Highlands, North Carolina has a Temperate Oceanic Climate climate (Köppen classification: Cfb). Average annual temperatures range from 42.7 °F (low) to 61.8 °F (high). Annual precipitation averages 88.3 Inches. Highlands is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 through the first frost around Oct. 11 - Oct. 20.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.2 °F | 42.9 °F | 8.69 in. |
| February | 27.4 °F | 46.7 °F | 7.14 in. |
| March | 32.9 °F | 53.7 °F | 7.71 in. |
| April | 40.9 °F | 62.7 °F | 7.21 in. |
| May | 49.4 °F | 69.5 °F | 6.43 in. |
| June | 56.6 °F | 75.1 °F | 6.67 in. |
| July | 60.0 °F | 78.0 °F | 7.02 in. |
| August | 59.1 °F | 76.8 °F | 7.3 in. |
| September | 53.8 °F | 72.2 °F | 7.21 in. |
| October | 43.5 °F | 63.9 °F | 6.57 in. |
| November | 34.3 °F | 53.9 °F | 7.91 in. |
| December | 28.7 °F | 46.3 °F | 8.46 in. |
| Annual | 42.7 °F | 61.8 °F | 88.32 in. |
| Average First Frost Date | Oct. 11 - Oct. 20 |
| Average Last Frost Date | Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 |
| Average Days With Frost | 100-125 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 7a : 0°F to 5°F |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 6b : -5°F to 0°F |
| Current Drought Conditions | Severe Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | Cfb - Temperate Oceanic Climate |