Highlands County Climate
Highlands County, Florida
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
73.0°F
Annual Precip
52.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"
Extreme Heat Days
126
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
9b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
8,448
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Highlands County
Climate Verdict
Highlands County has a hot, with an average annual temperature of 73.0°F, moderately wet with 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, extreme heat exposure with 125.8 days per year above 90°F, virtually no measurable snowfall. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are exceptionally mild, with January averaging 61.3°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 81.8°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 20°F difference between January and July. January is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.
Regional Context
Highlands County closely matches the Florida statewide average temperature of 71.0°F, the county experiences 33.78327924600653 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Highlands County Weather
Highlands County is significantly warmer than national averages
With an annual average temperature of 73.0°F, Highlands County is nearly 20 degrees warmer than the national median. This subtropical climate is defined by mild winters and consistent heat throughout the year.
Warmer than the average Florida county
The county's 73.0°F average exceeds the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the warmer inland territories in the state, driven by its southern-central location.
Staying hotter than its northern neighbors
Highlands stays slightly cooler than coastal Hillsborough (74.4°F) but is significantly warmer than Lake County (72.0°F). It receives 52.8 inches of annual rain, which is slightly less than the state average of 54.8 inches.
A staggering four months of extreme heat
Residents face 126 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winters are very mild with a 63.3°F average and absolutely no recorded snowfall.
Plan for extreme heat and high humidity
High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the 126 days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are most comfortable during the 61.3°F January mornings before the humidity peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.