Swain County Climate
Swain County, North Carolina
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
55.2°F
Annual Precip
56.7"
Annual Snowfall
6.5"
Extreme Heat Days
12
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
3,430
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Swain County
Climate Verdict
Swain County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.2°F, very wet conditions receiving 56.7 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 12.1 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 6.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.7°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
Swain County is 4.1°F cooler than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 5.1 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 25.54090136054422 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Swain County Weather
Cool and Rainy Mountain Climate
Swain County's 55.2°F average temperature reflects its high-elevation mountain environment. It is much cooler than the rest of the state and receives high annual rainfall.
North Carolina's Cooler Peak
Swain is over 4 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is also much wetter, receiving 56.7 inches of precipitation compared to the state's 51.5 inches.
A Rainy Regional Outlier
With 56.7 inches of rain, Swain is one of the wettest counties in the region. It records only 12 extreme heat days, which is vastly lower than any of its eastern neighbors.
Mild Summers and Snowy Winters
Extreme heat is rare here with only 12 days above 90°F and a summer average of 71.3°F. Winters are snowy, averaging 6.5 inches with a January mean of 36.4°F.
Focus on Rain and Snow
Reliable waterproof gear and winter vehicle prep are essential for the high precipitation and 6.5 inches of snow. Heavy cooling is rarely needed as extreme heat is infrequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.