nighttime weather in the mountains

[squirrely]

Can anyone tell me what the average nighttime temperatures are in the Springer --> Hot Springs part of the trail in June and July? I've been looking online but not having any luck.

[MuddyWaters]

Can anyone tell me what the average nighttime temperatures are in the Springer --> Hot Springs part of the trail in June and July? I've been looking online but not having any luck.

look for the nearby towns historical data, and subtract 1.8C (3.4 F) for each 1000 ft of elevation difference. For instance in Ga u can look at Suches, and subtract about 10F.

[MuddyWaters]

look for the nearby towns historical data, and subtract 1.8C (3.4 F) for each 1000 ft of elevation difference. For instance in Ga u can look at Suches, and subtract about 10F.

Actually, Suches is 3000' so its about avg for much of springer to neels area. maybe subtract a couple degrees but 10 would likely be too much
for instance , here is data from weather .com for Suches.

Month

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Mean

Avg. Precip

Record High

Record Low

Jan

49°F

25°F

37°F

5.27 in.

76°F (1932)

-16°F (1985)

Feb

53°F

28°F

41°F

5.02 in.

76°F (1996)

-8°F (1996)

Mar

60°F

34°F

47°F

5.11 in.

89°F (1935)

-5°F (1993)

Apr

68°F

41°F

55°F

4.40 in.

89°F (1960)

16°F (1983)

May

75°F

50°F

63°F

4.25 in.

94°F (1941)

25°F (1963)

Jun

82°F

58°F

70°F

4.82 in.

100°F (1936)

34°F (1966)

Jul

85°F

62°F

74°F

4.60 in.

100°F (1934)

40°F (1937)

Aug

84°F

61°F

73°F

4.62 in.

98°F (1933)

42°F (1968)

Sep

79°F

55°F

67°F

4.47 in.

95°F (1954)

26°F (1967)

Oct

70°F

43°F

57°F

3.74 in.

90°F (1941)

14°F (1961)

Nov

61°F

35°F

48°F

4.99 in.

83°F (2003)

0°F (1950)

Dec

51°F

28°F

40°

[MuddyWaters]

also keep in mind that an average low is just that, an average, it fluctuates something like +/- 10 F routinely, and could be as much as +/-25 F or so. So If I was expecting low 50s in June, I would be prepared for occasional few nights in mid 40s. Weather forecast should let you know of any really unusual tempdrops coming a few days in advance..

[daddytwosticks]

Get with FatMan about this. He has a home in Suches and has all sorts of wisdom about the local area and weather.

[squirrely]

Thanks! I will

[Rain Man]

Don't forget the wind chill. The wind is often much greater and much more constant on the mountains at elevation.

Also, don't forget the fact that you are often inside clouds or fog up on the mountains, so there's "wet" to take into account too.

RainMan

.

[Whack-a-mole]

Just check the weather for Hiawassee. It is close to the area and has reliable weather info.

[bflorac]

To cut to the chase, you should prepare for night temps down to 40° (F). I have done all my AT section hiking in late June. I have 50° bag and can keep warm down to 40° if I add on all my extra clothes for the night. However most nights, I have the bag partially open. During the day a fleece (or down sweater) is all you should need but you may want something like a thin rain jacket to help block the wind as you crest hill tops or if you have to hike in the elements. You can also be smart and camp in the lower areas that are warmer and block the wind.

[squirrely]

Thanks so much for the help guys! I was really hoping to not have to replace my sleeping bag but I think I am not going to have that kind of luck

[bus]

what bag do you have?