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Henderson County Climate

Henderson County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.5°F

Annual Precip

54.8"

Annual Snowfall

7.9"

Extreme Heat Days

9

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.8"
3.9"
4.4"
4.5"
4.4"
4.9"
5.4"
5.3"
4.6"
3.7"
4.1"
4.8"
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

3,493

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/17
First fall frost (32°F): 10/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring46°63°13.3"Summer70°74°15.6"Fall46°67°12.4"Winter37°40°13.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 54% of US counties
Wetter than 87% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 21% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Henderson County

Climate Verdict

Henderson County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.5°F, moderately wet with 54.8 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 8.666666666666666 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 7.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.5°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

Henderson County is 3.8°F cooler than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for North Carolina, the county experiences 28.974234693877555 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Henderson County Weather

A mild national outlier

Henderson County’s 55.5°F annual average temperature is slightly above the national median but cool for the Southeast. The elevation provides a temperate refuge from the typical Southern heat.

Cool and exceptionally wet

The county is cooler than the 59.3°F state average but significantly wetter, receiving 54.8 inches of rain annually. This is over three inches more than the typical North Carolina county receives.

Wetter and snowier than the Piedmont

Henderson experiences 7.9 inches of annual snow, far exceeding the 1-2 inches seen in neighboring Gaston. It also records only 9 extreme heat days, compared to the 35+ seen in lower-elevation neighbors.

Gentle summers and snowy winters

July averages 73.5°F with only 9 days reaching 90°F, while January stays cold at 36.9°F. The 7.9 inches of annual snowfall makes this one of the state's more active winter weather zones.

Rain and snow protection

Residents need heavy-duty rain gear and proper drainage for 54.8 inches of annual precipitation. Winter tires are also recommended to navigate the 7.9 inches of snow that fall on the county's mountain roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Henderson County?
The average annual temperature in Henderson County, NC is 55.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Henderson County get?
Henderson County receives an average of 54.8 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 Henderson County?
Yes, Henderson County receives an average of 7.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Henderson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Henderson County is 72.0°F. The county experiences an average of 9 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Henderson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Henderson County is 38.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.9°F.

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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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