Western North Carolina Vitality Index

Western North Carolina has a relatively mild climate year-round; however, the terrain of the Southern Appalachians creates a range of average temperatures in the region. On any given day, the difference in temperature across the region may be as much as 20° F. The most important influence contributing to the variability of the region’s climate is its altitude.

The climate of the region as a whole is cooler than that of adjoining areas, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 30s to 40s for highs in the winter and often falling into the teens or lower on winter nights. Relatively cool summers have temperatures only occasionally rising above 90° F.