Climate ▸Forecast ▸December ▸January ▸
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Cape Hatteras (NC) Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide

Cape Hatteras experiences great temperature shifts. The city's weather can transition from warm days to cold weather. It also has a relatively rainy climate with high levels of precipitation. Now, let’s explore all the climate details to give you a full picture.

Average maximum day and minimum night temperature

The climate in Cape Hatteras is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 30°C in August to a chilly 12°C in February.

Nighttime temperatures can drop, with average lows reaching 4°C in February. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Precipitation and rainy days

Cape Hatteras has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1542 mm of rainfall per year. The seasons in Cape Hatteras, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, September, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 224 mm of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, May, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 87 mm over 10 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Cape Hatteras Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

In Cape Hatteras, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 9.5 hours in July. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 4.7 hours per average day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Average water temperature

The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 16°C in January to 28°C in August.

Water temperature over the year

Forecast for Cape Hatteras (NC)

Mon   Dec 23
9°C | 3°C
N 7 m/s
broken clouds and no rain

broken clouds and no rain

Tue   Dec 24
11°C | 8°C
N 7 m/s
3.5 mm
overcast and rain

overcast and rain

Wed   Dec 25
11°C | 7°C
N 11 m/s
almost clear and no rain

almost clear and no rain

The best time of year to visit Cape Hatteras in the United States of America

During the months of May and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • When is summer in Cape Hatteras?
    The hottest season / summer takes place in June, July, August and September.
  • Which months have the greatest rainfall in Cape Hatteras?
    Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in August, September and October.
  • Which is the warmest month in Cape Hatteras?
    August has an average maximum temperature of 30°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Cape Hatteras?
    The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 12°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Cape Hatteras?
    September tops the wettest month list with 224 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Cape Hatteras?
    May is the driest month with 87 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Cape Hatteras?
    July is the sunniest month with an average of 285 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.