Raleigh Climate and Weather Averages

Are you looking into moving to Raleigh and want to know the climate and weather averages here? Here is what you should know about the weather in Raleigh, NC. 

Ranked as the number one city with the best quality of life in the United States and the second-best in the world, Raleigh is an excellent place to relocate to for many reasons.

As this area rapidly expands, more job opportunities, restaurants, schools, and prime real estate are emerging in and around these localities. Whether you are moving to find your dream home, for an excellent education, or for a job, this city has something to offer everyone.

Considered a wonderful place to retire, many retirement communities are located here and offer various options for seniors looking for independent or assisted living. 

If you're planning to move to a new place, it's essential to consider whether it's the right fit for you. Many people make their decisions based on the weather conditions of the place they're thinking.

Raleigh experiences a variety of temperatures and weather patterns throughout the year, ranging from summer to fall and spring to winter. Additionally, the actual weather conditions can vary depending on the weather patterns. North Carolina is known for having diverse weather conditions overall.

So, if you're thinking about moving to Raleigh, it's crucial to understand its climate and temperature to decide whether it's the best option for you. Keep reading to learn more about Raleigh's weather.

Here is what you should know about the weather in Raleigh, NC.

1. Raleigh Climate

In Raleigh, the climate is characterized by hot and humid summers, cold winters, and a generally wet and partly cloudy environment throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 33 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with rare occurrences of temperatures below the 20s or above 95 degrees.

Despite these extremes, Raleigh is often considered one of the best places to live, work, and visit due to its mild climate that experiences all four seasons. This humid subtropical climate offers plenty of sunny days as well as many rainy and cloudy days.

Raleigh is currently facing high risks of heat and precipitation. While the risk of wildfire is low, approximately 99% of buildings are at risk. However, around 8% of buildings are at high risk of flooding.

In Raleigh, people usually encounter around seven days a year with temperatures exceeding 94.9 degrees Fahrenheit. However, due to climate change, it is expected that the heat in Raleigh will rise within the next 30 years. Additionally, the proportion of rainfall during the biggest downpours in Raleigh is also likely to increase.

2. Raleigh Weather Averages

The hot season lasts for about 3.6 months, from May to September, with an average daily high temperature above 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month of the year in Raleigh is July, with an average high of 89 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 70 degrees. Learn how to lower your summer electric bill in this article. 

The cooler seasons in Raleigh last for about three months, from November to February, with an average daily high temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month of the year here is January, with average lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. 

Raleigh is known for experiencing a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns throughout the year, from summer to fall and spring to winter. At the same time, the actual weather conditions can vary depending on weather patterns; North Carolina as a whole is known for having diverse weather conditions.

Here are Raleigh's overall weather averages according to US Climate Data. 

Annual High Temperatures - Summer	90 Degrees Fahrenheit
Low Yearly Temperatures - Winter	30 Degrees Fahrenheit
Average Annual Rainfall	46 inches
Average Annual Snowfall	4 inches
Average Sunny Days	213 days per year

3. Spring in Raleigh

Raleigh experiences very pleasant spring weather, with average temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s. The weather can vary widely from March to May, with frequent rain and cold air outbreaks, as well as hot periods with summer-like temperatures. 

Springtime in Raleigh offers a good balance of chill and warmth. In March, temperatures start to rise gradually with many mild and cooler days, while in April, more warmth arrives, with highs reaching about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, many spring showers will contribute to the greenery and blooming flowers. 

Overall, spring in Raleigh is characterized by mild temperatures, occasional rain showers, and blossoming flowers and greenery, making it an enjoyable season for outdoor activities.

4. Summer in Raleigh

In the summer, the average temperatures will range from the mid-80s to mid-90s, often with very high humidity. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and staying hydrated are highly economized during this time of year here. The wettest months of the year are July, August, and September. 

It is quite hot and muddy from June to August, with an often unpleasant combination of temperatures and humidity. The sun does shine quite often, while some cloud coverings happen, and many thunderstorms occur throughout. 

Occasionally, between late summer and early fall, Raleigh can be affected by hurricanes or their remnants. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but the likelihood of occurrence is highest from August to October. Raleigh is far enough away from the coast to not be hit by the hurricane's peak, but it may still be impacted by the remnants of hurricanes hitting the beach.

5. Fall in Raleigh

Fall in Raleigh is a beautiful time of year, with high temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s and low temperatures reaching the 40s in the mornings and evenings. You can experience a pleasant mix of summer heat and cooler temperatures during this time.

Usually spanning from September to November, the temperature highs can start off in the 70s or even 80s and then gradually drop down to the 50s and 60s by the end of the fall season. This period is also marked by the changing of the leaves, which creates picturesque landscapes throughout the Triangle area.

Fall in Raleigh is characterized by mild temperatures, low humidity, and stunning landscapes with the changing fall leaves. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities since it is not too hot and not too cold yet.

6. Winter in Raleigh 

Winter weather in Raleigh can be unpredictable. The average temperature during the day usually hovers in the low 50s but can drop way below, particularly at night, to the low 30s. Since winter has fewer daylight hours, expect cold nights and mornings. It is quite cold in Raleigh from December to February with some mild periods throughout. 

Snowfall is not a frequent occurrence in Raleigh, but there may be a few flurries per year. Occasionally, the region might see an inch or two of snow on the ground, but it doesn't last long. The amount of snowfall in Raleigh varies widely from year to year; some years see very little to no snow, while others see several inches.

Overall, winters in Raleigh are characterized by cooler temperatures and occasional wintry weather. Although snowfall is not very common here, you can expect inclement weather but milder conditions compared to colder climates in the North.

7. Types of Weather Conditions in Raleigh

Precipitation

In Raleigh, the amount of rainfall that occurs on a wet day varies throughout the year. The wet season typically lasts for about 3.6 months, from May to August, with a greater than 33% chance of a wet day. July tends to be the month with the most rainy days in Raleigh.

On the other hand, the dry season in Raleigh lasts about 8.4 months, typically from July to May. November tends to be the month with the driest days in Raleigh, with an average of only six days of precipitation.

Rainfall

Raleigh experinces some seasonal variation of monthly rainfall a year. Rain falls throughout the year here, with the most rain typically occurring in August, with an average rainfall of about 4.1 inches. The month with the least rain in Raleigh generally is November, with an average rainfall of 2.7 inches. 

Snowfall

Snowfall in Raleigh varies, just like rain. The snowy season typically lasts for three months, starting in December and ending in March, with an average snowfall of one inch. February is the snowiest month in Raleigh, with an average snowfall of 2.7 inches. The snowless season lasts for around nine months, starting in March and ending in December, with July being the month with the least snowfall.

Sun

The length of daylight varies throughout the year. In 2024, the shortest day will occur on December 21st and will have just 9 hours and 44 minutes of daylight. On the other hand, the longest day will occur on June 20th and will have 14 hours and 35 minutes of daylight. 

Furthermore, the earliest sunrise will be at 5:57 AM on June 12th, while the latest sunrise will be 1 hour and 40 minutes later at 7:38 AM on November 2nd. The earliest sunset will be at 5:00 PM on December 5th, with the latest sunset occurring at 8:34 PM on June 28th. 

Lastly, daylight saving time in Raleigh for 2024 will begin on March 10th in the spring and last about 7.8 months, ending on November 3rd.

Humidity

Raleigh, North Carolina, experiences extreme seasonal variation in humidity. The muggiest period of the year lasts for about 4.5 months, from May to October. During this time, the comfort level is muggy, oppressive, and miserable about 20% of the time.

The month with the most muggy days is July, with an average of 24.5 days. In contrast, February has the fewest muggy days, with an average of zero. Unfortunately, since Raleigh has a subtropical climate, humidity is expected throughout the year, making it a persistent problem for the inhabitants.

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide about the climate and weather averages in Raleigh. There were various data to use, so we put them together to help you understand the weather in Raleigh. 

• US Climate Data
• Climates to Travel
• Weather Spark
• Visit Raleigh Weather
• Raleigh - Wake Climate

Above are a few sources we used to gather most of our information about climate and weather averages in Raleigh. 

FAQS

Does Raleigh get all four seasons?

Raleigh, the heart of the state, offers a temperature climate with four distinct seasons. Raleigh experiences generally moderate temperatures during spring and fall, with a range of mid-60s and 80s. 

Is Raleigh very humid?

For the whole year, the average relative humidity for Raleigh is about 85% in the morning, and on average, the humidity is about 54%, meaning the overall annual moisture is about 71% here. 

What is the weather like in Raleigh throughout the year?

On average, July is the hottest month in Raleigh, with average high temperatures in the 90s, while January is the coolest month, with average high temperatures in the 50s. 

Raleigh Climate and Weather Averages - The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a place that experiences all four seasons, then Raleigh might be the perfect place for you. With high temperatures and mildly lower temperatures, along with rare occurrences of severe weather, Raleigh boasts a climate that makes it comfortable to live in.

Raleigh experiences a hot and humid climate during summers, cold in winters, and partly cloudy with a wet climate throughout the year. The temperature in Raleigh ranges from 33 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with only a few instances of temperatures below 20 degrees or above 95 degrees.

The hot season in Raleigh lasts for approximately 3.6 months, from May to September, with an average daily high temperature above 81 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month in Raleigh, with an average high of 89 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 70 degrees.

On the other hand, the cooler seasons in Raleigh last for about three months, from November to February, with an average daily high temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month of the year, with average lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.