Wilmington, DE Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Wilmington
Weather in Wilmington is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 86°F (30°C), while January highs hover near 42°F (5°C). Annual precipitation averages 52.1 inches (1324 mm) over about 131 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 86°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 42°F (5°C)
- Record high: 98°F (36°C) · Record low: -1°F (-18°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 8 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 86°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 70°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 42°F (5°C) and lows around 28°F (-2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -1°F (-18°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.5 inches (140 mm) of rain over 14 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 8 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42° | 28° | 10 | 3.8 in | 6.0 h/day | 67% |
| February | 46° | 29° | 10 | 3.5 in | 6.9 h/day | 66% |
| March | 53° | 35° | 11 | 4.3 in | 8.0 h/day | 64% |
| April | 63° | 45° | 11 | 4.3 in | 9.0 h/day | 65% |
| May | 72° | 55° | 12 | 4.6 in | 9.7 h/day | 70% |
| June | 81° | 64° | 13 | 4.9 in | 11.3 h/day | 69% |
| July | 86° | 70° | 14 | 5.1 in | 11.7 h/day | 73% |
| August | 84° | 69° | 14 | 5.5 in | 10.7 h/day | 74% |
| September | 78° | 62° | 10 | 4.5 in | 9.0 h/day | 73% |
| October | 67° | 52° | 8 | 3.9 in | 8.0 h/day | 72% |
| November | 55° | 40° | 8 | 3.1 in | 7.5 h/day | 68% |
| December | 47° | 33° | 10 | 4.5 in | 5.7 h/day | 72% |
Wilmington month by month
Wilmington weather in January
January brings highs around 42°F (5°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in February
February brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 29°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Wilmington weather in March
March brings highs around 53°F (11°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Wilmington weather in April
April brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 11 wet days.
Wilmington weather in May
May brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 12 wet days.
Wilmington weather in June
June brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 13 wet days.
Wilmington weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in August
August brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 14 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in September
September brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 10 wet days.
Wilmington weather in October
October brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 8 wet days.
Wilmington weather in November
November brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in December
December brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 33°F (1°C), about 10 wet days.
Seasons in Wilmington
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Wilmington is mild, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Wilmington brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 67°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 41 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 Wilmington stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 67°F (19°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Wilmington is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 45°F (7°C) and nights around 30°F (-1°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season, plus around 6 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Wilmington?
Is Wilmington hot in summer?
Is Wilmington cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Wilmington get in a year?
Best time to visit Wilmington
The best time to visit Wilmington is generally April to May and September to October, 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 Wilmington 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 70°F (21°C).
Wilmington temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.