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Orange County Climate

Orange County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec59.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

59.8°F

Annual Precip

46.4"

Annual Snowfall

2.8"

Extreme Heat Days

41

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.6"
3.1"
4.2"
3.7"
3.7"
4.2"
4.4"
4.0"
5.1"
3.4"
3.3"
3.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,650

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 03/31
First fall frost (32°F): 11/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring51°67°11.6"Summer75°79°12.6"Fall50°71°11.9"Winter41°43°10.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 71% of US counties
Wetter than 62% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 27% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Orange County

Climate Verdict

Orange County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 59.8°F, moderately wet with 46.4 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 40.9 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 2.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 40.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.9°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

Orange County closely matches the North Carolina statewide average temperature of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.2 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Orange County Weather

Standard Piedmont Subtropical Climate

Orange County's average of 59.8°F is several degrees warmer than the national median. It experiences the classic humid subtropical cycle of the American Southeast.

Representative of the North Carolina Average

Orange County sits almost exactly at the state average of 59.3°F. It serves as a climate benchmark for the central Piedmont region of the state.

Cooler and Snowier Than Eastern Nash

Orange County averages 2.8 inches of snow, much higher than Nash County’s 0.7 inches. It also records fewer extreme heat days than neighbors like Moore County.

Moderate Seasonal Swings and Winter Dustings

The county sees 41 days of 90-degree heat, which is lower than most coastal counties. Winters are cool but manageable, with a January average of 40.6°F and 2.8 inches of snow.

Plan for Diverse Seasonal Weather

Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 2.8-inch annual average. The 41 days of extreme summer heat still require robust home air conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Orange County?
The average annual temperature in Orange County, NC is 59.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Orange County get?
Orange County receives an average of 46.4 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 Orange County?
Yes, Orange County receives an average of 2.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Orange County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Orange County is 77.0°F. The county experiences an average of 41 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Orange County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Orange County is 42.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 40.6°F.

Track your own weather in Orange 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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