Weather
Grandfather Mountain has some of the most extreme and quick changing weather on the east coast. Temperatures are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the foothills below, and the mountain is known for having high winds. Snow has been recorded in nine months of the year. Check our weather forecast a day before your planned visit since forecasting is very challenging. Be prepared!
With rare exceptions, the temperature will be 10 to 20 degrees cooler at Grandfather Mountain than in the flatlands below. The average rate is 2.2 degrees per 1,000 feet, meaning that for each thousand feet gained, the air is 2.2 degrees cooler.
Follow these links to see weather forecasts, live conditions and more.
- Our highest wind speed was 124 MPH in February 2019. Our coldest temperature was -32 in January 1985. See other fascinating statistics from 65 Years of Grandfather Mountain Weather Records.
- See current conditions at the Swinging Bridge Weather Station (elevation 5280 ft) via NC State Climate Office.
- Planning a trip? See the current Grandfather Mountain Forecast by the National Weather Service.
- If you are exploring the area, see Ray’s Weather Linville Forecast for the valley and Blue Ridge Parkway area.
- To dig deeper, see our Monthly Weather Summaries from the past year.
Average Temperatures on Grandfather Mountain
Winter (Dec-Feb): High 37, Low 22
Spring (March-May): High 53, Low 37
Summer (June-Aug): High 68, Low 55
Fall (Sept-Nov): High 55, Low 41
The official National Weather Service Reporting Station located atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has been providing daily weather observations since August of 1955. Gauges collect data for the National Weather Service. A monthly record of that information is filed each month with the Department of Commerce.