Durham, NC Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Durham get?

Durham gets 46.1 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 118 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 76% of the US.

September is the wettest month, with 5.2 in. February is the driest, with 2.8 in. July has the most rainy days, about 12.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 23 days, to June 17, 2026.

See where Durham ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in North Carolina.

Does it snow in Durham?

Yes. Durham gets about 5.2 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.

The snowiest winter on record is 1999–00, with 25.8 in.

The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on February 1, 2026.

See where Durham ranks: snowiest cities in the US.

Durham weather by month

Durham weather in January

In January, Durham averages a high of 52°F and a low of 32°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The January record high is 80°F (2002) and the record low is -9°F (1985).

Durham weather in February

In February, Durham averages a high of 56°F and a low of 34°F. It gets 2.8 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 41% of daylight hours. The February record high is 85°F (2023) and the record low is 0°F (1996).

Durham weather in March

In March, Durham averages a high of 63°F and a low of 40°F. It gets 4.1 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 41% of daylight hours. The March record high is 90°F (1990) and the record low is 11°F (1980). March is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Durham weather in April

In April, Durham averages a high of 73°F and a low of 49°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 54% of daylight hours. The April record high is 95°F (1980) and the record low is 23°F (1972). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Durham weather in May

In May, Durham averages a high of 80°F and a low of 57°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The May record high is 97°F (2026) and the record low is 31°F (1977). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Durham weather in June

In June, Durham averages a high of 87°F and a low of 66°F. It gets 3.9 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 41% of daylight hours. The June record high is 105°F (2012) and the record low is 38°F (1977).

Durham weather in July

In July, Durham averages a high of 90°F and a low of 70°F. It gets 5.0 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The July record high is 106°F (2024) and the record low is 48°F (1975).

Durham weather in August

In August, Durham averages a high of 88°F and a low of 69°F. It gets 4.7 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 44% of daylight hours. The August record high is 105°F (1988) and the record low is 49°F (1986).

Durham weather in September

In September, Durham averages a high of 82°F and a low of 62°F. It gets 5.2 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 47% of daylight hours. The September record high is 102°F (2023) and the record low is 37°F (1983).

Durham weather in October

In October, Durham averages a high of 73°F and a low of 50°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 58% of daylight hours. The October record high is 100°F (2019) and the record low is 25°F (1976). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Durham weather in November

In November, Durham averages a high of 63°F and a low of 40°F. It gets 3.3 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 55% of daylight hours. The November record high is 86°F (2004) and the record low is 11°F (1970). November is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Durham weather in December

In December, Durham averages a high of 55°F and a low of 34°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 48% of daylight hours. The December record high is 84°F (2024) and the record low is 4°F (1983).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Durham

October is the sunniest month in Durham, with sunshine about 58% of daylight hours. May is the cloudiest, at 38%. Over the year the sun shines about 46% of daylight hours. Durham is cloudier than 51% of the US.

Humidity peaks in July at 74% and is lowest in April at 56%.

Wind averages 6 mph over the year, and April is the windiest month at 8 mph.

Durham has about 48 days a year above 90°F. Durham is hotter than 67% of the US.

Thunderstorms occur on about 43 days a year.

See where Durham ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.

First and last freeze in Durham

The first fall freeze in Durham typically comes around November 2, and the last spring freeze around April 8. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 208 days.

Durham weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Durham station is 106°F, on July 5, 2024. The coldest is -9°F, on January 21, 1985.

The wettest day on record brought 6.5 in of rain, on October 8, 2016.

37 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.8°F per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Durham

The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to May and October to November, when daytime highs sit near 70°F.

Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 54°F and lows near 33°F. Snow is possible.

Spring (March–May) is warm, with average highs around 72°F and lows near 49°F.

Summer (June–August) is hot, with average highs around 89°F and lows near 68°F. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is warm, with average highs around 73°F and lows near 51°F.

Durham climate questions

How much rain does Durham get?

Durham gets 46.1 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 118 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Durham?

September is the wettest month in Durham, with 5.2 in. February is the driest, with 2.8 in.

How many rainy days does Durham have a year?

Durham has about 118 days with measurable rain in an average year. July has the most, about 12.

Does it snow in Durham?

Yes. Durham gets about 5.2 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 1999–00, with 25.8 in.

What is the hottest month in Durham?

July is the warmest month in Durham, with an average high of 90°F.

What is the coldest month in Durham?

January is the coldest month in Durham, with an average low of 32°F.

What is the record high temperature in Durham?

The record high at the Durham station is 106°F, set on July 5, 2024. The record low is -9°F, on January 21, 1985.

What is the sunniest month in Durham?

October is the sunniest month in Durham, with sunshine about 58% of daylight hours. May is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Durham?

The first fall freeze in Durham typically comes around November 2. The last spring freeze is around April 8.

What is the best time to visit Durham?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to May and October to November, when daytime highs sit near 70°F.