Raleigh, NC Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Raleigh
Located in North Carolina, United States, Raleigh 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 51°F (10°C) in January, with around 50.8 inches (1290 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 90°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 51°F (10°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: 7°F (-14°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (12 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.6 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 51°F (10°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as 7°F (-14°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.2 inches (158 mm) of rain over 12 days, while October is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 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 | 51° | 34° | 10 | 4.3 in | 6.7 h/day | 69% |
| February | 56° | 38° | 10 | 3.6 in | 7.0 h/day | 69% |
| March | 63° | 43° | 11 | 3.6 in | 8.1 h/day | 65% |
| April | 72° | 51° | 10 | 3.9 in | 10.1 h/day | 63% |
| May | 80° | 60° | 12 | 4.1 in | 10.6 h/day | 69% |
| June | 86° | 68° | 12 | 4.3 in | 11.6 h/day | 69% |
| July | 90° | 72° | 15 | 4.8 in | 11.5 h/day | 74% |
| August | 87° | 71° | 14 | 5.1 in | 10.8 h/day | 76% |
| September | 82° | 65° | 12 | 6.2 in | 9.5 h/day | 76% |
| October | 72° | 55° | 7 | 3.3 in | 8.7 h/day | 74% |
| November | 62° | 44° | 8 | 3.5 in | 7.8 h/day | 71% |
| December | 55° | 39° | 9 | 3.9 in | 6.7 h/day | 74% |
Raleigh month by month
Raleigh weather in January
January brings highs around 51°F (10°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Raleigh.
Raleigh weather in February
February brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 10 wet days.
Raleigh weather in March
March brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 11 wet days.
Raleigh weather in April
April brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 10 wet days.
Raleigh weather in May
May brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 12 wet days.
Raleigh weather in June
June brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Raleigh.
Raleigh weather in July
July brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Raleigh.
Raleigh weather in August
August brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 14 wet days.
Raleigh weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 65°F (19°C), about 12 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Raleigh.
Raleigh weather in October
October brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Raleigh.
Raleigh weather in November
November brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 8 wet days.
Raleigh weather in December
December brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 9 wet days.
Seasons in Raleigh
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Raleigh brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 52°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Raleigh brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); expect showers on roughly 40 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 Raleigh is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Raleigh is mild, with daytime highs averaging 54°F (12°C) and nights around 37°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Raleigh?
Is Raleigh hot in summer?
Is Raleigh cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Raleigh get in a year?
Best time to visit Raleigh
The best time to visit Raleigh is generally March to May and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 70°F (21°C).
Pack for Raleigh 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).
Raleigh temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.