Weather
Few
climates anywhere in the world can match the year-round pleasant nature
of Swain County's climate.
The lack of seasonal extremes allows for frequent outdoor activities and
comfortable living throughout the year. Among the most valued aspects of
Swain County's climate are the cool summer nights which have lured
visitors to the area for generations. In the Bryson City area, July
temperatures reflect an average daily high of 84 degrees and an average
low of 62.4 degrees. Winter temperatures, while cool, are not
uncomfortable. The average daily high in January is 47.5 degrees, while
the average low is 26 degrees.
Winter
always brings some snow to the mountains, with an average snowfall of
around 11 inches each year. However, the amount of snow at any one time
is rarely a major inconvenience and tends to lend charm to the winter
season. Crews work around the clock in the event of snow to keep
highways passable. Annual precipitation averages around 47.71 inches.
The average relative humidity is about 70 percent in the summer and 66
percent during the winter. Elevations in Swain County range from 1,085
to 6,643 feet.
