Highlands, North Carolina has a Temperate Oceanic Climate climate (Köppen classification: Cfb). Average annual temperatures range from 5.9 °C (low) to 16.6 °C (high). Annual precipitation averages 2243.3 Millimeters. 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 | -3.8 °C | 6.1 °C | 220.73 mm |
| February | -2.6 °C | 8.2 °C | 181.36 mm |
| March | 0.5 °C | 12.1 °C | 195.83 mm |
| April | 4.9 °C | 17.1 °C | 183.13 mm |
| May | 9.7 °C | 20.8 °C | 163.32 mm |
| June | 13.7 °C | 23.9 °C | 169.42 mm |
| July | 15.6 °C | 25.6 °C | 178.31 mm |
| August | 15.1 °C | 24.9 °C | 185.42 mm |
| September | 12.1 °C | 22.3 °C | 183.13 mm |
| October | 6.4 °C | 17.7 °C | 166.88 mm |
| November | 1.3 °C | 12.2 °C | 200.91 mm |
| December | -1.8 °C | 7.9 °C | 214.88 mm |
| Annual | 5.9 °C | 16.6 °C | 2243.32 mm |
| 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 : -17.8°C to -15°C |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 6b : -20.6°C to -17.8°C |
| Current Drought Conditions | Severe Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | Cfb - Temperate Oceanic Climate |