:. North Carolina Weather And Climate .:

Elevation and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean are the most important factors when analyzing North Carolina Weather. Temperatures at lower elevations are approximately 20°F higher than those at the higher elevations, all year round.

Winters are moderate in the lower elevations of North Carolina. The mountains tend to divert cold weather currents that swoop down from Canada. Summers are warm and humid.

Rain averages around 40 inches a year, with July thunderstorms bringing the most rain. Snow is light at the lower elevations, but the mountain peaks average as much as 50 inches a year.

Hurricanes are the greatest weather threat to North Carolina, with the state effected maybe twice a year by major tropical storms, and suffering heavy damage from a direct hit once a decade.