The Seasons and Colors of Western North Carolina
A quick guide for anyone planning photos where the natural setting is highlighted.
Western North Carolina mountains shift in color and mood all year, and those changes show up in your photos and set the scene. Whether you’re planning a wedding or a design shoot where the exterior views matter, it helps to know what the colors and landscape are doing!
Note: elevation affects when we’ll see seasonal changes. The higher up, the earlier the change.
November
June
Spring
Mid March-Early May
Spring is soft and slow to begin. Pink and white blooms scatter throughout in March and April, mixed in with the bare branches of winter. And then the lime green buds start to pop bit by bit. This time of year could offer anything from late winter snow to mild spring rains. I’d say it’s the least predictable.
Summer
Late May-September
Summer brings dense greens and full shade coverage. All shades from forest greens to soft olive tones show up in layers. This is the season for early mornings, very late sunsets, warm evenings and fireflies. Great for backyard weddings, porches, patios and any shoot where lush surroundings matter.
August
Autumn
October-November
Fall is the most popular and fleeting season in WNC. The mountains turn from green to a mix of reds, oranges and yellows. The blues of the blue ridge always persist though! The unbeatable temperatures and feeling of fall is never overrated.
Winter
December-Early March
Winter is clean and minimal. Soft greens cover the ground, bare branches bring out brown tones and the blues pop more than ever due to low humidity. It’s great for couples who love a quiet atmosphere or designers who want neutrals (not vivid greens) outside their windows.
October
December
How to pick a favorite?!
Our seasons are pretty gentle here, rarely extreme. I find beauty in each part of the year. If you’re still deciding when to schedule your wedding or shoot, I’m always glad to talk through what each season will look like for your location. Remember, elevation matters!
November