View Full Version : nighttime weather in the mountains
squirrely
03-18-2012, 22:14
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
03-18-2012, 22:38
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
03-18-2012, 22:45
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 (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=1)
49°F
25°F
37°F
5.27 in.
76°F (1932)
-16°F (1985)
Feb (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=2)
53°F
28°F
41°F
5.02 in.
76°F (1996)
-8°F (1996)
Mar (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=3)
60°F
34°F
47°F
5.11 in.
89°F (1935)
-5°F (1993)
Apr (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=4)
68°F
41°F
55°F
4.40 in.
89°F (1960)
16°F (1983)
May (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=5)
75°F
50°F
63°F
4.25 in.
94°F (1941)
25°F (1963)
Jun (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=6)
82°F
58°F
70°F
4.82 in.
100°F (1936)
34°F (1966)
Jul (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=7)
85°F
62°F
74°F
4.60 in.
100°F (1934)
40°F (1937)
Aug (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=8)
84°F
61°F
73°F
4.62 in.
98°F (1933)
42°F (1968)
Sep (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=9)
79°F
55°F
67°F
4.47 in.
95°F (1954)
26°F (1967)
Oct (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=10)
70°F
43°F
57°F
3.74 in.
90°F (1941)
14°F (1961)
Nov (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=11)
61°F
35°F
48°F
4.99 in.
83°F (2003)
0°F (1950)
Dec (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/30572?climoMonth=12)
51°F
28°F
40°
MuddyWaters
03-18-2012, 22:55
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
03-19-2012, 07:14
Get with FatMan about this. He has a home in Suches and has all sorts of wisdom about the local area and weather. :)
squirrely
03-27-2012, 21:29
Thanks! I will :)
Rain Man
03-27-2012, 23:50
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.
Rain:sunMan
.
Whack-a-mole
03-28-2012, 00:18
Just check the weather for Hiawassee. It is close to the area and has reliable weather info.
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
03-29-2012, 22:37
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 :(