Does it snow in North Carolina?

Located in the South Atlantic region of the United States, North Carolina is undoubtedly one of the states of the U.S with the greatest tourist attraction for nature lovers. Mountains, forests, beaches, and much more await you in one of the most charming states in the United States.

Visit North Carolina and ride the more than 300 miles of trails that make up the Blue Ridge Parkway. Delve into the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy its beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. Or visit the museums, aquariums, and other attractions of its three main cities of North Carolina: Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington.

Index

    Snow in North Carolina? ❄

    North Carolina is one of those states in the U.S. where you'd think it's impossible to see a snowfall after knowing its location on a map of its country.

    However, despite its status as a southern and coastal state, it’s possible to spot snowfall in North Carolina from late fall to early spring, especially in the mountains of the western part of the state, where the climate is humid continental.

    Climate of North Carolina ⛅

    Geographically, there are three regions in North Carolina: the coastal plain, the Piedmont plateau, and the mountains. Based on the geographical differences of these regions, following, we'll establish a different type of climate for each one:

    MAP of NORTH CAROLINA

    The climate of the coastal plain (North Carolina, U.S.)

    Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the climate of the coastal plain take the influence of large oceanic bodies of water.

    Thus, during the winter, the temperatures of the coastal plain are mild (its average minimum temperature hardly falls below 41 °F / 5 °C), while, during the summer, they are moderate (its average maximum temperature does not exceed 89.6 °F / 32 °C).

    In the coastal plain, it snows only three days a year. However, in some years, there may be no presence of snow.

    The climate of the Piedmont plateau (North Carolina, U.S.)

    As you move west of North Carolina, the Atlantic Ocean exerts less influence. Consequently, the summers in the Piedmont region are hotter (its maximum daytime temperature in summer can reach 98.6 °F / 37 °C), and its winters much colder (its minimum temperature is close to 26.6 °F / -3 °C) if they compared to the climate of the coastal plain.

    In the Piedmont plateau, the average annual snow level ranges from 7.87 inches / 19.9 cm to 9.84 inches / 25 cm. In addition, it's common to see snowfalls accompanied by rain and frost in this region. So, be careful! These weather phenomena can sometimes be evolved into storms, hindering traffic and collapsing power grids.

    The climate of mountainous areas (North Carolina, U.S)

    The coldest region in North Carolina is in the Appalachian Mountains, where daily winter temperatures easily exceed the 14 °F / -10 °C barrier, and summers rarely reach 77 °F / 25 °C.

    In the mountainous areas of North Carolina, the average annual snow level ranges from 13.78 inches /35 cm to 19.68 inches / 50 cm. However, this can be much higher at the peak of the highest mountains.

    When does it snow in North Carolina? 🌨

    Does it snow in North Carolina in October?

    Yes, it could snow in October. However, the chances of that happening are slim to none.

    Does it snow in North Carolina in November?

    Yes, it might snow in November. Noteworthy, the chances of seeing snowfall during this month will increase as you travel to the cities of northwestern North Carolina. Being easier to see snowfalls in Jefferson than in Wilmington (not to say impossible).

    Does it snow in North Carolina in December?

    Yes, it could snow in December. As of this month, it's possible to see snowfalls in nearly every North Carolina County located on the Piedmont Plateau and mountainous areas, while, in the coastal zone, it remains a weather phenomenon hard to see.

    Does it snow in North Carolina in January?

    Yes, it could snow in January. Throughout this month, the levels of average snow accumulation reach the highest levels. For example, in the city of Jefferson, the level of snow accumulation exceeds 5 inches / 12.7 cm in January.

    Does it snow in North Carolina in February?

    Yes, it might snow in February. Almost with the same intensity with which it snows in the previous month.

    Does it snow in North Carolina in March?

    Yes, it might snow in March. As of this month, the average of snowfalls decreases considerably compared to the reached in February.

    Does it snow in North Carolina in April?

    Yes, it might snow in April. Although, hopefully, only in some cities of counties of Ashe, Haywood, Henderson, Guilford, Madison, and Murphy.

    Where does it snow in North Carolina? 🌨

    Generally speaking, it's possible to see snowfalls in almost every county in North Carolina located in the Piedmont Plateau and mountainous areas (including the westernmost counties). However, it's certainly more possible to see snowfall in the higher counties of the state.

    Lake Norman
    Snow in Lake Norman.

    As far as the counties located in the coastal plain are concerned, they seldom experience intense snowfall; in fact, their snow accumulation levels hardly reach an inch.

    How much does it snow in North Carolina? 🌨

    Next, we expose a comparison chart of the average snow accumulation throughout a sliding 31-day period (centered on the day in question) in fifteen cities of North Carolina (Jefferson, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Durham, Cary, Marshall, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Murphy, Fayetteville, and Wilmington):

     JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
    Jefferson5,36,12,80,7000000,11,13,5
    Waynesville5,14,21,50,30000000,63
    Hendersonville5,24,41,20,10000000,63,2
    Greensboro3,741,200000000,42,2
    High Point3,53,71,200000000,32
    Winston-Salem3,33,4100000000,32,1
    Durham2,93,50,800000000,21,3
    Cary2,93,30,800000000,21,3
    Marshall2,82,30,80,20000000,21,2
    Concord2,72,30,500000000,21,6
    Raleigh2,52,70,600000000,21,2
    Charlotte2,82,20,400000000,11,4
    Murphy2,31,70,50,10000000,10,8
    Fayetteville1,81,60,300000000,10,9
    Wilmington0,40,40,2000000000,4

    Comparison chart of the average snow accumulation throughout a sliding 31-day period in fifteen cities of North Carolina

    The numbers shown in the table above represent inches.

    Skiing in North Carolina? ⛷️

    If you consider yourself a ski and snowboarding enthusiast, and you’re thinking of traveling to North Carolina during the snow season, then the following list will be helpful to you:

    1. Appalachian Ski Mtn
      1. Address: 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605-8300
      2. Website: https://appskimtn.com/
    2. The Sledding Hill
      1. Address: Beech Mountain Visitors Center 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.
      2. Website: https://beechmtn.com/things-to-do/winter-sports/sledding
    3. Cataloochee Ski Area
      1. Address: 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751-8523
      2. Website: https://cataloochee.com/
    4. Beech Mountain
      1. Address: 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604-8018
      2. Website: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/
    5. Sugar Mountain Resort
      1. Address: 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Banner Elk, NC 28604-7037
      2. Website: http://www.skisugar.com/

    Related post – Does it snow in United States? | Does it snow in South Carolina? | Does is snow in Asheville (NC)? | Does it snow in Charlotte (NC)?

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