We know the question on your mind, Ashevillians — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is Thursday, Dec. 21.
Temperature
We could go either way. This winter, Asheville shows equal chances of above normal, near normal, or below normal temperatures.
Precipitation
Expect slightly more precipitation. Asheville has a 40-50% chance of seeing higher-than-average snow and rainfall amounts this winter. With El Niño on the horizon for the first time in four years, more snowfall than usual has been predicted — although, it depends on how the climate pattern progresses.
Drought
Drought conditions are expected to improve this season.
December
Typically in Asheville, December brings an average low of 31.3° and an average high of 51.5°, with the high rarely exceeding 66° and the low rarely falling below 16°. December usually sees increasing cloud cover, and snow is unlikely — so maybe don’t trade your galoshes in for snowboots just yet.
January
In January, the average high is usually around 48.9° with a low around 28.6° — so the temperature drop from December probably won’t be far. But don’t forget to bundle up because January is Asheville’s coldest month. You might start to miss the sun because January typically brings near constant cloud cover, but if you’re a fan of snow days, this month is where you’ll most likely find them.
February
Historically, February’s average highs start to increase a few degrees to 52.9° with an average low of 31.2°, so after January’s chill, you might start to feel like spring is on its way. February is usually nearly as cloudy as January, and the average chance of rain increases slightly. The average chance of snowfall at the beginning of the month is similar to January, but the chance decreases quickly as the month goes on.
