Weather in Asheville, North Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—85°47°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—86°59°
- MondayMay 18Clear—85°63°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—86°58°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle71%89°59°
- ThursdayMay 21Showers92%80°61°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle69%73°60°
- PM 2.5
- 11.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 96.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:35 AM
- Moonset
- 12:53 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Asheville at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 20 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Asheville's peak warmth at roughly 75°F mean temperature, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at around 38°F. Precipitation follows its own calendar, with July's 4.1 inches representing the wettest period and October's 2.6 inches marking the driest stretch.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| February | 42° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| March | 48° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| April | 57° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| May | 65° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| June | 72° | 3.4″ | 8 |
| July | 75° | 4.1″ | 8 |
| August | 74° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| September | 68° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| October | 58° | 2.6″ | 4 |
| November | 48° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| December | 41° | 3.3″ | 6 |
Regional context
Asheville falls within a humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this climatic zone.
Similar climates: Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Durham, NC, Greensboro, NC.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the arrival of migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds to Asheville's gardens and woodlands.
Mountain laurel blooms peak across the surrounding slopes during late May and early June.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Asheville?
- Asheville typically sees its last spring frost around mid-March, while the first fall frost usually occurs around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Asheville?
- July stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 4.1 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 41 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Asheville?
- July typically records the year's highest temperatures, averaging about 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in Asheville?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 38°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Asheville?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Asheville get?
- Asheville experiences about 78 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Asheville?
- Asheville's USDA hardiness zone reflects its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool provides the current zone designation when you enter the city's ZIP code.
Climate
Asheville, North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures in January hover near 38°F, while July averages reach 75°F, creating a 37°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, the city receives approximately 41 inches of precipitation distributed across roughly 78 rainy days.
Local weather patterns emerge from the city's position at 35.6°N latitude, its elevation, and proximity to large water bodies. These factors determine frost timing, growing conditions, and daily weather variations.