Asheville is a moderate-sized city located in the western part of North Carolina, with a population of approximately 94,000. The town is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and originally served as a trading hub, connecting the north and south for commerce. The city gained a reputation for its health and wellness due to its temperate climate. The rich and famous of the time started to create large estates for vacations. The area is today known for its arts and galleries, stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and temperate climate—a popular small-town destination in the US.
The Cherokee people inhabited the Asheville area. Europeans began to settle in the region around 1780. The town was named after Governor Samuel Ashe and was officially incorporated as a town in 1797. The town became an important trading hub along the Buncombe Turnpike. With the construction of the railroad, the town began to grow and attract many wealthy families. The Vanderbilts built the Biltmore Estate, which remains a main tourist attraction today. Over time, the area attracted various artisans and became a well-known hub for the arts in the region. The art scene is still strong today.
Asheville, North Carolina, offers numerous attractions and activities to enjoy. The Biltmore Estate is the most popular attraction in the area. This is a large mansion built by the Vanderbilts and is the largest privately owned home in the US. There are gardens, a winery, and tours available for visitors to experience the lavish decor and wealth. The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the nation, especially during the fall foliage. Downtown Asheville is an excellent spot for visitors to stroll around and visit the local shops and boutiques. The Asheville Art Museum, situated in the downtown area, showcases 20th- and 21st-century artwork by artists from the region.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short distance away, making it a great day trip from the area. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a great place to see local and regional plants with lovely walking paths. The North Carolina Arboretum is another excellent place to view a variety of regional plants and horticultural exhibits. Asheville also boasts several well-preserved historic buildings that feature Art Deco and Beaux-Arts design styles. The two most popular events in Asheville are the Christmas lights at the Biltmore Estate and the LEAF Global Arts Festival.
Visitors to the Asheville area should try the local cuisine. North Carolina is famous for its barbecue. The area is home to several craft breweries, making it an ideal destination for beer enthusiasts. Other foods to try include Fried Green Tomatoes, Biscuit Sandwiches, Sourwood honey, and Pimento cheese, to name a few. Visitors should also try some Chocolate from the French Broad Chocolate Factory. The weather in Asheville and western North Carolina is excellent in the summer months. The spring is also a good time, as the temperature is cooler than in the summer months. The fall is a great time to visit to see the fall foliage. The winter months are cold, with occasional snow.
Best Time to Visit Asheville
The best time to visit Asheville is February — the best overall value, with hotels near $147/night, quiet crowds, highs near 47°F, per TravelByTrait data.
Asheville is least crowded in January (quiet) and busiest in July (packed), based on TravelByTrait crowd data.
In October, Asheville averages daytime highs near 66°F with about 3.3 inches of rain in a typical year.
The table below breaks down average hotel cost, crowd levels, feels-like temperature, rainfall, and snowfall month by month, so you can pick the best time to visit Asheville for your budget, weather, and crowd preferences.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $ | $142 | $147 | $151 | $157 | $166 | $178 | $173 | $161 | $244 | $202 | $162 | $153 |
| Crowd | Quiet | Quiet | Light | Moderate | Busy | Busy | Packed | Packed | Busy | Packed | Moderate | Light |
| T | 39 | 47 | 55 | 64 | 74 | 84 | 89 | 86 | 79 | 66 | 53 | 46 |
| R | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| S | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
$: Avg Daily Hotel Cost (USD)
Crowd: Relative crowd level
T: Feels-Like Temp (°F)
R: Rain (in)
S: Snow (in)