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Raleigh, NC Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh, NC gets 49.4 in of precipitation a year over about 91 rainy days, and about 4.5 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 90°F) and January the coldest (average low 32°F).
Humid subtropical climate
Raleigh, NC has hot summers and chilly winters. Daytime highs range from about 51°F in January to 90°F in July. September is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 34° | 53° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 49° | 71° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 69° | 88° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 52° | 72° |
How much rain does Raleigh get?
Raleigh gets 49.4 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 91 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 53% of the US.
September is the wettest month, with 5.7 in. February is the driest, with 2.9 in. July has the most rainy days, about 9.
The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 26 days, to November 27, 2022.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Raleigh got 29.8 in of rain, against a normal of 49.4 in for those months. July 2026 had the most, with 9.9 in.
See where Raleigh ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in North Carolina.
Does it snow in Raleigh?
Yes. Raleigh gets about 4.5 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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 the station measured 3.6 in of snow, against a normal of 4.5 in for those months. January 2026 had the most, with 3.4 in.
See where Raleigh ranks: snowiest cities in the US.
Raleigh weather by month
Raleigh weather in January
In January, Raleigh averages a high of 51°F and a low of 32°F. It gets 3.6 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 46% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The January record high is 80°F (2002) and the record low is -6°F (1985).
Raleigh weather in February
In February, Raleigh averages a high of 55°F and a low of 34°F. It gets 2.9 in of precipitation over about 7 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 41% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The February record high is 85°F (2023) and the record low is 2°F (1996).
Raleigh weather in March
In March, Raleigh averages a high of 62°F and a low of 40°F. It gets 4.2 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 41% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The March record high is 88°F (1974) and the record low is 12°F (1980). March is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Raleigh weather in April
In April, Raleigh averages a high of 72°F and a low of 49°F. It gets 3.6 in of precipitation over about 7 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 54% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The April record high is 94°F (1976) and the record low is 24°F (1972). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Raleigh weather in May
In May, Raleigh averages a high of 80°F and a low of 58°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 38% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The May record high is 97°F (2026) and the record low is 36°F (1977). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Raleigh weather in June
In June, Raleigh averages a high of 87°F and a low of 66°F. It gets 4.9 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 40% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The June record high is 105°F (2012) and the record low is 43°F (1972).
Raleigh weather in July
In July, Raleigh averages a high of 90°F and a low of 70°F. It gets 4.7 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 38% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The July record high is 107°F (2011) and the record low is 54°F (1975).
Raleigh weather in August
In August, Raleigh averages a high of 88°F and a low of 69°F. It gets 4.7 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 43% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The August record high is 104°F (1988) and the record low is 49°F (1986).
Raleigh weather in September
In September, Raleigh averages a high of 82°F and a low of 63°F. It gets 5.7 in of precipitation over about 7 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 47% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The September record high is 100°F (1983) and the record low is 42°F (1983).
Raleigh weather in October
In October, Raleigh averages a high of 72°F and a low of 51°F. It gets 3.9 in of precipitation over about 6 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 58% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The October record high is 94°F (2019) and the record low is 28°F (1972). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Raleigh weather in November
In November, Raleigh averages a high of 62°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 6 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 55% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The November record high is 87°F (1974) and the record low is 13°F (1970).
Raleigh weather in December
In December, Raleigh averages a high of 54°F and a low of 35°F. It gets 3.7 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 48% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The December record high is 80°F (2007) and the record low is 4°F (1983).
Sunshine, humidity and wind in Raleigh
October is the sunniest month in Raleigh, with estimated sunshine of 58% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. May is the cloudiest, at 38%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 46% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. Raleigh is cloudier than 53% of the US.
Humidity peaks in August at 74% and is lowest in April at 55%.
Raleigh has about 45 days a year above 90°F. Raleigh is hotter than 65% of the US.
See where Raleigh ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.
First and last freeze in Raleigh
The first fall freeze in Raleigh typically comes around November 9, and the last spring freeze around March 29. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 225 days.
Raleigh weather records
These records cover RALEIGH STATE UNIV during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
The hottest temperature on record at the Raleigh station is 107°F, on July 29, 2011. The coldest is -6°F, on January 21, 1985.
The wettest day in the available station history brought 8.9 in of precipitation, on October 9, 2016.
32 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.
The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.6°F per decade since 1970.
The best time to visit Raleigh
The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.
Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 53°F and lows near 34°F. Snow is possible.
Spring (March–May) is warm, with average highs around 71°F and lows near 49°F.
Summer (June–August) is hot, with average highs around 88°F and lows near 69°F. It can feel humid.
Autumn (September–November) is warm, with average highs around 72°F and lows near 52°F.
Monthly climate
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 51° | 3.6 in | 8 | 65% | 46% | 80° | -6° |
| February | 34° | 55° | 2.9 in | 7 | 64% | 41% | 85° | 2° |
| March | 40° | 62° | 4.2 in | 8 | 58% | 41% | 88° | 12° |
| April | 49° | 72° | 3.6 in | 7 | 55% | 54% | 94° | 24° |
| May | 58° | 80° | 4.0 in | 8 | 62% | 38% | 97° | 36° |
| June | 66° | 87° | 4.9 in | 9 | 66% | 40% | 105° | 43° |
| July | 70° | 90° | 4.7 in | 9 | 73% | 38% | 107° | 54° |
| August | 69° | 88° | 4.7 in | 8 | 74% | 43% | 104° | 49° |
| September | 63° | 82° | 5.7 in | 7 | 74% | 47% | 100° | 42° |
| October | 51° | 72° | 3.9 in | 6 | 72% | 58% | 94° | 28° |
| November | 41° | 62° | 3.5 in | 6 | 65% | 55% | 87° | 13° |
| December | 35° | 54° | 3.7 in | 8 | 68% | 48% | 80° | 4° |
Station: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, 6 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1970–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.
Raleigh climate questions
How much rain does Raleigh get?
Raleigh gets 49.4 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 91 rainy days.
What is the wettest month in Raleigh?
September is the wettest month in Raleigh, with 5.7 in. February is the driest, with 2.9 in.
How many rainy days does Raleigh have a year?
Raleigh has about 91 days with measurable rain in an average year. July has the most, about 9.
Does it snow in Raleigh?
Yes. Raleigh gets about 4.5 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 Raleigh?
July is the warmest month in Raleigh, with an average high of 90°F.
What is the coldest month in Raleigh?
January is the coldest month in Raleigh, with an average low of 32°F.
What is the record high temperature in Raleigh?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, the record high at the Raleigh station is 107°F, set on July 29, 2011. The record low is -6°F, on January 21, 1985.
What is the sunniest month in Raleigh?
October is the sunniest month in Raleigh, with estimated sunshine of 58% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. May is the cloudiest.
When is the first frost in Raleigh?
The first fall freeze in Raleigh typically comes around November 9. The last spring freeze is around March 29.
What is the best time to visit Raleigh?
The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.