Grandfather Mountain is a rugged place known for its wild and fast-changing weather. With a few records matched or broken in 2025, the year also experienced some other noteworthy observations according to data collected at the nature park’s official weather reporting stations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Some notable 2025 weather observations, and how they compare to Grandfather’s 70 years of recorded data, are included below.

• Cold January: The average high temperature for January 2025 was 26.32 degrees Fahrenheit (the second-lowest on record), with an average low of 12.93 degrees (the sixth-lowest on record) and a mean of 19.63 degrees (the third-lowest on record).
• Dry March: The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.67 inches of precipitation in March 2025, the eighth lowest monthly March total in Grandfather’s history of recording weather. In addition, ten days of rain for the month is the third lowest number for March days with precipitation. A total of ten days of precipitation also occurred in 1968 and 2007.  The record lowest for the month is three days in 2013.
• Wet May: The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 11.15 inches of precipitation in May 2025, the fourth-highest total for this month on record. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).
• NEW RECORD: In May, the day with the highest amount of precipitation observed was May 13, when 4.71 inches were recorded at the top. This amount is a new record, surpassing the former total for the most rain in one day in May of 4.67 inches, measured on May 28, 1973.
• RECORD TIED: July 2025 tied a record for the number of days of precipitation on Grandfather Mountain. There were 26 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for July 2025, tying the record originally set in 1982.
• Dry November: The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.74 inches of precipitation in November 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). This total ties the 2021 precipitation amount for the eighth driest November at Grandfather on record. The driest November on record was observed in 2007, when 1.06 inches were measured at the top.
• NEW RECORD: 11 saw the coldest temperature recorded for the month with 7.5 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Nov. 11 was 11 degrees, recorded in 1973.
• NEW RECORD: 14 saw the coldest temperature recorded for the month with minus 2.4 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Dec. 14 was minus 1 degree, recorded in 1958.

Precipitation

The station at the Swinging Bridge observed 55.12 inches of rain for the year over 222 days. The mountain’s 70-year averages for annual precipitation are 64.07 inches of rain and 183.03 days of precipitation. The standing record for the most rain in one year is 110.67 inches in 2018, and the most days of precipitation in a year at Grandfather is 242 days of precipitation, recorded in 2020.

The rainiest month in 2025 was May, when 11.15 inches were recorded over 23 days. The driest month of 2025 was January, with only 1.62 inches – the third-lowest total on record for this month – observed over 12 days of precipitation (including trace amounts).

July 2025 saw at least trace amounts of rain on 26 days, tying the record originally set for the month in 1982. In June, there were 22 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable). The record number of days for the month of June is 23 days, observed in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Twenty-two days of precipitation were also recorded in 1976 and 2023.

May was also wet with the weather station near the Swinging Bridge reporting 11.15 inches of precipitation in May 2025, the fourth-highest total for this month on record.

Grandfather Mountain reported 28.7 inches of snow in 2025, as observed at the park’s Wilson Center. Snow accumulation is measured at this lower location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s snowiest year on record remains 1996, when the park observed 116.7 inches of accumulation.

Wind

Grandfather Mountain recorded no sustained wind speeds or gusts higher than 100 mph in 2025, although it came closest in December, when a gust of 94 mph was recorded at the Swinging Bridge.

Meanwhile, winds gusted higher than 60 mph on 79 days in 2025.

The record wind speed at that location, since a National Weather Service-approved anemometer was installed in February 2007, remains a gust of 124 mph, recorded Feb. 25, 2019.

Temperatures

Known for its temperature swings, Grandfather Mountain experienced temperatures ranging from minus 4.4 degrees to 77.2 degrees Fahrenheit in 2025. The mountain’s warmest day in 2025 was recorded on June 24, when the temperature hit 77.2 degrees. The park’s coldest day was Jan. 20, when the temperature dipped to a low of minus 4.4 degrees. Windchill data wasn’t recorded for January due to an issue with the anemometer, but 31 total days with a windchill below zero were recorded in 2025 during the months of February, March, November and December.

The average high temperature for January 2025 was 26.32 degrees Fahrenheit (the second-lowest on record), with an average low of 12.93 degrees (the sixth-lowest on record) and a mean of 19.63 degrees (the third-lowest on record).

Two daily low temperature records were broken in 2025. Nov. 11 saw the coldest temperature recorded for the month with 7.5 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Nov. 11 was 11 degrees, recorded in 1973. Dec. 14 saw the coldest temperature recorded for the month with minus 2.4 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Dec. 14 was minus 1 degree, recorded in 1958.

The average high temperature for the year was 51.81 degrees, the average low was 39.86 degrees and the average mean for the year was 45.84 degrees. For Grandfather’s 70 years of weather reporting, the average high is 52.92 degrees, the average low is 35.58 degrees and the average mean is 45.85 degrees.

Grandfather’s warmest days on record saw the thermometer reach 83 degrees in August 1983, July 2005 and July 2010, while the mountain’s record low remains minus 32 degrees from January 1985.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

In the 70 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

December 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for December 2025 was 38.43 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 24.78 degrees and a mean of 31.60 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 52.3 degrees on Dec. 27, just under 11 degrees shy of the mountain’s record December high of 63 degrees, observed Dec. 7, 1956. Generally, December sees winter weather conditions set in on Grandfather Mountain.

Dec. 14 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 2.4 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Dec. 14 was minus 1 degree, recorded in 1958.

A wind chill of minus 35.1 was also noted Dec. 14. A total of 12 days in December experienced a wind chill below zero. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of December (not counting wind chill) was minus 21 degrees on Dec. 25, 1983.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 12 days in December with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Dec. 19, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 94 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 58.2 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.92 inches of precipitation in December 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). The driest December on record was observed in 1965, when .55 inches were measured at the top. The mountain’s rainiest December was recorded in 2018, when 10.7 inches were measured.

There were 20 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for December 2025. The record number of days for the month of December is 22 days, observed in 1972 and 1981. The December on record with the lowest number of days of precipitation is 2010, with only six days noted.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 2.89 inches of precipitation and also noted 6.6 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top of the mountain.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Dec. 19, when 1 inch was recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for December was Dec. 28, 1958, when the weather station noted 3.46 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

November 2025 saw fairly dry conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.74 inches of precipitation in November 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). This total ties the 2021 precipitation amount for the eighth driest November at Grandfather on record. The driest November on record was observed in 2007, when 1.06 inches were measured at the top.

There were 11 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for November 2025. The record number of days for the month of November is 21 days, observed in 1977 and 1986. The November on record with the lowest number of days of precipitation is 2010, with only five days noted.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 1.71 inches of precipitation and also noted 3.3 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top. Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top of the mountain.

The mountain’s rainiest November was recorded in 1977, when 13.02 inches were observed near the bridge.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Nov. 21, when 0.44 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for November was Nov. 6, 1977, when the weather station noted 5.70 inches.

The average high temperature for November 2025 was 44.26 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 31.07 degrees and a mean of 37.67 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 60.1 degrees on Nov. 5, just under nine degrees shy of the mountain’s record November high of 69 degrees, observed both Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 of 2004.

Nov. 11 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 7.5 degrees, breaking the daily low record for that day. The previous record for Nov. 11 was 11 degrees, recorded in 1973. A wind chill of minus 22.7 was noted Nov. 12. A total of six days in November experienced a wind chill below zero. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of November (not counting wind chill) was minus 12 degrees on Nov. 15, 1959.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 17 days in November with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Nov. 16, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 89.5 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 51.9 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

October 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for October 2025 was 51.66 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 39.72 degrees and a mean of 45.69 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for October at the mountain is 54.81 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature for October is 41.10 degrees and the historic average mean is 47.88 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 65.1 degrees on Oct. 18, just under 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record October high of 75 degrees, observed Oct. 3, 1986.

Generally, October sees fall weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures starting to take hold. Oct. 31 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 28.4 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of October (not counting wind chill) was 15 degrees on Oct. 28, 1957; Oct. 27, 1962; and Oct. 21, 1974.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted five days in October with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Oct. 30, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 86.4 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 51.8 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 3.40 inches of precipitation in October 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.62 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest October was recorded in 1970, when 15.86 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest October on record was observed in 1963, when 0.31 inches were measured at the top. October 2025 comes in as the mountain’s 28^th driest October in the 69 years of weather recording.

There were 18 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for October 2025. The record number of days for the month of October is 20 days, observed in 1976.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Oct. 28, when 1.11 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for October was Oct. 5, 1995, when the weather station noted 5.12 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

September 2025 saw drier conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 4.25 inches of precipitation in September 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). This is the 23^rd driest September in Grandfather’s 69 years of weather recording. The lowest monthly precipitation total for September is .68 inches in 2019.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.95 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest September was recorded in 2004, when 32.3 inches were observed near the bridge.

There were 21 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for September 2025. The record number of days for the month of September is 23 days, observed in 2020 and 2024.

The day with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Sept. 27, when 1.10 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for September was Sept. 8, 2004, when the weather station noted 11.3 inches. Data from 2024’s Hurricane Helene is not taken into account for this record as staff were not able to record precipitation measurements in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

The average high temperature for September 2025 was 60.65 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 51.55 degrees and a mean of 56.1 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for the mountain is 63.18 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature is 50.99 degrees and the historic average mean is 57.07 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 67.6 degrees on Sept. 5, just over 11 degrees shy of the mountain’s record September high of 79 degrees, observed Sept. 24, 2010.

Generally, September sees fall weather conditions take hold on Grandfather Mountain, with cooler temperatures arriving. Sept. 9 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 40.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of September (not counting wind chill) was 24 degrees on Sept. 30, 1967.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in September with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

August 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for August 2025 was 62.45 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 54.72 degrees and a mean of 58.59 degrees. The 69-year average high temperature for the mountain is 68.49 degrees, the 69-year average low temperature is 56.06 degrees and the historic average mean is 62.25 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded was 73.9 degrees on Aug. 1, just over nine degrees shy of the mountain’s record August high of 83 degrees, observed Aug. 22, 1983.

Generally, August sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly cooler fall-like temperatures starting to arrive. Aug. 27 saw the coldest temperature recorded with 44.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of August (not counting wind chill) was 36 degrees on Aug. 29, 1986.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in August with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.28 inches of precipitation in August 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 7.93 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest August was recorded in 2008, when 12.47 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest August on record was observed in 1956, when 0.81 inches were measured at the top.

There were 25 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for August 2025. The record number of days for the month of August is 29 days, observed in 2020.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Aug. 19, when 1.39 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for August was Aug. 27, 2008, when the weather station noted 8.50 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).
• In the 69 years of weather collection at Grandfather Mountain, instrument locations for the Top Shop and Swinging Bridge area have moved around slightly as technology and understanding of what makes the best location for reporting have improved.

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

July 2025 tied a record for the number of days of precipitation on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

There were 26 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for July 2025, tying the record originally set in 1982.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 6.37 inches of precipitation in July 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 7.64 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest July was recorded in 2013, when 23.91 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest July on record was observed in 1977, when 1.74 inches were recorded.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was July 13, when 0.99 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for July was July 4, 1989, when the weather station observed 6.25 inches.

The average high temperature for July 2025 was 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 60.63 degrees and a mean of 65.07 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 72.9 degrees on July 29, more than ten degrees shy of the mountain’s record July high of 83.2 degrees, observed July 1, 2012 (which is also the highest temperature ever recorded at the park). Generally, July sees summertime weather conditions on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer temperatures having arrived.

July 6 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 55.6 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of July (not counting wind chill) was 41 degrees on July 27, 1962.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted zero days in July with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

June 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for June 2025 was 66.94 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 57.08 degrees and a mean of 62.01 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 77.2 degrees on June 24, almost five degrees shy of the mountain’s record June high of 82 degrees, observed June 1, 2011, and June 9, 2008.

Generally, June sees spring-like weather conditions continue on Grandfather Mountain, with slightly warmer, summertime temperatures starting to arrive. June 1 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 47.5 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of June (not counting wind chill) was 31 degrees on both June 1, 1966, and June 3, 1956.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge did not note any days in June with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 4.99 inches of precipitation in June 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 5.05 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest June was recorded in 2019, when 15.94 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest June on record was observed in 1986, when 0.60 inches were measured at the top.

There were 22 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for June 2025. The record number of days for the month of June is 23 days, observed in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Twenty-two days of precipitation were also recorded in 1976 and 2023.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was June 15, when 0.72 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for June was June 8, 1968, when the weather station noted 4.46 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

May 2025 was a wet month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations, with one precipitation record broken.

The average high temperature for May 2025 was 57.33 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 46.34 degrees and a mean of 51.84 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 68.9 degrees on May 15, more than 9 degrees shy of the mountain’s record May high of 78 degrees, observed on May 19, 1996.

Generally, May sees spring-like weather conditions arrive on Grandfather Mountain, though some chilly temperatures can still persist. May 23 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 35.8 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of May (not counting wind chill) was 15 degrees on May 6, 1957.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted six days in May with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On May 17, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 82.1 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 49.8 mph on May 22. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 11.15 inches of precipitation in May 2025, the fourth-highest total for this month on record. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable).

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 13.8 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest May was recorded in 2018, when 19.70 inches were observed near the bridge. That year saw widespread flooding and damage across the region from Tropical Storm Alberto. The driest May on record was observed in 2007, when 1.43 inches were measured at the top.

There were 23 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for May 2025, two days short of the record 25 days in 2009.

The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was May 13, when 4.71 inches were recorded at the top. This amount is a new record, surpassing the former total for the most rain in one day in May of 4.67 inches, measured on May 28, 1973.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

April 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for April 2025 was 55.01 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 41.79 degrees and a mean of 48.4 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 69.8 degrees on April 19, just over 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record April high of 80 degrees, observed April 7, 2010.

April 12 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 23.4 degrees. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of April (not counting wind chill) was 5 degrees on April 7, 1982

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted six days in April with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On April 6, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 76.1 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 47.2 mph on April 1. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 3.92 inches of precipitation in April 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.15 inches of precipitation for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest April was recorded in 2018, when 12.72 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest April on record was observed in 1975, when .72 inches were measured at the top.

There were 17 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for April 2025. The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was April 7, when 1.5 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for April was April 21, 1992, when the weather station noted 4.65 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

March 2025 saw drier-than-normal conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for March 2025 was 47.47 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 31.65 degrees and a mean of 39.56 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 62.1 degrees on March 12, almost 10 degrees shy of the mountain’s record March high of 72 degrees, observed March 30, 1985.

March 2 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with 7.3 degrees. A wind chill of minus 15.01 was noted that same day. There were four other days in March that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of March (not counting wind chill) was minus 9 degrees on March 9, 1996.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 11 days in March with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On March 16, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 87.6 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 52.8 mph on March 21. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 2.67 inches of precipitation in March 2025, the eighth lowest monthly March total in Grandfather’s history of recording weather. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 4.59 inches of precipitation and also noted 0.6 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest March was recorded in 1963, when 11.70 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest March on record was observed in 2016, when 1.01 inches were measured at the top.

There were 10 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for March 2025. Ten days of rain for the month is the third lowest number for March days with precipitation. A total of ten days of precipitation also occurred in 1968 and 2007.  The record lowest  for the month is three days in 2013. The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was March 5, when 1.29 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for March was March 12, 1963, when the weather station noted 6.38 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

February 2025 saw fairly standard conditions for the month on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for February 2025 was 41.75 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 26.09 degrees and a mean of 33.92 degrees.

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 55.9 degrees on both Feb. 3 and Feb. 26, just over 8 degrees shy of the mountain’s record February high of 64 degrees, observed Feb. 22, 1977, and Feb. 15 and 16, 1989.

Feb. 20 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 0.4 degrees. A wind chill of minus 32.65 was noted that same day. There were seven other days in February that also recorded negative wind chills. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of February (not counting wind chill) was minus 19 degrees on Feb. 25, 1967.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 12 days in February with a wind gust higher than 60 mph. On Feb. 16, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 79.7 mph, while the month’s highest recorded sustained wind speed clocked in at 53.9 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 5.81 inches of precipitation in February 2025. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 5.86 inches of precipitation and also noted 2.2 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest February was recorded in 1998, when 13.20 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest February on record was observed in 1968, when 0.81 inches were measured at the top.

There were 12 days of at least trace amounts of recorded liquid precipitation (rain and the liquid equivalent of frozen precipitation, when applicable) for February 2025. The day last month with the highest amount of this precipitation observed was Feb. 13, when 1.56 inches were recorded at the top. The day with the highest amount of precipitation observed on record for February was Feb. 2, 1965 when the weather station noted 4.70 inches.

Weather Reporting

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation records and reports data in two different ways:

• The park maintains an automated weather station at the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The N.C. State Climate Office assists the foundation in calibrating the machines and ensuring overall accuracy of data.
• Grandfather Mountain has been an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Observer Program since 1955 by reporting weather data from locations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Nature Museum (now the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery).

For more information on weather at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/weather.

January 2025 saw exceptionally chilly temperatures on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations.

The average high temperature for January 2025 was 26.32 degrees Fahrenheit (the second-lowest on record), with an average low of 12.93 degrees (the sixth-lowest on record) and a mean of 19.63 degrees (the third-lowest on record).

The warmest temperature recorded last month was 50.9 degrees on Jan. 31, just over 14 degrees shy of the mountain’s record January high of 65 degrees, observed on Jan. 30, 2002.

Jan. 20 saw the coldest temperature recorded last month with minus 4.4 degrees. There were three other days that saw temperatures dip below zero. Multiple days in January also had negative wind chills, though an issue with the anemometer prevented an exact count. The lowest temperature ever observed on Grandfather Mountain in the month of January (not counting wind chill) was minus 32 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985.

The weather station on the Mile High Swinging Bridge noted 10 days in January with a wind gust higher than 60 mph, not including multiple days of incomplete data when the anemometer was offline. On Jan. 29, the weather station at the top recorded a wind gust of 93.4 mph, with a sustained wind speed clocking in at 60.1 mph that same day. The highest gust ever recorded on Grandfather Mountain was 124 mph, observed Feb. 25, 2019.

The weather station near the Swinging Bridge reported 1.62 inches of precipitation in January 2025, the third-lowest total on record for this month. Precipitation at the top of the mountain includes rain and the liquid equivalent of any frozen precipitation (when applicable). Due to wind, snow depth is not recorded at the top.

Observations recorded near the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery totaled 1.91 inches of precipitation and also noted 16.0 inches of snowfall for the month. Precipitation is also measured at the latter location, as high winds can make it difficult to record accurate observations at the top.

The mountain’s rainiest January was recorded in 1998, when 11.79 inches were observed near the bridge. The driest January on record was observed in 1956, when 0.59 inches were measured at the top.

There were 17 days of at least trace am