Climate and monthly weather forecast
Highlands, NC

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Springtime in the rocky and mountainous region in the Appalachian Mountain scene in Highlands, North Carolina
Springtime in the rocky and mountainous region in the Appalachian Mountain scene in Highlands, North Carolina

The climate of Highlands

North Carolina's Highlands, located in the United States, is identified with the Köppen climate classification as a Marine west coast region with warm summer. Areas with such classifications generally have somewhat even temperatures throughout the year, with warm, not hot, summers and cool, not cold, winters.

In Highlands, average high temperatures range from a mild 43.7°F (6.5°C) in the month of January to a warm 81.5°F (27.5°C) in July, whereas average low temperatures fluctuate between a chilly 28°F (-2.2°C) in January and a comfortable 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July. A noticeable constant in this location is the relative humidity, with monthly averages remaining steady between 76% and 79%. The amount of rainfall also reflects some variability - the wettest periods are in January and April with respectively 3.58" (91mm) and 4.37" (111mm), while the driest are in September with 2.24" (57mm).

Among other notable parameters, daily sunlight hours reach their peak in June with a monthly average of 14.5 hours, while December has the shortest daylight period averaging 9.8 hours. Accompanying the changing length of daylight, the average ultraviolet (UV) index also varies on a scale from a low 2 in the winter months to a high of 6 in June. Seasonal changes in weather conditions further extend to variables such as wind speed, with an average of 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in January and February dipping to 3.5mph (5.6km/h) in August.

The best time to visit Highlands

Taking into account the various weather parameters, the best time to visit Highlands, North Carolina would be from late May to early September. This period offers comfortable temperatures, ranging from an average high of 72°F (22.2°C) in May to 81°F (27.2°C) in August, paired with the lowest wind speeds of the year. It allows for extended outdoor activities due to longest daylight hours of between 14 to 14.5 hours, and sunniest days with average sunlight hours of 9.4 to 10.5 hours.

The worst time to visit Highlands

Contrarily, the least favorable period to visit Highlands would be the colder months from late November through early March. This period faces lower average temperatures, from an average high of 48.2°F (9°C) in December to 43.7°F (6.5°C) in January, and the average low temperature ranging from 33.4°F (0.8°C) to 28°F (-2.2°C) respectively. Additionally, it's this time of the year when snowfall is a common occurrence, with peak accumulation happening in January and December.

Spring weather in Highlands

Spring in Highlands ushers in a gradual warming trend after the winter chill. Starting in March, temperatures can reach average highs of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and lows of 37.9°F (3.3°C), and by May these levels ascend to a more pleasant 72°F (22.2°C) and 52°F (11.1°C) respectively. With an average rainfall ranging from 3.31" (84mm) to 3.5" (89mm), spring months seem to be pretty wet. This season also sees an increase in daylight hours, extending from 12 hours in March to 14 hours by May.

Summer weather in Highlands

The summer months from June to August provide balmy weather in Highlands, with average high temperatures not exceeding beyond 81.5°F (27.5°C) and average lows staying in between 58.1°F (14.5°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Rainfall increases and peaks at 4.17" (106mm) in July before tapering off to 3.27" (83mm) in August. While the humidity levels stay near a constant 78 to 79%, the UV index reaches its annual high of 6 in June, urging the need for suitable sun protection.

Autumn weather in Highlands

Autumn, from September to November, brings a refreshing change with it. A gradual descent in temperature is observed reaching from a high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) in September to a considerably cooler 54.7°F (12.6°C) by November. The nights also turn cooler, and the average low swings from 56.3°F (13.5°C) to 37°F (2.8°C). Rainfall is relatively minimal during these months with an average range of 2.24" (57mm) to 3.15" (80mm). As the season progresses, daylight hours reduce from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.

Winter weather in Highlands

Winter, spanning from December to February, presents a colder scenario. The Highlands experience average high temperatures between 48.2°F (9°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C) and average lows from 33.4°F (0.8°C) down to 28°F (-2.2°C). Snowfall becomes a significant feature during these months, with the maximum accumulation seen in December with 7.44" (189mm). Even though the daylight hours are the shortest in the year, averaging between 9.8 to 10.1 hours, the percentage of cloud cover increases to a peak of 48% in January.

Weather in January

Commencing the year, Highlands embraces the frosty ambiance of winter. A subtle transition from December, the city encounters a blend of snow and rain. Remarkably, January is the coldest month, with temperatures plummeting down to 28°F (-2.2°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Highlands weathers through February, minor changes become apparent in the climatic conditions. Moderate humidity combined with a palpable rise in temperature subtly hint towards the approaching spring. Snowfall shows a marked reduction this month, diving to 5.79" (147mm) from January's 6.34" (161mm) of snow. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Highlands witnesses a further easing of winters, setting premises for spring. A subtle transition, the weather gradually drifts towards a blend of mild cold and intermittent rains. Noteworthy is the reduction in snowfall in March, dwindling to a minor 2.76" (70mm), indicating a noteworthy decrease since February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As spring fully unfurls in April, the weather of Highlands experiences drastic changes. Amidst this transformation, warmth seeps in, tapering the residual winter chills. The increase in temperature is evident with the thermometer reaching a high of 64°F (17.8°C). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in a further escalation in temperatures, marking the onset of summers in Highlands. The gradual transition from spring is accompanied by an increment in daylight hours. With the highest recorded rainfall of 4.37" (111mm), May can be considered the wettest month of the year in Highlands. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June, the threshold of summers in Highlands, showcases a significant elevation in the city's temperatures. Long daylight hours provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Another notable factor of June weather is the escalated UV index, soaring to 6 from May’s count of 5. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In high summer gear, July exposes Highlands to mild warmth and occasional showers. Lengthy daylight hours enable locals and tourists to enjoy outdoors to their heart's content. The temperature hits the year's peak, soaring up to 81.5°F (27.5°C), hinting at the zenith of summer. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Highlands continues to bask under the prevalent summer heat, although a slight dip in temperatures is witnessed. The promise of imminent autumn becomes apparent in the late evenings as a mild coolness descends over the city. Weather in August »

Weather in September

With the onset of September, the enchanting Highlands begin their transition into the glorious fall season. Intermittent rains and a notable decrease in temperature mark the departure of summers. A significant shift is the drop in rainfall, descending to 2.24" (57mm) as compared to the 3.27" (83mm) in August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Highlands drapes the city in a vibrant kaleidoscope of fall colors. A crisp coolness permeates the air, replacing the receding summer warmth. It's worth noting the considerable decrease in temperature, with lows plummeting down to a chilly 46°F (7.8°C) in comparison to September’s 56.3°F (13.5°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

Stretching into the last leg of fall, November in Highlands showcases a progressive dip in temperatures. The transformation of weather is more evident with the sun setting earlier, coupled with a substantial decrease in daylight hours. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December greets Highlands with a chilly embrace, signifying the onset of winters. The crispness in the air escalates, as temperatures continue to slide down the thermostat. An important weather trend is the escalation in December’s snowfall, surging to a maximum of 7.44" (189mm). Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Highlands?

Highlands experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of 43.7°F (6.5°C) and a low of 28°F (-2.2°C).

What are the least humid months in Highlands?

The months with the lowest humidity in Highlands are January and November, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

How many days does it rain in Highlands?

Throughout the year, there are 177.1 rainfall days, and 41.42" (1052mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Highlands?

Months with snowfall in Highlands, North Carolina, are January through April, November and December.

How many days does it snow in Highlands?

Throughout the year, in Highlands, there are 21.8 snowfall days, and 26.38" (670mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Highlands?

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Highlands, North Carolina.

What are the most humid months in Highlands?

The months with the highest humidity in Highlands, North Carolina, are February, March, May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Highlands?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the rainiest month in Highlands?

The month with the most rainfall in Highlands is April, when the rain falls for 15.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.37" (111mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Highlands?

May through October are months without snowfall in Highlands.

When are the longest days in Highlands?

With an average of 14h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Highlands.

What month has the most sunshine in Highlands?

The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Highlands?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, June is the month with the highest UV index in Highlands, North Carolina.

What month is the hottest in Highlands?

The highest temperatures are recorded in July, with averages reaching a high of 81.5°F (27.5°C) and a low of 61.3°F (16.3°C).

What is the driest month in Highlands?

September is the month with the least rainfall in Highlands. Rain falls for 13.9 days and accumulates 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most in Highlands?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 4.5 days and typically aggregates up to 7.44" (189mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Highlands?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Highlands?

December has the least sunshine of the year in Highlands, North Carolina, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine.

Average pressure
Highlands, NC

Average pressure - Highlands, NC

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Highlands, NC

Average wind speed - Highlands, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (5.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.5mph).

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Average humidity
Highlands, NC

Average humidity - Highlands, NC

The months with the highest relative humidity are February, March, May, September and December (79%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and November (76%).

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Average rainfall
Highlands, NC

Average rainfall - Highlands, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (4.37").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.24").

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Average rainfall days
Highlands, NC

Average rainfall days - Highlands, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (20 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (10.4 days).

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Average snowfall
Highlands, NC

Average snowfall - Highlands, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is December (7.44").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

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Average snowfall days
Highlands, NC

Average snowfall days - Highlands, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Highlands, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Highlands, NC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).

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Average sunshine days
Highlands, NC

Average sunshine days - Highlands, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8.7 days).

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Average visibility
Highlands, NC

Average visibility - Highlands, NC

The month with the highest visibility is June (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).

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Highlands, North Carolina, USA

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