Wilkes County Climate
Wilkes County, North Carolina
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
57.5°F
Annual Precip
52.1"
Annual Snowfall
6.6"
Extreme Heat Days
32
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
4,084
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Wilkes County
Climate Verdict
Wilkes County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 57.5°F, moderately wet with 52.1 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 32.05 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 6.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 37.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.7°F. The 39°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
Wilkes County closely matches the North Carolina statewide average temperature of 59.3°F.
Climate Profile
About Wilkes County Weather
A temperate foothills climate
Wilkes County averages 57.5°F, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. Its position in the Blue Ridge foothills creates a distinct transition between mountain and piedmont weather.
Slightly cooler than the state average
The county's 57.5°F annual average is nearly 2 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. This reflects the cooling influence of its rising elevation.
More snow than eastern neighbors
Wilkes receives 6.6 inches of snow annually, which is significantly more than the coastal plain counties to the east. Its 52.1 inches of rain closely mirrors the state average.
Moderate summers with crisp winters
Summer highs average 76.7°F in July with about 32 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F. Winters are cool but not freezing, averaging 39.8°F from December through February.
Prepare for variable foothill weather
Residents need a versatile HVAC system to handle the 40-degree swing between seasons. Keep a snow shovel ready for the 6.6 inches of annual snowfall that typically arrives in mid-winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Wilkes County?
How much rain does Wilkes County get?
Does it snow in Wilkes County?
How hot does Wilkes County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Wilkes County?
Track your own weather in Wilkes County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.