Smith Mountain Lake has 4 distinct seasons, but fortunately the weather is not extreme in any season. Temperatures are moderate. For people thinking about moving to Smith Mountain Lake, one of the biggest questions is often about the weather. They want to know what average temperatures are, and what each season at the lake is like.

Average temperatures at Smith Mountain Lake (Fahrenheit):

• Summer    High  86   Low  63
• Fall             High  70   Low  46
• Winter        High  48   Low  27
• Spring        High  69   Low  43

The great thing about Smith Mountain Lake weather is that you can enjoy a comfortable, temperate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging primarily between 40 and 80 degrees, yet still enjoy four distinct seasons.

Let's briefly look at the different seasons, as you can experience them at Smith Mountain Lake:

Spring

Springtime at Smith Mountain Lake is beautiful, as flowers and leaves start to appear again after the winter. High temperatures are in the 60's and 70's. By late March or early April, it's warm enough to get your boat in the water. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as the Osprey 10K/5K race, held at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and the Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic, a big fishing tournament with over $100,000 in prizes up for grabs.

Summer

Of course, summer is the peak season at the lake. Although more and more people are moving to Smith Mountain Lake as their full-time residence, many people maintain summer or vacation homes here. Boat traffic does increase on summer weekends, but is still manageable, and our lake is far less crowded than many other lakes in the Eastern US.Traffic jams on roads are unheard of here! As for temperatures, it’s rarely too hot at Smith Mountain Lake to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Be sure to check out some great summer events such as: The Antique and Classic Boat Show (check website for current schedules), a free event which features a collection of vintage vessels from the 1920s to 1960s era. Every 4th of July experience the Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks, which you can enjoy from land or by boat!

Fall

The Fall season is a favorite here, especially among locals.The beauty of Autumn leaves is truly breathtaking, and the weather is still comfortable with highs in the 60's and 70's. Most years, the months of October and November are best for enjoying the Autumn colors. There are also some great events that occur in the fall, such as the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival featuring 27 Virginia wineries, live music, as well as 85 artisan, craft, and food vendors. Also great fun is the SML Charity Home Tour, where you can visit some of the most distinctive waterfront homes at the lake, all accessible by car and boat. Proceeds benefit lake-area charities.

Winter

In other areas of the country such as the Northeast, winters can be particularly uncomfortable. If you want a more moderate, less extreme winter, Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect area to enjoy "just enough" winter. Daytime highs are typically above freezing, and the average snowfall is only about 10 inches for an entire year. And due to temperatures regularly above freezing, the snow only sticks around for a  day or two when it comes. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is also very efficient when it comes to snow removal from roads. A great winter event is the Old Virginia Christmas, which takes place at the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Enjoy guided lantern tours, volunteers in period costumes, music, and holiday refreshments.

If you are thinking about purchasing property at Smith Mountain Lake, or just have some questions, please visit our home page at smithmountainlake.homes to see available homes and lots for sale. You can also click Contact to reach Ted for a quick reply to any questions you may have.