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Pickens County Climate

Pickens County, South Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec60.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

60.3°F

Annual Precip

59.2"

Annual Snowfall

1.6"

Extreme Heat Days

47

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
5.7"
4.7"
5.3"
4.7"
4.4"
4.8"
5.0"
5.6"
4.5"
4.3"
4.4"
5.8"
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

4,709

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/01
First fall frost (32°F): 11/03

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring51°68°14.4"Summer75°79°15.4"Fall51°72°13.3"Winter41°44°16.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 72% of US counties
Wetter than 94% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 23% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Pickens County

Climate Verdict

Pickens County has a warm, averaging 60.3°F year-round, very wet conditions receiving 59.2 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 47 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 1.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 41.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.8°F. The 37°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

Pickens County closely matches the South Carolina statewide average temperature of 62.8°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 10.3 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 16.06065891472869 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Pickens County Weather

A Mild Piedmont Climate Profile

Pickens County averages 60.3°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than the South Carolina average. The county is exceptionally wet, receiving 59.2 inches of annual precipitation. This combination of mild heat and high rainfall supports the region's diverse forest ecosystems.

Cooler and Wetter Than Most

At 60.3°F, Pickens stays cooler than the South Carolina average of 62.8°F. It is also significantly wetter, recording 59.2 inches of rain compared to the state's 48.9-inch average. These figures reflect its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Warmer Than Oconee, Cooler Than Spartanburg

Pickens sits in a thermal middle ground between Oconee (58.0°F) and Spartanburg (60.4°F). While it is drier than Oconee, its 59.2 inches of rain is much higher than Spartanburg's 50.5 inches. This makes Pickens one of the wettest counties in the Upstate region.

Balanced Seasons With Frequent Rain

The county averages 47 extreme heat days per year, with July temperatures peaking at 78.8°F. Snowfall is light but present at 1.6 inches annually. Winter temperatures average 43.2°F, offering a true seasonal transition without the coastal humidity.

Durable Rain Gear is Essential

With nearly 60 inches of rain, residents should prioritize waterproof gear and high-quality roofing. The 47 days of 90°F heat require steady AC, but the 1.6 inches of snow means keeping a shovel handy is wise. Yard maintenance focuses on managing fast growth driven by high precipitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Pickens County?
The average annual temperature in Pickens County, SC is 60.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Pickens County get?
Pickens County receives an average of 59.2 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 Pickens County?
Yes, Pickens County receives an average of 1.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Pickens County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Pickens County is 77.2°F. The county experiences an average of 47 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Pickens County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Pickens County is 43.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 41.4°F.

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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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