What Is the Best Time to Travel to Asheville?
Autumn is the most popular time to travel to Asheville, but if you want the best deals, you should visit in midwinter or the peak of summer.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From arts and culture to natural attractions, Appalachia is a region bursting with treasures.
Asheville
offers incredible food, beer, hikes, history, and cultural experiences that easily hold their own against more well-known destinations. Autumn is the most popular time to visit due to fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains, but you’ll find the best deals in midwinter.If you’re itching to explore this part of the world, the first decision is when. Asheville is a chameleon, changing its face depending on the seasons. It’s enjoyable in any weather, but a visit in December will be very different from a visit in August.
So, when is the right time to visit Asheville? Whether your priority is budget, weather, or special events,
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The best times of year to travel to Asheville
If you want to experience the glorious flaming hillsides of fall in Appalachia, then you’ll have to visit Asheville in its most popular season: autumn. But if you’re more interested in saving money, an off-peak month in midwinter is better for you.
Peak season: September to October, June
The good: Pleasant temperatures, stunning scenery
The bad: Crowded, costly
The weather: Mid-50s to upper 70s
Autumn is the absolute best time to visit Asheville. The Appalachian Mountains glow with fall foliage from late September to October, attracting thousands of tourists. Peep the best leaves at Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, or downtown Riverside Cemetery.
September is also synonymous with apple season. Check out the
North Carolina Apple Festival
40 minutes south of Asheville, or stay local and enjoy a hand-crafted cider. You can also take in the vibrant Bahamian Goombay Festival
in September.Other high season events include
Oktoberfest
and VeganFest
in October and the Brevard Blues N’ BBQ Festival and Black Mountain Art By the Tracks
art festival in June.Pro Tip Book ahead as far as possible, especially if you are planning an autumn visit. Accommodations and attractions fill up very quickly this time of year.
Off-season: Halloween to February
The good: Affordable rates, fewer crowds
The bad: Cold temperatures, fewer activities
The weather: Lows in the 20s and 30s
If you don’t mind cold temperatures, winter in North Carolina has a lot to offer! For instance, you can get spooky and sinister with
Asheville’s haunted attractions
around Halloween, when prices (and temperatures) start to drop. In December, Asheville is all about holiday-themed activities and outdoor recreation. The
North Carolina Arboretum
produces a gorgeous winter light display, topped only by the extravagant Christmas at the Biltmore
. Budget-minded tourists should check out the National Gingerbread House Competition
.Ski fiends can find powdery slopes two hours away in
Sugar Mountain Resort
or one hour away in Cataloochee Ski Area
. The outlandish outhouse race at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
is well worth a visit, too.Other off-season highlights include the
MLK Prayer Breakfast and March
, the Asheville Train Show
, and the Mardi Gras Parade
.Shoulder season: March to May, July to August
The good: Lots of festivals, good temperatures for exploring
The bad: Rates are beginning to increase, some crowds
The weather: Mid-50s to upper 70s in spring, mid-80s in summer
Basketball fans should make a pilgrimage to Asheville for March Madness to witness the epic Chapel Hill vs. Duke showdown. St. Patrick’s Day is another major attraction here in “Beer City” where craft breweries can be found on nearly every corner.
Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the warmer weather during shoulder season. The French Broad River is the perfect place to kayak or fish. Nature lovers can enjoy seasonal blossoms at Biltmore Blooms and learn about herbs at the Asheville Herb Festival.
The
LEAF Festival
is a major regional cultural attraction in May, as is the Montford Music & Arts Festival
. In July, discover handicrafts at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
and then attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
. The jewel in the crown is the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
in August sharing Appalachian arts heritage since 1928. The summer bit of shoulder season is perfect for exploring the city on foot. Head to the River Arts District first—and don’t skip
Asheville’s murals
. The cheapest time to travel to Asheville
To save the most money on your Asheville adventure, book your visit for early winter or early spring. The cold temperatures will scare off most tourists but you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy—and plenty of low prices.
If you’re not interested in a cold-weather trip, then you can still find some good deals in the peak of summer in July and August. You’ll get to experience a hot summer in Appalachia with enough festivals and watering holes to quench your thirst.
Find the best month for your visit to Asheville
Need some help finding the best time for your trip? Here’s a table to help you select a month based on which Asheville activities you want to experience.
Activity | Best month to visit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Skiing | January | You’ll have to go slightly outside of Asheville, but January is the perfect time to hit the slopes and avoid the crowds. |
Sports and beer | March | March Madness is seriously intense in Asheville, thanks to an ongoing rivalry. Cool your temper with a handcrafted brew on St. Patrick’s Day. |
Stunning blooms | April and May | The Biltmore’s gardens are spectacular in spring, and herbalists will love the world-renowned herb festival. |
Scottish cultural and regional arts | July and August | This area is proud of its history, including its Scottish roots and traditional craftsmanship. Experience both at the peak of summer. |
Fall foliage | September and October | Leaf peeping in Appalachia is the best in the country. Prices are high but you’ll never forget the Smoky Mountains in September. |
Haunted and historic events | Halloween | Shoulder season means better prices, and ghost hunters will find a ton of haunted activities in Asheville. |
Seasonal activities | December | Asheville excels at themed festivities, including holiday light displays and a national gingerbread baking contest —plus, low prices! |
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Pro Tip Asheville is a beautiful and active city in every season. If you’re not too concerned with special events, time your trip based on your weather preferences and budget.
How to find savings on car and rental insurance
Whether you’re driving your own car to Asheville or
renting one
, don’t get behind the wheel without a robust car insurance policy. Driving in a new city can be confusing, to say the least! It’s easy to check if your policy offers you enough coverage.
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MORE: 7 ways to save money on car rentals
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What is the worst time to travel to Asheville?
There’s no “worst” time to visit Asheville, as there’s something exciting to experience here in every season. If you’re a penny-pincher, don’t visit in September or October when the crowds flock to the forests (and prices go through the roof). If you hate cold weather, no problem—come in summer for hiking and patio season.
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