Weather in the Southern USA

The South can get mighty steamy, especially in the summertime where you can expect high humidity for the majority of the day. Since the Southern USA is made up of 16 of the 50 states, the climate can vary, but keep in mind that all of the states in the South are subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from 1 June to 30 November, so if you travel during this period it's wise to pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.

What is the weather like in Nashville?

Tennessee has a mostly temperate climate with hot summers (June-August) and mild to cool winters (December-February). While the spring months do produce steady rainfall, intense storms are infrequent. Because Tennessee is at the northern edge of the Southern states, you can expect to see a little bit of snowfall in the winter months, usually averaging about 25 centimetres per year.

Month

 Average high  

 Average low 

 March to May 

21°C

8°C

 June to August 

31°C

20°C

 September to November 

22°C

10°C

 December to February 

10°C

0°C

What's the weather like in New Orleans?

Louisiana's position on the Gulf Coast makes for some intensely muggy summers that occasionally bring stormy days during hurricane season. As June to August can be oppressively hot and humid, the best time to visit is the shoulder season, either from March to May or September to November. Still, regardless of when you visit, you can expect lots of sunshine, with over 100 sunny days per year. New Orleans is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, so keep an eye on the forecast before you make your travel plans.

Month

 Average high  

 Average low 

 March to May 

26°C

16°C

 June to August 

33°C

24°C

 September to November 

27°C

16°C

 December to February 

18°C

8°C

What's the weather like in Charleston?

Charleston, located on the southeastern coast of the US, has a subtropical climate with sweltering summers and mild winters. Snow is rare in the Carolinas, so you can do outdoor activities all year round. If you can handle the heat, Charleston has great surrounding beaches to cool off during the hotter months.

Month

 Average high  

 Average low  

 March to May 

23°C

15°C

 June to August 

31°C

24°C

 September to November 

24°C

17°C

 December to February 

15°C

7°C

What's the weather like in Atlanta?

Atlanta is fortunate to have a mostly moderate climate, and since it's located in the northern part of Georgia, the city does experience four distinct seasons throughout the year. The mild springtime brings some rain and flowers, summers are hot and humid, and autumn cools down a bit with crisp evenings. In the wintertime, you can expect the occasional ice storm when the temperatures dip below freezing.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low  

 March to May 

23°C

11°C

 June to August 

31°C

21°C

 September to November 

23°C

12°C

 December to February 

13°C

2°C

What's the weather like in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

The Blue Ridge Mountains straddle the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and vary in elevation, so the local weather can shift based on which section of the mountains you're hiking. Annual rainfall can average around 140 centimetres in the lowest elevations to 216 centimetres at the highest points. Clear skies at the base may not always guarantee good weather at higher elevations. Checking the forecast and packing a variety of layers will help you have the best hikes possible.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low  

 March to May 

21°C

14°C

 June to August 

29°C

18°C

 September to November 

21°C

9°C

 December to February 

10°C

1°C

Want to learn more about the South? Return to Southern USA FAQs

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