experiences moderate fluctuations in its climatic conditions across the year. Temperatures jump from a lower end of approximately 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to an upper edge of 88.5°F (31.4°C). Humidity levels oscillate in a narrower range relative to other parameters, averaging between 70% and 76%.
Precipitation patterns in Hickory exhibit an array of diversity. Average rainfall hovers from a minimum of 1.97" (50mm) to a maximum of 3.58" (91mm). Snowfall, a less frequent event, rarely surpasses 2.13" (54mm) on average. Sunshine hours stride from a humble 5.5 hours to a radiant 11 hours, closely shadowed by daylight hours stretching from 9.8 to 14.6 hours.
The uniqueness in Hickory’s weather becomes evident when scrutinizing each month's parameters.
June,
July, and
August experience the highest temperatures, while
January and
February are noticeably the coldest with measurable snowfall. Rainfall is generally consistent, but interestingly,
May records the highest number of rainy days. Notably, despite its geographical position and climate classification, snowfall in Hickory remains a rare spectacle.
The best time to visit Hickory
Deliberation on the best period to visit
Hickory centers around personal preferences for climate conditions. For enthusiasts of warm weather and long daylight hours, the period from
May to early
September provides temperatures ranging from 68.4°F (20.2°C) to 88.5°F (31.4°C) and daylight hours that peak at 14.6 hours in
June. Sunshine hours are also maximal during this period, reaching up to 11 hours in
July.
For visitors enamored with cooler conditions and lower humidity levels, the season from late September to
November offers temperatures that range from 50°F (10°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C) with humidity levels averaging around 72%. Rainfall is relatively muted during this period, particularly in
October, with average figures of 1.97" (50mm).
The worst time to visit Hickory
January and
February in
Hickory might not be ideal for tourists who are not fond of cold weather and snowfall. During these months, the average temperature often dips to 30.6°F (-0.8°C), with average snowfall climbing to 2.13" (54mm) in January.
Spring weather in Hickory
Spring in
Hickory greets residents and visitors from
March to
May with a gradual rise in temperatures from 57.9°F (14.4°C) to 77°F (25°C). Concurrently, humidity levels show a marginal increment, standing around 75% in March, and peaking at 76% in May.
In terms of precipitation, rainfall ranges from 2.48" (63mm) in March to 3.5" (89mm) in May with the number of rainy days climbing from 14.5 to 17.4. With snowfall ceasing after March,
April and May beckon longer daylight hours from 13.1 hours to 14.1 hours, accompanied by increasing sunshine hours from 9.2 hours to 9.8 hours.
Summer weather in Hickory
From
June to
August,
Hickory basks under the summer sun with temperatures fluctuating between 85.3°F (29.6°C) and 88.5°F (31.4°C). A relatively low humidity level of 70% in
July promotes a pleasant summer experience. The highest rainfall is seen in
August, up to 2.99" (76mm), supplementing increased vegetation and underlining the classification of a humid subtropical climate.
Daylight hours reach their zenith with as many as 14.6 hours in June. Paralleling the lengthening days, sunshine hours are highest in June and July, reaching 10.9 hours and 11 hours, respectively.
Autumn weather in Hickory
Autumn graces
Hickory from
September to
November. The period marks a drop in temperatures, starting from 80.4°F (26.9°C) in September to about 50°F (10°C) in November. An associated decline in humidity levels from 74% to 72% offers a comfortable and crisp Autumn experience.
There's a noticeable reduction in rainfall during this season, with November experiencing the least rain at 2.36" (60mm). The daylight and sunshine hours decrease proportionately, from 12.4 hours to 10.3 hours and from 8.5 hours to 6 hours, respectively.
Winter weather in Hickory
Hickory's winter season, spanning
December to
February, experiences the lowest average temperatures from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to 50°F (10°C). Humidity levels scale up to 76% while rainfall ramp up to 3.15" (80mm) in December. The number of daylight hours dwindle to their lowest level between 9.8 hours and 10.1 hours. Sunshine hours concurrently fall to their least count between 5.5 hours and 5.7 hours. Significantly, snowfall marks its presence majorly in
January, scaling up to 2.13" (54mm), nostalgically wrapping Hickory in a winter wonderland.
Weather in January
January brings the coldest temperatures to
Hickory,
North Carolina. The average high and low temperatures are 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 30.6°F (-0.8°C) respectively. Frost is usual as the temperature often falls below freezing. The month records substantial cloud cover, reducing sunshine hours to a minimum of 5.7 hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As winter continues,
February is slightly warmer, yet still frigid compared to
January. Snow occasionally falls, with an average accumulation of 1.5" (38mm) over 2.3 days. Amid the chill, the lengthening days bring more sunshine, gradually melting the snow.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March, signs of spring start to surface in
Hickory. The weather gets milder and the last of the snow melts, finalizing the winter season. The daylight hours stretch to 12 hours, offering significantly more sun exposure than the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the city fully transitions into spring, with weather becoming noticeably warmer. The landscape flourishes under the longer daylight hours and abundant rainfall. April records the highest rainfall volume, reaching approximately 3.58" (91mm).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May offers the perfect blend of warmth and humidity, marking the onset of summer in
Hickory. The average high temperature now exceeds 77°F (25°C), a stark contrast to the coolness of the previous months. The extended daylight of 14.1 hours allows ample time for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June continues the warm temperature trend set in
May, with the mercury often reading high 80s°F. This month signifies the peak of summer, as the maximum daylight hours are reached. Compared to earlier months, June experiences significantly less rainfall to the tune of 2.44" (62mm).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains the summer heat with the highest recorded temperature, averaging at 88.5°F (31.4°C) for high and 66°F (18.9°C) for the low. The abundance of sunshine continues, making for continued favorable conditions for outings and picnics.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is slightly cooler than
July, but the temperatures continue to hover in the high 80s°F. The summer heat starts to reduce gradually, signaling the downward trend in temperatures. The rainfall increases from July to August, measuring approximately 2.99" (76mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the transition from summer to autumn, as the temperatures begin to moderate. The fall foliage starts to appear, painting the city with vibrant hues. The rainfall further decreases to 2.01" (51mm), marking the relatively drier period of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings distinctive autumnal weather to
Hickory with noticeably cooler temperatures and crisp air. The days now experience a significant decrease in daylight hours from the previous month, making the nights longer. Rainfall sees a slight decrease from
September to October, with a record of 1.97" (50mm) only.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees a further drop in temperatures, indicating the nearing winter season. Fall foliage peaks during this month and paves the way for the wintry landscape of the approaching season. To signal the change, November witnesses a bit of snowfall, approximately a 0.31-inch snow layer enveloping the city on 0.2 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the cold winter back to
Hickory, wrapping the city in a frosty charm. The average minimum temperature dips to 35.2°F (1.8°C), emphasizing the wintery setting. The month witnesses another round of significant snowfall - around 2.28" (58mm), with the events taking place on just under one day.
Weather in December »