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Yancey County Climate

Yancey County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

47.5°F

Annual Precip

72.7"

Annual Snowfall

50.9"

Extreme Heat Days

1

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
6.7"
5.1"
6.2"
6.3"
6.0"
5.6"
6.3"
6.7"
7.4"
5.3"
5.3"
5.8"
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

1,884

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/16
First fall frost (32°F): 10/15

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring38°55°18.5"Summer61°64°18.6"Fall40°58°18.0"Winter29°33°17.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 21% of US counties
Wetter than 99% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 15% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Yancey County

Climate Verdict

Yancey County has a cool, averaging 47.5°F annually, very wet conditions receiving 72.7 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 0.95 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 50.9 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 29.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.5°F. The 35°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Yancey County is 11.8°F cooler than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 21.1 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 36.69090136054422 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Yancey County Weather

A cold mountain outlier

Yancey County averages just 47.5°F, falling far below the national median temperature. Its high-elevation terrain creates a climate more common in the northern United States.

North Carolina's cold peak

At 47.5°F, Yancey is nearly 12 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is one of the coldest and wettest counties in the entire state.

Extremely high precipitation levels

The county receives a massive 72.7 inches of rain annually, dwarfing the state average of 51.5 inches. It also records 50.9 inches of snow, far exceeding any nearby Piedmont counties.

Brutal winters and cool summers

Summer is incredibly mild with an average of 63°F and only one day of extreme heat. Winters are harsh, with January averaging 29.4°F and heavy snow accumulation.

Gear up for heavy snow

Residents must own serious snow removal equipment and high-performance heating systems. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as July temperatures peak at a comfortable 64.5°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Yancey County?
The average annual temperature in Yancey County, NC is 47.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Yancey County get?
Yancey County receives an average of 72.7 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 Yancey County?
Yes, Yancey County receives an average of 50.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Yancey County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Yancey County is 63.0°F. The county experiences an average of 1 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Yancey County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Yancey County is 31.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 29.4°F.

Track your own weather in Yancey 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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