Weather in Raleigh

Find out what weather awaits you in Raleigh right now. Below are the latest meteorological data, forecasts for the coming days, and useful charts for planning your journey.

The climate in Raleigh can be characterised as humid subtropical, guaranteeing tourists a distinct division of the year into four seasons. In general, the weather here is moderate: winters are quite mild and short, whilst summers are long and hot. Thanks to the absence of extreme temperature fluctuations, the city remains an attractive travel destination at almost any time of the year.

The summer months bring real heat and high humidity. The average temperature in July and August is around 26–27°C, with daytime highs often exceeding 30°C. It is worth noting that summer is also the time of the most frequent rainfall: the number of rainy days during this period can reach 15–16 per month. Winter, by contrast, is calm, with average temperatures ranging from 6°C to 9°C, and severe cold spells occur rarely.

Spring and autumn in Raleigh are considered the most comfortable periods for a visit. In spring, the air warms up quickly, reaching a pleasant 21°C by May. Autumn arrives gradually: September retains summer warmth (about 23°C), which slowly gives way to October freshness. Notably, autumn, especially October and November, is characterised by fewer rainy days compared to summer, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing.

The climate in Raleigh is distinguished by pronounced seasonality, offering travellers a variety of temperature regimes throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January with an average temperature of about 6.7°C, whilst the peak of summer heat falls in July, when average figures reach 27.1°C. The annual temperature chart changes smoothly, ensuring a mild winter and a truly hot summer.

The summer season, lasting from June to August, is characterised by high temperatures. During the day, the air often warms up to 30–31°C, whilst nights remain warm and comfortable, rarely cooling below 20°C. Winter in this region of the US is quite mild: even in the coldest months, such as January and December, daytime highs often hover in the range of 11–12°C. Night-time temperatures in winter drop on average to 2–4°C, but extreme frosts happen infrequently.

It is also worth noting the noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures observed all year round. For example, in the comfortable transition months—April and October—the difference can be around 10 degrees: during the day the air warms up to a pleasant 22–23°C, and by night it cools down to 11–13°C. This makes spring and autumn the ideal time for those who prefer moderate warmth without exhausting heat.

Precipitation in Raleigh is distributed quite unevenly throughout the year, with a noticeable increase in the frequency of rain during the summer period. A total dry season is not characteristic of this region's climate, so travellers should be prepared for changeable weather at any time of the year. The nature of precipitation varies from short summer downpours to more prolonged rains in the cooler months.

The wettest period is summer, especially the end of the season. The peak frequency of precipitation falls in August and July, when 15 to 16 rainy days per month are recorded. Combined with high temperatures (averaging around 27°C), this often leads to sultry weather and thunderstorms. June is also quite rainy, counting about 12 days with precipitation.

The most favourable time for those who prefer dry weather is the middle of autumn. October and November are statistically considered the driest months of the year: the number of inclement days drops to 8. This makes autumn an excellent time for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing.

In winter, from December to February, precipitation falls with moderate frequency—approximately 9–11 days per month. Since the average temperature in January stays above freezing (about 6.7°C), this is most often rain. However, with the intrusion of cold air masses, wet snow or freezing rain is possible, although heavy snowfalls are not a regular occurrence for Raleigh.

When heading to Raleigh in summer, be prepared for hot and humid weather: in July and August, the daytime temperature often exceeds 30°C. During this period, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, as well as reliable sun protection—a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream. Since the number of rainy days increases in summer (up to 15–16 days per month), be sure to pack a compact umbrella or a light raincoat so that a sudden downpour does not catch you off guard.

Winter months in the city are fairly mild but require warm clothing: the average temperature hovers around 6–9°C, sometimes dropping to 2°C at night. For a trip in December or January, it is worth taking a medium-weight jacket, a scarf, and a couple of cosy sweaters. Spring and autumn delight with comfortable warmth, however, the weather can be changeable. At this time of year, the principle of layering works perfectly: a t-shirt, cardigan, and windbreaker will allow you to easily adapt to a cool morning and a sunny afternoon.

Regardless of the season, Raleigh is a city that is pleasant to explore on foot, so comfortable, broken-in flat shoes will become your main companion. Given that even in relatively dry months there are 8 to 10 days with precipitation here, it is worth preferring waterproof footwear or having a spare pair. We also recommend taking a small backpack for water and small items to make your walks through parks and museums as comfortable as possible.