Wilmington, NC 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 87°F (30°C), while January highs hover near 56°F (13°C). Annual precipitation averages 58.6 inches (1489 mm) over about 141 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 87°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 56°F (13°C)
- Record high: 99°F (37°C) · Record low: 15°F (-10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 87°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 75°F (24°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows around 40°F (5°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 99°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 15°F (-10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 8.3 inches (212 mm) of rain over 13 days, while October is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.8 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56° | 40° | 10 | 3.9 in | 7.4 h/day | 73% |
| February | 60° | 44° | 9 | 4.0 in | 7.8 h/day | 74% |
| March | 65° | 49° | 10 | 3.4 in | 8.8 h/day | 72% |
| April | 71° | 56° | 9 | 3.6 in | 10.7 h/day | 71% |
| May | 79° | 64° | 12 | 4.8 in | 11.4 h/day | 75% |
| June | 84° | 71° | 15 | 5.1 in | 11.8 h/day | 78% |
| July | 87° | 75° | 19 | 5.9 in | 11.4 h/day | 81% |
| August | 85° | 74° | 19 | 7.4 in | 10.4 h/day | 83% |
| September | 82° | 70° | 13 | 8.3 in | 9.8 h/day | 81% |
| October | 75° | 60° | 7 | 3.2 in | 9.2 h/day | 76% |
| November | 66° | 50° | 8 | 4.2 in | 8.2 h/day | 75% |
| December | 60° | 45° | 10 | 4.7 in | 7.1 h/day | 77% |
Wilmington month by month
Wilmington weather in January
January brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 40°F (5°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in February
February brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 9 wet days.
Wilmington weather in March
March brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 10 wet days.
Wilmington weather in April
April brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 9 wet days.
Wilmington weather in May
May brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 12 wet days.
Wilmington weather in June
June brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 15 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in July
July brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 19 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 19 wet days.
Wilmington weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in October
October brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Wilmington.
Wilmington weather in November
November brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 8 wet days.
Wilmington weather in December
December brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 10 wet days.
Seasons in Wilmington
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Wilmington brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 56°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Wilmington runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (30°C) and nights around 73°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 53 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 is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (23°C) and nights around 60°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Wilmington is mild, with daytime highs averaging 59°F (15°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season.
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 February 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 69°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; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 75°F (24°C).
Wilmington temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.