North Carolina enjoys a comparatively mild year-round climate characterized by four distinct seasons. The significant factor in weather variation is altitude. Throughout the year the average temperature varies more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit from the lower coast to the highest elevations. The average annual temperature at Southport on the lower coast is nearly as high as that of interior northern Florida, while the average on the summit of Mount Mitchell is lower than that of Buffalo in upstate New York. In southwestern North Carolina, the annual average is more than 90 inches. Less than 50 miles to the north is the driest point south of Virginia at 37 inches. East of the mountains, the average annual rainfall is 40 to 55 inches.

The greater part of the state is protected by mountain ranges from severe cold in the winter months. To the east, temperatures are modified by the Atlantic Ocean. This influence raises the average winter temperature and decreases the average day-to-night range. The variation in daily temperatures reaches a peak in May and October. Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees on occasion but usually remain in the 90-degree range. The average daily maximum for most localities is below 90 degrees.