Swain County Climate

Swain County, North Carolina

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.2°F

Annual Precip

56.7"

Annual Snowfall

6.5"

Extreme Heat Days

12.1

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.7"
5.0"
5.8"
4.9"
4.7"
5.1"
5.2"
4.2"
4.0"
3.1"
4.2"
5.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring46°63°15.5"Summer70°73°14.6"Fall46°66°11.3"Winter36°40°15.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 52% of US counties
Wetter than 86% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 17% of US counties

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

What is the average temperature in Swain County?
The average annual temperature in Swain County, NC is 55.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Swain County get?
Swain County receives an average of 56.7 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 Swain County?
Yes, Swain County receives an average of 6.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Swain County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Swain County is 71.3°F. The county experiences an average of 12.1 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Swain County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Swain County is 38.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.4°F.

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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