Topography & Climate

Topography

Franklin County is the seventh largest county in Virginia by area, consisting of 692.1 square miles of land and 9.5 square miles of water. Altitude in the county varies from 900 feet above sea level to more than 3,200 feet. The highest point is Cahas Knob, near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Altitude in the Town of Rocky Mount ranges from 1,200 feet to 1,420.

Slope

Three-fourths of the County is level to rolling.

Climate

Temperature

• Average January High Temperature - 47.9 degrees
• Average January Low Temperature - 25.9 degrees
• Average July High Temperature - 86.6 degrees
• Average July Low Temperature - 62.8 degrees
• Mean Annual Temperature - 56.0 degrees

Precipitation

• Average Annual Rainfall - 44 inches
• Average Annual Snowfall - 14 inches
• Average Growing Season - 180 days
• Average Relative Humidity - 66%
• Frost-Free Nights - Average April 20 through October 16

Wind & Air

• Air Quality - Franklin County is classified as an attainment area for all pollutants by both State and Federal agencies
• Prevailing Winds - Westerly

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)