weatherbycounty

Highland County Climate

Highland County, Virginia

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.5°F

Annual Precip

46.1"

Annual Snowfall

36.4"

Extreme Heat Days

1

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.5"
3.1"
4.1"
4.3"
4.9"
4.4"
4.2"
3.8"
4.0"
3.0"
3.2"
3.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,276

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/12
First fall frost (32°F): 10/05

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring38°57°13.3"Summer64°68°12.4"Fall39°61°10.2"Winter28°32°10.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 25% of US counties
Wetter than 61% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 34% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Highland County

Climate Verdict

Highland County has a cool, averaging 48.5°F annually, moderately wet with 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.05 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 36.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 28.2°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.9°F. The 40°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Highland County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Highland County is 7.7°F cooler than the Virginia statewide average of 56.2°F, the county experiences 26.730464480874293 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Highland County Weather

Highland Offers a Rare Cool Mountain Climate

At 48.5°F annually, Highland County is much cooler than the national median. Its high altitude creates a climate more common in the northern United States.

One of the Coolest Spots in Virginia

Highland is 7.4 degrees cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This makes it a unique pocket of cold in an otherwise temperate state.

A Sharp Contrast to Eastern Virginia

Highland is nearly 10 degrees cooler than Hanover County and 12 degrees cooler than Hopewell. It experiences far more winter intensity than any other county in this group.

Heavy Snowfall and Very Mild Summers

The county sees only one day of extreme heat annually, with July averaging a pleasant 67.9°F. Winters are harsh, delivering 36.4 inches of snow each year.

Serious Winter Prep and No Need for AC

Heavy-duty heating and snow removal equipment are essential for the 36-inch annual snowfall. Most residents can skip air conditioning, as 90-degree days are almost non-existent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Highland County?
The average annual temperature in Highland County, VA is 48.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Highland County get?
Highland County receives an average of 46.1 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 Highland County?
Yes, Highland County receives an average of 36.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Highland County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Highland County is 66.3°F. The county experiences an average of 1 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Highland County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Highland County is 30.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 28.2°F.

Track your own weather in Highland County

Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.

Shop Weather Stations →

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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
← Back to Virginia