Does it snow in North Carolina? The answer is YES.
It’s so prevalent there that you could consider it a yearly phenomenon.
That is not to say that the state will receive the same amount of snow.
It’s also likely that in most regions across the state, there won’t be much snow on the ground.
North Carolina receives an average annual snowfall of 5 inches, which isn’t much.
In comparison, New York receives about 100 inches of rain per year! However, for a Southern state, the frequency and consistency with which snow falls there is extraordinary.
Even though the warmer weather frequently prevents it from sticking.
However, there are locations where you can ski!
In this blog post, I’ll answer in detail the question “does it snow in North Carolina?”
Does it Snow in North Carolina? Overview of North Carolina
North Carolina, commonly known as the Old North State, is a state in the southeastern United States.
With a population of around 10 million people, it is the 28th largest and 9th most populated state in the United States.
North Carolina has a land area of 48,711 square miles (126,161 square kilometers) with the highest point being Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters) and the lowest point being the Atlantic Ocean at sea level.
Does it, however, snow in North Carolina?
The majority of North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate.
The western mountainous parts of the state, on the other hand, have a subtropical highland climate.
Temperatures in North Carolina fluctuate depending on the altitude and fall as you walk away from the coast and toward the mountains.
Even in winter, the coastal plains experience warmer and gentler temperatures due to the impact of the Atlantic and Gulf streams.
During the winter, the mountain portions of North Carolina have heavy snowfall, while the coastal sections receive little or no snow.
When Does it Snow in North Carolina?
Winter may go on for months in many places in the United States.
It can start as early as October and last until April in many parts of the Midwest.
However, due to its location in the South, North Carolina’s winter season is substantially shorter.
Winter generally begins in December and lasts until the end of February.
This suggests that the most likely time to experience snow in North Carolina is during the next three months.
And the likelihood of snow increases in the midst of that time period.
This suggests that the month of January is the most likely to see the most snow.
Having said that, December, especially late December, can sometimes be exceedingly snowy.
And in some regions, snow may fall as early as November.
As was earlier noted, winter is a relative term across much of North Carolina.
The majority of the state will not experience classic Winter Wonderland conditions.
However, if your area has it, those are the months you’re most likely to acquire it.
The following is a month-by-month breakdown:
December
December marks the official start of winter in many parts of North Carolina. Temperatures in North Carolina are rather low.
The coastal areas will have highs of 52.5OF (11.4OC), while the mountains will have lows of 30.2OF (-1OC).
In North Carolina, it snows on average three days each month in December. It can build up to 2.6 inches.
January
January is the coldest month in North Carolina on an annual basis.
Highs are typically 49.9OF (9.9OC) while lows are 28.4OF. (-2OC).
Having said that, it can get much colder in the highlands, with lows around 20OF. (-6.7OC).
Every January, it usually snows for 4 days and accumulates to 4.2 inches.
February
Every year, February is North Carolina’s final month of full-fledged winter.
Having said that, the low temperatures can sometimes last into early March. However, they are still usually warmer compared to January.
The coastal area has a high of 53.7OF (12.1OC) and mountain regions have a low of 30.9OF (-0.6OC).
Every February, there are typically three days of snow, with an average accumulation of 2.7 inches.
The Climate of North Carolina
Unlike many Southern states, North Carolina has a fairly adaptable climate.
This is largely owing to how widely the state’s geography changes depending on location.
The bulk of the state experiences humid subtropical weather.
This is why there is barely any snow and how difficult it is for snow to stick.
It is caused by the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean, which raise and lower temperatures.
This is especially true on the state’s eastern border.
However, mountainous regions, including the famed Appalachians, can be found on the western side of North Carolina.
The temperature decreases as height as the elevation increases.
The climate in this region of the state is classified as subtropical highland.
Surprisingly, the Appalachians prevent a large portion of the Midwest’s winter storms and cold temperatures.
However, the height, once again, creates its unique winter circumstances.
Where Does it Snow in North Carolina?
As you may expect, the snow in North Carolina is largely located in the western region near the mountains.
Snow can fall throughout the state, but on the coast, it is mainly light snow or flurries.
And the majority of what falls seems not to stick.
However, severe snowfalls can occur in North Carolina’s mountains.
The southern mountains receive an average of 16 inches of snow per year.
The higher mountains can receive up to 50 inches of snow!
Does it Snow in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Does it snow in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina? The answer is YES, but not much.
Charlotte experiences only 2 to 3 inches of snow each year on average. However, because its roads aren’t prepared for snow, even a small amount might cause major problems!
Expect significant delays and traffic interruption if you visit during a snowstorm.
Also, be cautious on the roads, since they can become very slippery.
This is made worse by the fact that there aren’t enough snowplows to go around.
Does it Snow in Raleigh, North Carolina?
YES, it snows in Raleigh.
Snowfall in Raleigh is even rarer than it is in Charlotte.
Their average annual snowfall is less than 2 inches!
Having said that, a significant snowstorm will hit the metropolis every now and again.
However, this will not be a recurring event.
Rather, only every now and again.
In 2010, for example, the city had 20 inches of snow!
But, once again, don’t expect anything out of the ordinary.
As in Charlotte, even a tiny bit of snow can cause significant harm.
Does it Snow in Asheville, North Carolina?
YES, it snows in Asheville.
Asheville is one of the North Carolina neighborhoods that can always be counted on to be a Winter Wonderland.
Because it is located in the mountains, it is frequently blanketed in snow, adding shine to an already attractive town.
If you’re looking for the ideal Christmas location in North Carolina, look no further!
Asheville is well-known for its seasonal festivities and as a terrific destination to celebrate all things winter.
Sleigh rides and sparkling Christmas lights abound!
Does it Snow in Greensboro, North Carolina?
The majority of the time, the response is NO. Greensboro rarely gets snow. The most recent important one occurred over a decade ago and is still ongoing.
Ski Resorts in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have as many ski resorts as other more winter-oriented states.
But it does contain a handful that are really worth seeing if you’re a sports lover!
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
Sugar Mountain is regarded as one of, if not the, top ski resorts in North Carolina.
You can’t top the largest skiing area and vertical drop (of 1200 feet) in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
With an average annual snowfall of 78 inches, it offers an abundance of exciting activities.
Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tubing, and snowshoeing are all included! Your entire family will have a great time, regardless of their ability level.
In terms of skiing, there are 21 slopes with varying degrees of difficulty spread throughout 125 acres. And there are many ways to enjoy them.
They offer full and half-day programs, as well as twilight and night sessions for true winter magic.
Tubing down 700 feet of dedicated lanes is also available, as is ice skating on their large 10,000-foot rink!
A snowshoe trip to the mountain is another enjoyable way to see this winter splendor.
Even these, depending on your skill level, can range from simple to complex.
There are also other trekking opportunities and spots where you can drive through stunning icy panoramas.
You are also not required to stay solely for the day.
There are several rental alternatives available, ranging from charming log cabins to mountainside condos.
If you want to enjoy the winter without participating in sports, there are over 25 restaurants and businesses to visit!
They also organize a number of winter festivities and celebrations during the holidays.
Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain has the highest ski area in the eastern United States, with a peak elevation of around 5,506 feet.
This famous ski resort offers 17 ski runs spread across 95 acres, as well as a stunning terrain park.
It also has ski trails for all skill levels, so your entire family can enjoy themselves.
There are also opportunities for the youngest children.
Their ski school teaches both beginners and more skilled skiers of varied ages.
They also feature the Snowflakes Program, which is a play space for children aged one to five.
There is a large area full with activities, as well as snacks and drinks. That way, you can ski while your children enjoy fun.
On-site, there’s also an excellent tubing park and a variety of other entertainment alternatives, like ice skating.
I highly recommend the 5506′ Skybar, where you can enjoy wonderful meals and drinks at the very top of the mountain!
Don’t miss the Beech Mountain Brewing Co. up there if you want to drink some delicious beer while admiring the landscape!
If you wish to stay overnight, Beech Mountain has a plethora of fantastic opportunities.
The Top of the Beech Inn, the Beech Alpen Inn, the White Wolf Lodge, and the Four Seasons at Beech are all magnificent hotels.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is located not far from the previously mentioned Winter Wonderland of Asheville.
It, like the other ski resorts, has slopes for all skill levels.
But it provides even more adventurous alternatives.
Hiking, caving, horseback riding, mountain biking, and rafting are all available in addition to skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
In terms of tubing, they have a 350-foot-long slope with a top width of 60 feet and a bottom width of 100 feet.
While it does not have particular lanes, it allows tubers to link their tubes together for an even bigger flow!
They also have a fantastically cozy lodge.
Relax with a hot cocoa and a good book while admiring the snowy scenery through the window.
Final Thoughts on the Question: Does it Snow in North Carolina
Does it snow in North Carolina? The answer is definitely YES.
And there are some fantastic places to have fun in the winter in this Southern state.
So, if you’re seeking for a more uncommon snowy vacation, make your reservation immediately!
