Tucked away in the Blue Ridge mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, offers stunning views, a unique culture, and plenty of outdoor activities. No wonder it is one of the nation’s most popular mountain vacation destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to Wander Asheville Meadows, you might be wondering when to visit this mountain city. You can't go wrong with mild weather year-round and endless activities no matter what the time of year. Each season offers a different take on this well-loved destination, giving visitors the ability to choose the perfect time for them to visit.
Our travel guide will break down each season to help you decide the best time to plan your getaway to North Carolina!
Springtime in Western North Carolina is magical. Flowers are blooming everywhere, trees are turning green, and the weather begins warming up for outdoor adventures to be had.
March is still on the cooler side, with highs in the 50’s and lows in the 30’s. By April, the weather begins warming up and you’ll have plenty of days in the 60’s and 70’s. This mild weather makes it the perfect time to hit the hiking trails near Asheville.
Many of the scenic trails in the Asheville area are lined with blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons during the Spring. But perhaps most exciting is the waterfalls at the end of those hikes. Waterfalls are at peak flow during the Spring, making it the best time to go waterfall chasing.
Head to Pisgah National Forest or take a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains for a variety of hike and waterfall options.
You should plan a Spring trip if you:
Don’t mind more crowds
Enjoy outdoor adventures
Want to experience Spring blooms
Every year, the Biltmore Estate invites visitors to witness their gardens come to life at Biltmore Blooms, their annual Spring festival. There are over 100,000 flowers blooming in the gardens and grounds of the Biltmore. Visitors can choose a self-guided tour to take in the colors and fragrances of the glorious scenery.
The North Carolina Arboretum hosts the Asheville Orchid Festival each Spring. World-class orchid growers from around the local region and beyond come together to present hundreds of orchids in a special display.
As the weather warms up, so do all the lively activities the Asheville area offers. The average summer temperatures climb to the 80s, with lows in the 60s.
We recommend cooling off by going tubing down the French Broad River, which runs right through the heart of Asheville. After a day on the water, take a tour of Asheville’s many world-class breweries. Many of the local breweries offer live music and outdoor seating, perfect for a summer afternoon.
It’s also a great time to explore Asheville by bike. Rent an electric bike and make your way to Downtown Asheville and the River Arts District, popping into local shops as you go.
You should plan a summer trip to Asheville if you:
Want fewer crowds
Love water activities
Enjoy outdoor brewery experiences
If you’re a fan of live music and local beer, Downtown After 5 is the event for you. This free outdoor music concert takes place every third Friday in Downtown Asheville throughout the summer. No tickets are needed, so bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, beer, and food trucks.
Asheville Art in the Park is an outdoor art market that takes place on Saturdays in June. The festival is located in Downtown Asheville and features art exhibits from local artists. Asheville is an artistic hub, so Asheville Art in the Park is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the art culture. This event is free and does not require a ticket.
P.S. Asheville Art in the Park also takes place in October if you miss it in June!
Photo courtesy Asheville Art in the Park
Autumn is the most popular time of the year to visit Asheville, and for good reason. Fall weather is relatively mild, with high temperatures in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s.
Fall colors in the Asheville area usually begin in late September, with higher elevations seeing the change first. Over the next six weeks, fall foliage will make its way from the mountaintops to the city itself. No matter when you visit from September to November, you’ll get your share of leaf-peeping.
Fall is the perfect time to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy a scenic drive. Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway offers visitors a road trip through Western North Carolina, starting in Asheville and ending in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, chasing fall colors along the way.
You should plan a fall trip to Asheville if you:
Don’t mind crowds
Want to experience fall foliage
Enjoy mild fall weather
The Lovely Asheville Fall Festival is an annual festival taking place each October. It celebrates the beauty of nature and humanity with a variety of live music performances, art, delicious local food, and family-friendly fun.
Photo courtesy Lovely Asheville Fall Festival
Leaf Global Arts Festival is a family-friendly festival that celebrates the local and global community through arts, music, and cultural events. The festival takes place on Black Mountain each October.
Winter might be a quieter time to visit Asheville, but it’s also one of the most enchanting seasons. The weather stays mild compared to other mountain climates, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. You can typically expect the first snowfall to take place in December or January.
The holidays are magical in Asheville. Take a stroll through Downtown Asheville or visit The Biltmore Estate for the day to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations. Winter is also the perfect time to cozy up at Wander Asheville Meadows and enjoy the spectacular views. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy skiing nearby.
There are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy during the colder months, so you don't have to worry about the weather disrupting your trip. Read our guides to live entertainment in Asheville and Asheville local breweries for some indoor inspiration.
You should plan a winter trip to Asheville if you:
Prefer fewer crowds
Enjoy holiday magic
Want to participate in snow activities
There is nothing like experiencing Christmastime at the Biltmore. You can choose the Christmas at Biltmore daytime celebration for Christmas decorations by day or the Candlelight Christmas Evenings event full of sparkling Christmas lights and live music at night. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
The Omni Grove Park Inn hosts an annual winter concert weekend at the end of February. This special event includes live music performances, comedy shows, and more. More information and tickets can be found here.
Asheville is a special place to visit year-round. Whether you prefer the blooming flowers of Spring, water activities of Summer, fall foliage of Autumn, or holiday magic of Winter, there's plenty of things to do in Asheville all year round!
We hope our travel guide helps you choose the best time to book your Wander Asheville Meadows stay. And if you can’t decide - come experience all of the different seasons for yourself!
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