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Cherokee County Climate

Cherokee County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec56.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

56.8°F

Annual Precip

59.3"

Annual Snowfall

4.4"

Extreme Heat Days

21

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
5.1"
5.3"
5.3"
5.2"
4.8"
5.4"
5.3"
4.7"
4.3"
3.5"
4.6"
6.0"
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

3,807

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/22
First fall frost (32°F): 10/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring48°64°15.2"Summer71°75°15.4"Fall47°69°12.3"Winter38°41°16.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 59% of US counties
Wetter than 94% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 21% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Cherokee County

Climate Verdict

Cherokee County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 56.8°F, very wet conditions receiving 59.3 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 20.9 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 4.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 38.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.6°F. The 37°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

Cherokee County closely matches the North Carolina statewide average temperature of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 7.7 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 16.74090136054422 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Cherokee County Weather

A High-Precipitation Mountain Haven

Cherokee County averages a cool 56.8°F, which is much closer to the national median than the rest of North Carolina. Its 59.3 inches of annual rainfall makes it one of the wettest spots in the country.

Coolest in the Region

Cherokee sits 2.5 degrees below the state average of 59.3°F, making it a cool outlier in North Carolina. This mountain climate provides a stark contrast to the state's hotter coastal regions.

Wet and Mild Compared to Neighbors

Cherokee sees 21 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 30+ days experienced by its Piedmont neighbors. It also receives nearly 10 inches more rain than Chowan or Cleveland counties.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

July averages a pleasant 74.6°F, providing relief from the typical Southern heat. Winters are the coldest in this set, with a January average of 38.0°F and a regional high of 4.4 inches of snow.

Invest in Quality Rain Gear

With nearly 60 inches of rain, waterproof gear and home drainage systems are essential. Residents should also prepare for more frequent winter freezes and light snow accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Cherokee County?
The average annual temperature in Cherokee County, NC is 56.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Cherokee County get?
Cherokee County receives an average of 59.3 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 Cherokee County?
Yes, Cherokee County receives an average of 4.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Cherokee County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Cherokee County is 73.2°F. The county experiences an average of 21 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Cherokee County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Cherokee County is 40.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 38.0°F.

Track your own weather in Cherokee 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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