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Contents
- The climate of Highlands
- The best time to visit Highlands
- The worst time to visit Highlands
- Spring weather in Highlands
- Summer weather in Highlands
- Autumn weather in Highlands
- Winter weather in Highlands
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Springtime in the rocky and mountainous region in the Appalachian Mountain scene in Highlands, North Carolina
The climate of Highlands
North Carolina's Highlands, located in the United States, is identified with the Köppen climate classification as a Marine west coast region with warm summer. Areas with such classifications generally have somewhat even temperatures throughout the year, with warm, not hot, summers and cool, not cold, winters.
In Highlands, average high temperatures range from a mild 43.7°F (6.5°C) in the month of January to a warm 81.5°F (27.5°C) in July, whereas average low temperatures fluctuate between a chilly 28°F (-2.2°C) in January and a comfortable 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July. A noticeable constant in this location is the relative humidity, with monthly averages remaining steady between 76% and 79%. The amount of rainfall also reflects some variability - the wettest periods are in January and April with respectively 3.58" (91mm) and 4.37" (111mm), while the driest are in September with 2.24" (57mm).
Among other notable parameters, daily sunlight hours reach their peak in June with a monthly average of 14.5 hours, while December has the shortest daylight period averaging 9.8 hours. Accompanying the changing length of daylight, the average ultraviolet (UV) index also varies on a scale from a low 2 in the winter months to a high of 6 in June. Seasonal changes in weather conditions further extend to variables such as wind speed, with an average of 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in January and February dipping to 3.5mph (5.6km/h) in August.
In Highlands, average high temperatures range from a mild 43.7°F (6.5°C) in the month of January to a warm 81.5°F (27.5°C) in July, whereas average low temperatures fluctuate between a chilly 28°F (-2.2°C) in January and a comfortable 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July. A noticeable constant in this location is the relative humidity, with monthly averages remaining steady between 76% and 79%. The amount of rainfall also reflects some variability - the wettest periods are in January and April with respectively 3.58" (91mm) and 4.37" (111mm), while the driest are in September with 2.24" (57mm).
Among other notable parameters, daily sunlight hours reach their peak in June with a monthly average of 14.5 hours, while December has the shortest daylight period averaging 9.8 hours. Accompanying the changing length of daylight, the average ultraviolet (UV) index also varies on a scale from a low 2 in the winter months to a high of 6 in June. Seasonal changes in weather conditions further extend to variables such as wind speed, with an average of 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in January and February dipping to 3.5mph (5.6km/h) in August.
The best time to visit Highlands
Taking into account the various weather parameters, the best time to visit Highlands, North Carolina would be from late May to early September. This period offers comfortable temperatures, ranging from an average high of 72°F (22.2°C) in May to 81°F (27.2°C) in August, paired with the lowest wind speeds of the year. It allows for extended outdoor activities due to longest daylight hours of between 14 to 14.5 hours, and sunniest days with average sunlight hours of 9.4 to 10.5 hours.
The worst time to visit Highlands
Contrarily, the least favorable period to visit Highlands would be the colder months from late November through early March. This period faces lower average temperatures, from an average high of 48.2°F (9°C) in December to 43.7°F (6.5°C) in January, and the average low temperature ranging from 33.4°F (0.8°C) to 28°F (-2.2°C) respectively. Additionally, it's this time of the year when snowfall is a common occurrence, with peak accumulation happening in January and December.
Spring weather in Highlands
Spring in Highlands ushers in a gradual warming trend after the winter chill. Starting in March, temperatures can reach average highs of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and lows of 37.9°F (3.3°C), and by May these levels ascend to a more pleasant 72°F (22.2°C) and 52°F (11.1°C) respectively. With an average rainfall ranging from 3.31" (84mm) to 3.5" (89mm), spring months seem to be pretty wet. This season also sees an increase in daylight hours, extending from 12 hours in March to 14 hours by May.
Summer weather in Highlands
The summer months from June to August provide balmy weather in Highlands, with average high temperatures not exceeding beyond 81.5°F (27.5°C) and average lows staying in between 58.1°F (14.5°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Rainfall increases and peaks at 4.17" (106mm) in July before tapering off to 3.27" (83mm) in August. While the humidity levels stay near a constant 78 to 79%, the UV index reaches its annual high of 6 in June, urging the need for suitable sun protection.
Autumn weather in Highlands
Autumn, from September to November, brings a refreshing change with it. A gradual descent in temperature is observed reaching from a high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) in September to a considerably cooler 54.7°F (12.6°C) by November. The nights also turn cooler, and the average low swings from 56.3°F (13.5°C) to 37°F (2.8°C). Rainfall is relatively minimal during these months with an average range of 2.24" (57mm) to 3.15" (80mm). As the season progresses, daylight hours reduce from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Highlands
Winter, spanning from December to February, presents a colder scenario. The Highlands experience average high temperatures between 48.2°F (9°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C) and average lows from 33.4°F (0.8°C) down to 28°F (-2.2°C). Snowfall becomes a significant feature during these months, with the maximum accumulation seen in December with 7.44" (189mm). Even though the daylight hours are the shortest in the year, averaging between 9.8 to 10.1 hours, the percentage of cloud cover increases to a peak of 48% in January.
Weather in January
Commencing the year, Highlands embraces the frosty ambiance of winter. A subtle transition from December, the city encounters a blend of snow and rain. Remarkably, January is the coldest month, with temperatures plummeting down to 28°F (-2.2°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
As Highlands weathers through February, minor changes become apparent in the climatic conditions. Moderate humidity combined with a palpable rise in temperature subtly hint towards the approaching spring. Snowfall shows a marked reduction this month, diving to 5.79" (147mm) from January's 6.34" (161mm) of snow. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March in Highlands witnesses a further easing of winters, setting premises for spring. A subtle transition, the weather gradually drifts towards a blend of mild cold and intermittent rains. Noteworthy is the reduction in snowfall in March, dwindling to a minor 2.76" (70mm), indicating a noteworthy decrease since February. Weather in March »
Weather in April
As spring fully unfurls in April, the weather of Highlands experiences drastic changes. Amidst this transformation, warmth seeps in, tapering the residual winter chills. The increase in temperature is evident with the thermometer reaching a high of 64°F (17.8°C). Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in a further escalation in temperatures, marking the onset of summers in Highlands. The gradual transition from spring is accompanied by an increment in daylight hours. With the highest recorded rainfall of 4.37" (111mm), May can be considered the wettest month of the year in Highlands. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June, the threshold of summers in Highlands, showcases a significant elevation in the city's temperatures. Long daylight hours provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Another notable factor of June weather is the escalated UV index, soaring to 6 from May’s count of 5. Weather in June »
Weather in July
In high summer gear, July exposes Highlands to mild warmth and occasional showers. Lengthy daylight hours enable locals and tourists to enjoy outdoors to their heart's content. The temperature hits the year's peak, soaring up to 81.5°F (27.5°C), hinting at the zenith of summer. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August in Highlands continues to bask under the prevalent summer heat, although a slight dip in temperatures is witnessed. The promise of imminent autumn becomes apparent in the late evenings as a mild coolness descends over the city. Weather in August »
Weather in September
With the onset of September, the enchanting Highlands begin their transition into the glorious fall season. Intermittent rains and a notable decrease in temperature mark the departure of summers. A significant shift is the drop in rainfall, descending to 2.24" (57mm) as compared to the 3.27" (83mm) in August. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Highlands drapes the city in a vibrant kaleidoscope of fall colors. A crisp coolness permeates the air, replacing the receding summer warmth. It's worth noting the considerable decrease in temperature, with lows plummeting down to a chilly 46°F (7.8°C) in comparison to September’s 56.3°F (13.5°C). Weather in October »
Weather in November
Stretching into the last leg of fall, November in Highlands showcases a progressive dip in temperatures. The transformation of weather is more evident with the sun setting earlier, coupled with a substantial decrease in daylight hours. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December greets Highlands with a chilly embrace, signifying the onset of winters. The crispness in the air escalates, as temperatures continue to slide down the thermostat. An important weather trend is the escalation in December’s snowfall, surging to a maximum of 7.44" (189mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months in Highlands?
January is the month that records the lowest temperatures in Highlands, with averages ranging from a high of 43.7°F (6.5°C) to a low of 28°F (-2.2°C).
What is the least humid month?
January and November, with an average relative humidity of 76%, are the least humid months.
How much does it rain?
In Highlands, during the entire year, the rain falls for 177.1 days and collects up to 41.42" (1052mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 21.8 snowfall days, and 26.38" (670mm) of snow is accumulated.
When is the lowest UV index?
January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the most humid month?
February, March, May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 79%, are most humid months in Highlands.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
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. Rain falls for 15.3 days and accumulates 4.37" (111mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
May through October are months without snowfall.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine?
With an average of 10.5h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
With an average maximum UV index of 6, June is the month with the highest UV index.
What are the warmest months?
In Highlands, the peak temperatures are generally noted in July, averaging a high of 81.5°F (27.5°C) and a low of 61.3°F (16.3°C).
What is the driest month in Highlands?
September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 13.9 days and accumulates 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 4.5 days and typically aggregates up to 7.44" (189mm) of snow.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year in Highlands, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Highlands?
December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Highlands, NC
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (43.7°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (28°F).
Average pressure
Highlands, NC
- Average pressure in January:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.99"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.04"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.14"Hg
The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).
Average wind speed
Highlands, NC
- Average wind speed in January:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in March:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in May:
4.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
3.9mph - Average wind speed in August:
3.5mph - Average wind speed in September:
3.8mph - Average wind speed in October:
4.7mph - Average wind speed in November:
4.8mph - Average wind speed in December:
5.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (5.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.5mph).
Average humidity
Highlands, NC
The months with the highest relative humidity are February, March, May, September and December (79%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and November (76%).
Average rainfall
Highlands, NC
- Average rainfall in January:
3.58" - Average rainfall in February:
3.78" - Average rainfall in March:
3.31" - Average rainfall in April:
4.37" - Average rainfall in May:
3.5" - Average rainfall in June:
2.91"
- Average rainfall in July:
4.17" - Average rainfall in August:
3.27" - Average rainfall in September:
2.24" - Average rainfall in October:
2.87" - Average rainfall in November:
3.15" - Average rainfall in December:
4.25"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (4.37").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.24").
Average rainfall days
Highlands, NC
- Average rainfall days in January:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
18.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
20 days - Average rainfall days in August:
18.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
12.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (20 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (10.4 days).
Average snowfall
Highlands, NC
The month with the highest snowfall is December (7.44").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Highlands, NC
- Average snowfall days in January:
6.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
5.5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
2.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.6 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
1.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
4.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Highlands, NC
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 5min
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).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 3min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Highlands, NC
- Average sunshine days in January:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
8.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
10.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
13 days - Average sunshine days in October:
18.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
18.7 days - Average sunshine days in December:
15.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8.7 days).
Average UV index
Highlands, NC
The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Highlands, NC
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 48).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 33).
Average visibility
Highlands, NC
The month with the highest visibility is June (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).
Highlands, North Carolina, USA
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