Early winter · Weather & things to do
Blowing Rock in December
Blowing Rock cools off: highs slip to 42°F (6°C), from 51°F in November, with lows of 24°F (-4°C) and about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.2 in (107 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 42°F (6°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 24°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.2 in (107 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and August – October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 33 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 64/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Asheville, Blowing Rock & Boone route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Blowing Rock in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Suspension footbridge between two peaks on Grandfather Mountain, with views across the Blue Ridge.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Small family ski area between Blowing Rock and Boone with a ski school, terrain park and an outdoor ice rink.
Tweetsie Christmas
Tweetsie Railroad's steam train runs through lit woods on December evenings, with a decorated Main Street and Santa.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Former estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway with 25 miles of carriage roads for winter walks and snowshoeing around Flat Top Manor.
Mast General Store
Old-fashioned general store on King Street in Boone, with barrels of candy, outdoor gear and mountain-made goods.
Nearby in December
- Asheville in December~62 mi · highs 48°F, 4.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Uptown Charlotte in December~78 mi · highs 53°F, 4.2 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Cherokee in December~103 mi · highs 49°F, 5.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Townsend in December~121 mi · highs 52°F, 5.4 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~756 m to Blowing Rock's ~1,074 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Blowing Rock in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Blowing Rock?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and August – October. Expect highs of 42°F (6°C) and 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Blowing Rock in December?
Average highs are 42°F (6°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Blowing Rock in December?
Some: about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 49.9 in (1267 mm).
What should I pack for Blowing Rock in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Blowing Rock
Routes in season in December
- Asheville, Blowing Rock & Boone Late Nov – Dec
Planning Blowing Rock in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.