HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

This area is characterized by equable climates with few extremes of temperature and ample precipitation in all months. It is located poleward of the Mediterranean climate region on the western sides of the continents, between 35� and 60� N and S latitude. Unlike their equatorial neighbors, marine west coast climates are located beyond the farthest poleward extent of the subtropical anticyclone, and they experience the mid-latitude westerlies and traveling frontal cyclones all year. Precipitation totals vary somewhat throughout the year in response to the changing location and intensity of these storm systems, but annual accumulations generally range from 500 to 2500mm (20 to 98 inches), with local totals exceeding 5000mm (197 inches) where onshore winds encounter mountain ranges. Not only is precipitation plentiful but it is also reliable and frequent. Many areas have rainfall more than 150 days per year, although the precipitation is often of low intensity. Fog is common in autumn and winter, but thunderstorms are infrequent. Strong gales with high winds may be encountered in winter. Temperatures in the winter tend to be mild, while summer temperatures are moderate.

The K�ppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfb". (Marine West Coast Climate).

The average temperature for the year in Highlands is 52.4°F (11.3°C). The warmest month, on average, is July with an average temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C). The coolest month on average is January, with an average temperature of 35.7°F (2.1°C).

The highest recorded temperature in Highlands is 98.0°F (36.7°C), which was recorded in July. The lowest recorded temperature in Highlands is -19.0°F (-28.3°C), which was recorded in January.

The average amount of precipitation for the year in Highlands is 82.3" (2090.4 mm). The month with the most precipitation on average is March with 8.0" (203.2 mm) of precipitation. The month with the least precipitation on average is October with an average of 5.8" (147.3 mm). There are an average of 141.0 days of precipitation, with the most precipitation occurring in July with 16.0 days and the least precipitation occurring in October with 8.0 days.

In Highlands, there's an average of 12.9" of snow (0 cm). The month with the most snow is January, with 3.6" of snow (9.1 cm).