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Wise County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.0°F

Annual Precip

53.8"

Annual Snowfall

28.1"

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.6"
4.7"
5.1"
4.9"
4.8"
4.7"
5.6"
4.3"
3.7"
3.0"
3.5"
4.9"
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

3,311

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/25
First fall frost (32°F): 10/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring45°62°14.8"Summer69°72°14.7"Fall45°66°10.1"Winter34°37°14.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 47% of US counties
Wetter than 86% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 28% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Wise County

Climate Verdict

Wise County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.0°F, moderately wet with 53.8 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.949999999999999 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 28.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 33.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.2°F. The 38°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Wise County closely matches the Virginia statewide average temperature of 56.2°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 7.8 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 20.830464480874294 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Wise County Weather

Cool and Wet Appalachian Climate

Wise County averages 54.0°F annually, which is consistent with the national median but accompanied by high moisture. The county receives a heavy 53.8 inches of precipitation each year.

One of Virginia's Wettest Counties

The county is nearly 2 degrees cooler than the state average and receives 8 inches more rain than the Virginia norm. This combination makes it a lush, high-precipitation outlier in the Commonwealth.

Snow Capital of the Region

With 28.1 inches of annual snowfall, Wise is significantly snowier than neighboring Wythe or Washington counties. It also sees very few extreme heat days, recording only 7 per year.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer temperatures are gentle, averaging just 70.8°F from June through August. Winter brings 28.1 inches of snow and average temperatures of 36.0°F, creating a true mountain winter experience.

Prep for Rain and Snow

Residents need reliable four-wheel drive and snow tires to navigate the 28.1 inches of annual snowfall. Waterproof clothing is also essential for managing the 53.8 inches of rain that fall throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Wise County?
The average annual temperature in Wise County, VA is 54.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Wise County get?
Wise County receives an average of 53.8 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 Wise County?
Yes, Wise County receives an average of 28.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Wise County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Wise County is 70.8°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Wise County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Wise County is 36.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 33.8°F.

Track your own weather in Wise 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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