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Carter County Climate

Carter County, Tennessee

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.9°F

Annual Precip

48.0"

Annual Snowfall

6.0"

Extreme Heat Days

18

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.8"
3.8"
4.0"
3.8"
4.4"
5.2"
5.9"
4.2"
3.0"
2.8"
3.4"
3.9"
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

3,772

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/19
First fall frost (32°F): 10/24

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring47°64°12.2"Summer71°75°15.2"Fall46°68°9.2"Winter36°39°11.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 56% of US counties
Wetter than 69% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 29% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Carter County

Climate Verdict

Carter County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.9°F, moderately wet with 48.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 17.5 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 6.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 35.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.5°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

Carter County closely matches the Tennessee statewide average temperature of 58.0°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 7.6 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 18.95992831541217 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Carter County Weather

Temperate Mountain Air Above National Medians

Carter County averages 55.9°F annually, which is slightly warmer than the national median but cool for the South. The higher elevation provides a break from the intense heat found in lower-lying states.

One of Tennessee's Cooler Regions

At 55.9°F, the county is notably cooler than the state average of 58.1°F. It is also drier than most of the state, receiving 48.0 inches of rain compared to the Tennessee average of 55.9 inches.

Lower Heat Risk Than Central Tennessee

The county sees only 18 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the 54 days seen in Cheatham County. Its 6.0 inches of annual snowfall is nearly double that of many western neighbors.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer averages are a comfortable 73.1°F, and July rarely becomes oppressive with an average of 74.5°F. Winters are cold but not extreme, averaging 38.1°F from December through February.

Gear Up for Outdoor Recreation

The 18 extreme heat days mean heavy air conditioning is less critical than in the rest of Tennessee. Residents should prepare for 6.0 inches of snow with basic winter tires and insulated layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Carter County?
The average annual temperature in Carter County, TN is 55.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Carter County get?
Carter County receives an average of 48.0 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 Carter County?
Yes, Carter County receives an average of 6.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Carter County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Carter County is 73.1°F. The county experiences an average of 18 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Carter County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Carter County is 38.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 35.9°F.

Track your own weather in Carter 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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