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Madison County Climate

Madison County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec56.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

56.2°F

Annual Precip

44.0"

Annual Snowfall

15.9"

Extreme Heat Days

21

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.5"
3.1"
3.9"
3.8"
4.0"
4.5"
4.8"
4.3"
3.4"
2.4"
2.8"
3.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,791

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/28
First fall frost (32°F): 10/29

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring47°64°11.7"Summer71°75°13.6"Fall46°68°8.6"Winter37°40°10.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 57% of US counties
Wetter than 56% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 26% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Madison County

Climate Verdict

Madison County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 56.2°F, moderately wet with 44.0 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 21.35 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 15.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.7°F. The 38°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

Madison County is 3.1°F cooler than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 7.6 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 16.29090136054422 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Madison County Weather

Mountain Climate with High Snowfall

Madison County averages 56.2°F annually, leaning slightly warmer than the national median but cooler than most of the South. Its rugged terrain drives significant winter weather events.

Below State Temperature Averages

The county's average temp is about three degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average. It is also drier than many mountain counties, receiving 44.0 inches of rain compared to the state's 51.5.

Snowier than Neighboring Regions

Madison averages 15.9 inches of snow, nearly triple the amount seen in neighboring Macon County. While it is colder in winter, it sees 21 days of 90-degree heat compared to Macon's 6.

Crisp Summers and Snowy Winters

Madison experiences true mountain winters with 15.9 inches of snowfall and a January average of 36.7°F. Summers remain pleasant, though 21 days still hit the 90-degree mark.

Prepare for Winter Travel

Reliable 4WD vehicles and snow tires are highly recommended for the 15.9 inches of annual snow. Home heating systems should be robust to handle the 38.8°F winter average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Madison County?
The average annual temperature in Madison County, NC is 56.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Madison County get?
Madison County receives an average of 44.0 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 Madison County?
Yes, Madison County receives an average of 15.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Madison County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Madison County is 73.2°F. The county experiences an average of 21 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Madison County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Madison County is 38.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.7°F.

Track your own weather in Madison 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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