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Buncombe County Climate

Buncombe County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.3°F

Annual Precip

48.9"

Annual Snowfall

12.5"

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.0"
3.4"
4.1"
4.3"
4.1"
4.4"
4.8"
4.4"
4.5"
3.3"
3.7"
3.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,449

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/19
First fall frost (32°F): 10/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring46°63°12.5"Summer70°73°13.6"Fall46°66°11.5"Winter37°40°11.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 53% of US counties
Wetter than 73% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 19% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Buncombe County

Climate Verdict

Buncombe County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.3°F, moderately wet with 48.9 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.833333333333333 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 12.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.0°F. The 36°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Buncombe County is 4.0°F cooler than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is somewhat drier than average for North Carolina, the county experiences 30.807568027210888 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Buncombe County Weather

Cooler Mountain Air Defies Trends

At 55.3°F annually, Buncombe County is cooler than both the North Carolina state average and the national median. This highland climate offers a sharp contrast to the humid heat typical of the American South.

High Elevation Keeps Things Cool

The county ranks as one of the cooler jurisdictions in North Carolina, sitting four degrees below the state average of 59.3°F. Its high elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains dictates this temperate profile.

A Refreshing Departure from the Piedmont

Buncombe is a mountain refuge, seeing just 7 days of extreme heat compared to dozens in the Piedmont. Its 48.9 inches of annual rain is slightly lower than the state's 51.5-inch average.

Snowy Winters and Temperate Summers

Snow is a regular feature here, with the county receiving 12.5 inches annually. While January averages a brisk 36.7°F, July stays comfortable with a daily average of just 73.0°F.

Winter Preparation is Essential

Homeowners need reliable heating systems and snow removal equipment to navigate the 12.5 inches of winter snowfall. Energy bills stay lower in the summer since extreme heat is very rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Buncombe County?
The average annual temperature in Buncombe County, NC is 55.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Buncombe County get?
Buncombe County receives an average of 48.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Buncombe County?
Yes, Buncombe County receives an average of 12.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Buncombe County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Buncombe County is 71.5°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Buncombe County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Buncombe County is 38.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.7°F.

Track your own weather in Buncombe County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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