Raleigh (NC) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Raleigh.
Climate overview of Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with July peaking at 32°C (90°F) and January dropping to 11°C (52°F).
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1175 mm (46 in) per year. September is the wettest month and February the driest. The sunniest month is June, with 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Raleigh Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Raleigh — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Raleigh
Visitors to Raleigh can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 32°C (90°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 11°C (52°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in July to around -1°C (30°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Raleigh
Raleigh is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1175 mm (46 in). While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. September brings wetter days averaging 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation, spread over 9 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month February experiences a drier climate, with about 70 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall spread across 9 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Raleigh Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Raleigh
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Raleigh. While June receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 8.9 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 5.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Raleigh by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Raleigh.
The city experiences its highest humidity in August, reaching 78%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 61%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Raleigh
The weather does bring rainfall during this period, between 75 mm (3 in) and 136 mm (5.4 in). Seeking the perfect travel destination for this year? We've created a tool that suggests locations matching your desired weather. Let our weather planner guide your travel decisions.
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Raleigh
What is the best time to visit Raleigh?
April and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Raleigh. In contrast, January, February, June, July and December tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in Raleigh?
Daytime highs range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -1°C (30°F) to 21°C (70°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Raleigh get?
Annual rainfall is around 1175 mm (46 in). September is the wettest month with 136 mm (5.4 in), while February is the driest with 70 mm (2.8 in).
How sunny is Raleigh?
Raleigh receives around 2,600 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 267 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 157 hours. Overall, Raleigh enjoys abundant sunshine.
Raleigh 3-Day Forecast
Raleigh (NC) 3-Day Forecast
Raleigh on the map
Raleigh is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
The 10 most alternative cities in the United States
Discover the top 10 fun and alternative U.S. cities rich in art, culture, and adventure. From Portland's hippy charm to Sedona's stunning landscapes.
Sedona: Explore Majestic Red Rock Landscapes
A picturesque artists' town surrounded by red rocks and known for its spirituality, vortex energy, and stunning hikes like Cathedral Rock.
10 most idyllic villages to visit in the United States
Discover 10 idyllic villages in the USA, from California to Vermont. Explore their unique charm, rich history, stunning nature, and vibrant arts scenes.