Real forecast goes beyond four seasons

Click Here For Yearly Average Temperatures In The Queen City

The weather in Charlotte is one of the main attractions for many people relocating to the area.  We have legendary springs that linger into our long, sun-drenched summer months, then fade quietly into fall--which presents with a beauty one truly must experience to appreciate.

Winters are mild, and bad weather infrequent.  The rare visits from Old Man Winter are treasured events here and greatly anticipated by young and old--if we have 3 inches of snow we all take off work/school and empty the grocery stores of bread and milk:)

  Few places enjoy snow in the way Southerners do!  I digress, you want spring, summer, autumn and winter? The Charlotte region has them all -- and more.

Anyone who follows our weather closely knows there are several other meteorological seasons in the region.

Winter begins Dec. 21, but cold weather arrives earlier. The snow "season" -- when it actually happens -- comes late in winter. Summer is a mix

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So here's a look at our area's real weather seasons

CLICK HERE FOR THE CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Ten years ago, at least one-third of you reading this didn't yet live here. Bank of America was still Nationsbank. Concord Mills and Northlake malls didn't exist. The Charlotte Hornets NBA team played in a coliseum off Tyvola Road. Times have changed, but the things that keep people moving to this region haven't changed much. For 10 years, The Observer has been helping newcomers and oldtimers alike keep track of changes and discover the area's gems through the annual Living Here magazine. As the Observer's newcomer reporter and near-lifelong resident of the region, I've compiled a subjective list of the 10 best things about living here. If you have other thoughts, I hope you'll let me know. Keep an eye out for follow-ups in my column in the Observer, which runs Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and in my blog, New Around Town. Without further ado: Trees. I wish newcomers could have seen this place before Hurricane Hugo made a serious dent in 1989. But we still have one of the best tree canopies of any city our size -- head to the top of a tall building and check out how even our most developed areas look green from up high. But for the best view, see the cathedral effect where tree branches meet over stately streets in Myers Park. Friendly people. Newcomers frequently comment on how friendly people are compared to wherever back home is. "Everyone waves at you," said one. "I haven't met a grumpy Charlotte person yet," said another. Well, we've got grumps but they aren't likely to be the first people you'll meet. Outdoor dining. Europeans have told me some of our outdoor cafes remind them of theirs. We can eat at many of them more than six months of the year, thanks to our balmy climate. Check out the patios at Ri Ra uptown (which overlooks the plaza in front of the Art Deco Hearst Tower on North Tryon) and Village Tavern at SouthPark to get started. Fun around the corner. Shopping, museums, free outdoor concerts, theater, symphony -- I could go on. A personal fave is the N.C. Dance Theatre -- they can hold their own with any other company in the country. Fun close by. Whether it's mountains, beaches or historic sites, we've got some of the best destinations in the country within an easy drive. Heading the list are Asheville and Charleston, but in the region we've also got Reed Gold Mine, site of the first U.S. gold discovery; Historic Brattonsville, where Mel Gibson's 2000 movie "The Patriot" was filmed; and more. Southern food. Sure, we've got most ethnic foods you can imagine and some creative chefs. But if you've never had N.C.-style barbecue (that's shredded pork with vinegar sauce), you've got a treat in store. We also boast some of the best sweet ice tea around, down-homey fish camps and many fine soul-food spots. Our uptown skyline. Every time I fly into Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, I get happy when I see it outside the plane window. It is beautiful, modern, bank-dominated -- the perfect iconic image for Charlotte. And it makes me feel at home. Sports. Personally, I'm partial to Duke basketball (hush, Tar Heels). You're in the heart of ACC country, and of course we've got the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NASCAR and a strong assortment of minor-league, college and prep sports to root for. Houses of worship. Here in the Bible Belt, they've created some of our area's most beautiful architecture and provide the backbone to many communities. Many of their leaders are vital to civic debate. We encourage involvement. We've got our share of messes to work on -- schools, traffic, race relations, environment, poverty, crime. Want to get involved in your favorite issues? Roll up your sleeves and jump in. You'll be warmly welcomed.

Shoud we say, “Welcome to Charlotte” or “Welcome Home?” One visit to the Queen City and you’ll realize why this growing metropolis is known for being a world-class city with small town charm. One challenging aspect of relocating to a new city is learning about your new home and your way around. Since Charlotte is the 21^st largest city in the United States, there is a lot to learn.  

Please allow us to extend some Southern hospitality and bring the city to you – virtually and through our one of a kind hands-on relocation center – Main Street Charlotte.

Main Street Charlotte is the official visitor and relocation center. Main Street extends a warm welcome to newcomers and visitors from across the country. Comprised of a winding road and storefronts sponsored by an array of Charlotte businesses, Main Street merges accessibility with the best of Charlotte. Main Street can be found on the corner of South Tryon and Second Streets, in the heart of Uptown.

Main Street presents a wealth of information for newcomers and visitors alike. You can find information on neighborhoods, schools, apartments, government services, restaurants, attractions, and the list goes on and on. As visitors walk down Main Street, they are welcomed by some of Charlotte’s prominent businesses that cater to newcomers.

Relocation Packets 

Would you like to have information about Charlotte’s K-12 schools, colleges, communities, banking institutions, moving companies, and many more at your fingertips--Click Here For A Courtesy Relocation Package!