The cool winter followed by mild spring and hot summer weather provides the County with a long growing season. Extending from early April through early November, the average length of the freeze-free period is 216 days. Summers are often very warm and humid with average daily temperatures in the upper 70's and high temperatures frequently in the low 90's. Thirty years of data compiled by the National Climatic Data Center reveals that precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year with an average annual rainfall of approximately 42 inches. April, October, and November are the driest months.
Summer is the rainiest season with afternood thunderstorms accounting for most of the precipitation.
Elevations range from 520 feet above sea level in the south to 830 feet in the northern part of the County. The landscape is characterized by low-lying rounded hills and ridges which were initially converd by an extensive mixed oak forest interspersed with prairies. Today, this mixed oak forest is fragmented by croplands, pastures, and pine forests. Wetlands are found at stream heads, along waterways, and in some upland sites. There are more than 400 miles of streams in Mecklenburg County that have drainage areas greater than one square mile.