Climate and monthly weather forecast
Hickory, NC

Share

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 »
Updated: Aug 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

The lowest temperatures are recorded in January, with averages reaching a high of 45.9°F (7.7°C) and a low of 30.6°F (-0.8°C).

How many days does it rain in Hickory?

In Hickory, during the entire year, the rain falls for 163.1 days and collects up to 32.01" (813mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through March, November and December.

How much does it snow?

In Hickory, during the entire year, snow falls for 6.2 days and aggregates up to 7.01" (178mm) of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Hickory.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Hickory?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the rainiest month?

April is the month with the most rainfall in Hickory. Rain falls for 14.6 days and accumulates 3.58" (91mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Hickory, snow does not fall in April through October.

What are the most humid months?

The months with the highest humidity are May and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.

What is the warmest month?

Hickory's warmest weather arrives in July, when temperatures average a high of 88.5°F (31.4°C) and a low of 66°F (18.9°C).

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is July, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

What month has the most sunshine in Hickory?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11h of sunshine.

What is the driest month in Hickory?

October is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9.5 days and accumulates 1.97" (50mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 0.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Hickory, NC

Average temperature - Hickory, NC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (45.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (66°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (30.6°F).

Average pressure
Hickory, NC

Average pressure - Hickory, NC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).

Average wind speed
Hickory, NC

Average wind speed - Hickory, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.8mph).

Average humidity
Hickory, NC

Average humidity - Hickory, NC

The months with the highest relative humidity are May and December (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (70%).

Average rainfall
Hickory, NC

Average rainfall - Hickory, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (3.58").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.97").

Average rainfall days
Hickory, NC

Average rainfall days - Hickory, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.9 days).

Average snowfall
Hickory, NC

Average snowfall - Hickory, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.28").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Hickory, NC

Average snowfall days - Hickory, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Hickory, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Hickory, NC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Hickory, NC

Average sunshine days - Hickory, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (10 days).

Average UV index
Hickory, NC

Average UV index - Hickory, NC

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Hickory, NC

Average visibility - Hickory, NC

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).

Hickory, North Carolina, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location