Durham, NC Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Durham
Located in North Carolina, United States, Durham experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 90°F (32°C) in July and dip to about 50°F (10°C) in January, with around 49.1 inches (1247 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 90°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 50°F (10°C)
- Record high: 102°F (39°C) · Record low: 5°F (-15°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (11 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 2 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 90°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 72°F (22°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 50°F (10°C) and lows around 33°F (0°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 102°F (39°C) and dropped as low as 5°F (-15°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.3 inches (160 mm) of rain over 11 days, while October is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 2 days in a typical year, mostly from January through February.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50° | 33° | 10 | 4.1 in | 6.7 h/day | 70% |
| February | 56° | 37° | 9 | 3.5 in | 6.9 h/day | 69% |
| March | 62° | 42° | 11 | 3.6 in | 8.0 h/day | 66% |
| April | 72° | 50° | 9 | 3.9 in | 10.0 h/day | 64% |
| May | 79° | 60° | 11 | 4.6 in | 10.3 h/day | 69% |
| June | 86° | 67° | 11 | 3.7 in | 11.7 h/day | 70% |
| July | 90° | 72° | 14 | 4.1 in | 11.5 h/day | 73% |
| August | 87° | 70° | 13 | 4.5 in | 10.8 h/day | 76% |
| September | 82° | 65° | 11 | 6.3 in | 9.3 h/day | 76% |
| October | 72° | 54° | 7 | 3.3 in | 8.7 h/day | 74% |
| November | 61° | 43° | 7 | 3.4 in | 7.7 h/day | 71% |
| December | 55° | 38° | 9 | 4.1 in | 6.6 h/day | 74% |
Durham month by month
Durham weather in January
January brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Durham.
Durham weather in February
February brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 9 wet days.
Durham weather in March
March brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 11 wet days.
Durham weather in April
April brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 9 wet days.
Durham weather in May
May brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 11 wet days.
Durham weather in June
June brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 11 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Durham.
Durham weather in July
July brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Durham.
Durham weather in August
August brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 13 wet days.
Durham weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 11 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Durham.
Durham weather in October
October brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Durham.
Durham weather in November
November brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 7 wet days.
Durham weather in December
December brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 9 wet days.
Seasons in Durham
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Durham brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 51°F (10°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Durham brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Durham is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 54°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 25 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Durham is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (12°C) and nights around 36°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Durham?
Is Durham hot in summer?
Is Durham cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Durham get in a year?
Best time to visit Durham
The best time to visit Durham is generally March to May and September to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Durham with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 72°F (22°C).
Durham temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.