Best Time to Visit Asheville, North Carolina

The best time to visit Asheville, North Carolina, is from March to May or from September to November. By targeting the spring and fall seasons, you’ll get the best of both worlds: comfortable temperatures and moderate pricing.

With relatively large temperature swings, Asheville, NC, is a true four-season destination. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you’ll have a completely different experience, from sunny beachcombing days to fall foliage scenic drives and everything in between. These changing weather conditions also create a more definitive divide in tourist seasons, triggering ebbs and flows in crowd size and cost.

Need a hand deciphering the Asheville weather patterns and tourism seasons? Plan a memorable holiday with this complete guide for when to go to Asheville, including weather conditions by season and month, events, costs—and more!

Weather in Asheville

By season

Spring

Spring in Asheville starts officially in March when the temperatures have already started to elevate. With temperatures already in the sixties (~15°C to 20°C) and rising quickly into the eighties (~26°C to 32°C), you’ll find a light jacket is pretty much all you need to stay comfortable. (And you’ll probably be peeling it off once the sun is shining).

Blue Ridge Parkway in Spring

Spring is also a pretty time to visit the Asheville region, with flowers and trees coming back to life after laying dormant through the winter.

With that said, spring offers all the weather-related benefits of traveling to Asheville in the summer without the overly inflated prices and larger tourist crowds.

Summer

Summer temperatures in Asheville consistently remain in the mid-eighties (~28°C to 30°C) with little variation day-to-day, but you will see a bit of rain. Some humidity is common throughout the summer months, but extreme humidity is pretty rare.

North Carolina Arboretum in Summer

Thanks to a combination of good weather and the school vacation period, summer is Asheville’s peak tourist season.

Don’t let this fool you, though: That doesn’t mean it’s the best time of the year to visit. The temperatures are ideal, it’s true, but you’ll need to deal with an influx of tourists at Asheville’s most popular tourist attractions. The cost of flights and hotels will be significantly higher than at other times of the year.

Fall

Temperatures will stay in the high sixties to low seventies (low-20s °C) until nearly the end of the season, meaning you’ll be pretty toasty in addition to being able to view the brilliant autumn colors.

Biltmore Estate in Fall

Though Asheville doesn’t really have a wet and dry season, the driest month of the year (October) falls within the fall; it’s a great choice if you’re targeting outdoor tourism activities.

In terms of cost and popularity, fall in Asheville is similar to the spring season. You don’t need to compromise on good weather to take advantage of off-peak pricing, so it’s a win-win.

Winter

Winter in Asheville never gets too cold, with temperatures staying around the freezing mark, if barely below. That said, you’ll likely see some snow in wither.

If you’re someone who enjoys the holiday season, winter is a good time to visit Asheville because the whole city gets in on the celebration with plenty of twinkling lights and special events.

Biltmore House in Winter

With the drop in temperatures and the possibility of snow, winter is the least popular time to visit Asheville. The bonus? Travel costs will be at their lowest point of the year, making this season a great choice for budget travelers or those who want better value for their money. (If you can stay at one of the best Asheville hotels for half the price, why not?)

Between several winter-focused outdoor activities and a plethora of great indoor attractions, Asheville is still a lovely destination at this time of year—don’t be scared of a little chill!

By month

January

January is the coldest month of the year in Asheville, with highs only reaching 46°F (8°C) and lows swooping down to 28°F (-2°C).

As the temperatures dip below freezing, snow in Asheville isn’t uncommon. January’s average precipitation is approximately 103mm over the span of 7 days, which may be split between rain and snow.

Asheville Mountains in January

Are you a foodie through and through? Sample the city’s tastiest eats during Asheville Restaurant Week,  running from January 17th to January 23rd.

While the dates might fluctuate year-to-year, this annual event is always a staple at the start of the year. With tasting menus, coursed-dinner deals, and even culinary tours, this food festival, celebrating over 40 incredible restaurants, is a must for anyone looking to get a sense of the local flavors.

February

February is still considered a part of Asheville’s winter season, but the temperatures do start creeping slowly upward, lending a bit of hope that spring is on its way.

You’ll likely see higher than usual day-to-day variation during this seasonal transition, but average temperatures sit at a high of 50°F (10°C) and a low of 30°F (-1°C). Precipitation will also taper off slowly, with an average of seven days now bringing 97mm of rain/snow.

Asheville Art Museum in February

If you’ve ever wondered what all the hoopla surrounding Mardi Gras is about, Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood is a pretty great place to figure it out.

The main event is the glitter and glamour of the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade, followed up by the Queen’s Ball, but this colorful celebration lasts much longer than that. From a cajun cookoff to an overnight dance party, the fun never stops at this quirky festival.

March

Temperatures in March see a fairly significant increase during the day with highs of 59°F (15°C), but the nighttime maintains a definite chill, barely reaching 37°F (3°C). It’s not uncommon to see a bit of frost across the ground in the mornings, but it will surely warm up by mid-afternoon.

March is the wettest month of the year in Asheville. Come prepared for rain—and maybe even a few remaining snowflakes—as the temperatures adjust to the start of spring. This could look like a whopping total of 9 days of inclement weather and an accumulation of 117mm.

Biltmore Estate in March

We all know that fine wine and sweet treats are a match made in heaven, which is why the Asheville Wine & Chocolate Festival at Harrah’s Cherokee Center is one of March’s best-attended events.

Unlimited samples from dozens of local vineyards and confectionaries and a souvenir tasting glass are included in your ticket price, offering great bang for your buck. Plus, it’s a great place to get your shopping spree on with an artisan market overflowing with jewelry, clothing, and even spa products.

Why not snag a few goodies and end your night with a luxurious bubble bath?

April

April sees another big temperature jump, with average temperatures now reaching 68°F (20°C) during the day and hovering around 46°F (8°C) overnight. Rainfall, on the other hand, greatly decreases with just seven days and 89mm of precipitation expected.

As spring begins, flowers start to unfold across the city, filling the air with a sweet scent and the streets with gorgeous pops of color.

Biltmore Estate Gardens and Grounds in April

If you’d like to experience the most incredible floral display in all of Asheville, head on up to Biltmore Estate, listed among the most popular things to do in Asheville.

From the beginning of April to the end of May, the property transforms into a lush paradise for Biltmore Blooms. With thousands of tulips in the fields among other European garden grounds, this event is an amateur botanist’s dream!

May

Summer comes early in Asheville! Or at least, the summer temperatures do. May boasts daily highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 54°F (12°C), which is another good jump from April. You’ll see about 112mm of rain over eight days, but this is fairly normal for this popular North Carolina destination.

Basilica of Saint Lawrence in May

You don’t need to be a die-hard believer to enjoy the WNC Bigfoot Festival. This annual event, hosted in mid- to late May, is the largest Southern event exploring this cryptid-centered conspiracy.

Will you leave with a newfound interest in Sasquatch folklore? The hosts are willing to be that you will!

June

Whew! June is the month when Asheille starts to get HOT. Highs near their annual peak at 82°F (28°C), and lows rarely drop below 61°F (16°C). Precipitation holds at an average of 111mm, this time falling over nine days.

Blue Ridge Parkway in June

Hosted by the Center for Honeybee Research, the AVL Honeyfest is June’s newest and most buzzworthy annual event. This one-day festival supports a great cause, plus it’s packed with live music, food trucks, and an artisan market with a central theme: honey!

July

July is tied with August as Asheville’s warmest month of the year. Daily lows maintain an average of 64°F (18°C) and can climb as high as 84°F (29°C) during peak sunshine hours. This heat comes with a fair amount of rain: about 98mm and an average of 9 rainy days.

Depending on the level of excitement you’re seeking, July has the perfect Asheville event for you.

Biltmore House and Gardens in July

To turn the excitement dial all the way up to the ten, embrace your inner Scotsman at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. You can buy your first kilt, watch highland dancing performances and partake in cultural challenges like the hammer throw and Caber Toss. Even the doggies can get involved with a Border Collie sheep herding competition!

Or, find your zen at the Love Shine Play Yoga Festival. Full of wellness workshops, guided meditation, pro-led yoga classes, and other outdoor activities (like hiking and paddleboarding), you’re sure to leave with a rekindled passion for self-care.

August

As mentioned above, August’s temperatures mirror those of July, with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C). The main difference in the weather conditions between these two months is a decrease in rainy days but an increase in rainfall. This works out to an average of 109mm falling over the span of 8 days.

Mellow Mushroom Patio in August

Are you a crystal girlie? Perhaps an amateur geologist? Or do you just love natural history museums? Combine all those passions and head to the NC Mineral & Gem Festival. With giant geodes and ultra-rare fossils (not to mention mine tours), this event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here’s a hot tip: this festival is shopaholic-approved. It’s one of the best places to buy jewelry made with unique stones and genuine gems. Even celebrities have been spotted selecting jewels and picking out engagement rings here!

September

It may be the official start of fall, but in Asheville, September still brings warm summer temps. Daytime highs will barely decrease to 77°F (25°C), and lows will sit at a comfortable 57°F (14°C). You’ll likely only see about six days of rain throughout the entire month, but the precipitation volume is hardly reduced to 94mm, meaning harder, longer rainy periods.

WNC Veterans Memorial in September

Did you miss January’s restaurant week? No worries: September’s premier event, the Chow Chow Asheville Food Festival, has all your snacking needs covered. With chef-led popups, craft beer tents, and a fun-filled timetable of arts and music showcases, this is one annual event you won’t want to skip if your Asheville itinerary falls in its path.

October

Temperatures continue to decrease as October comes along, but all things considered, you’ll still find the days are fairly warm. Highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C) are perfectly comfortable with summer clothes and a good sweater for after the sun sets.

Mabry Mill, Blue Ridge Parkway in October

October is the driest month in Asheville, sweeping in after the spring & summer rains have subsided but before the snow starts for the winter season. This will typically look like 81mm falling over five days.

If you’re in the Asheville area on October 8th, you can’t pass up the opportunity to attend the Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival in nearby Black Mountain. Located at Oak & Grist Distilling, this popular event is an homage to fromage and will make for the perfect day trip from Asheville. Besides dozens of local creameries and cheese shops, you’ll also find some yummy accompaniments like pickles, soft pretzels, chocolate, and more.

November

November brings another big cool-off period with another downward jump in temperatures. As with February, this is a month where you might see a lot of day-to-day fluctuation in the forecast, but averages work out to highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 37°F (3°C). Rain increases a little bit from the month of October, with 97mm expected over an average of 6 days.

Jackson Building in November

Christmas celebrations start early in Asheville, with November events centered around the upcoming holiday. If you’re ready to get in the spirit, be sure to take an Instagram-worthy walk to see the ​​Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum.

Then, once an evening of steaming cider, fresh smores, and colorful displays have you feeling holly jolly, head to the Omni Grove Park Inn for the Gingerbread House Competition.

December

December is when Asheville starts to seem a little more winter-like. Lows now reach the freezing point at an average of 32°F (0°C), and daytime highs barely reach 50°F (10°C). Seven days of precipitation will accumulate to a total of 86mm, which may include both rain and snow. You’re going to want a good coat and boots if you want to stay comfortable.

Park Arbor in December

Come December, Asheville’s most iconic estate is back at it again with Christmas At Biltmore. In addition to touring the mansion’s decked halls for all the holiday decor inspiration you could ever need, you’ll spend the day sipping seasonal cocktails, sitting by one of 65 fireplaces, or even embarking on a winter hike through the property if you’re willing to bundle up and brave the cold.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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