Snow is a common occurrence in North Carolina, with an average of 5 inches (130 mm) of snow per winter season. However, this varies greatly across the state. The mountainous regions of the state may record snow gusts as early as November, while coastal regions receive less than 2 inches of snow. Winter in North Carolina is mild and humid, usually, with temperatures ranging from 51.8°F to 30.2°F in the North Carolina mountains.
Occasionally, there are winter storms, as many states have. The southern regions of the United States are characterized by relatively mild winter temperatures and sultry summers. Snowstorms in North Carolina depend on different factors and combinations, and the frequency and intensity of these storms vary. The city of Raleigh receives approximately 7.5 inches of snow a year, while the Piedmont-Triad region further west averages 9 inches and the Charlotte area receives an average of 6.5 inches per year.
Mountains help prevent snowstorms from reaching Piedmont, but when snowstorms reach beyond the mountain, they are usually light and rarely reach the ground. The Beech Mountain ski resort is a popular ski area among North Carolinians who love snow. The resort also has the only black diamond double slope in North Carolina and the largest vertical drop (1,200 feet). The North Carolina Arboretum offers 65 acres of cultivated gardens, including a 100-piece bonsai garden and wildflowers such as bloodthirsty, azaleas, fire roses, and yarrow. The North Carolina Christmas Flotilla is the best-known winter show held during Thanksgiving weekend along the Intercoastal Way. Winter at Daniel Stowe is well worth the drive from Charlotte, and the way they've decorated the place has earned it the distinction as one of North Carolina's most beautiful winter activities. If you're moving to North Carolina and wondering about the weather, especially the winters, you can rest assured that snow is a common occurrence in this state.
Different parts of North Carolina receive drastically different amounts of snow, but overall, North Carolina experiences pleasant winters with an average of 5 inches per year.
