Raleigh, NC Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Raleigh has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Raleigh Climate Overview
Hot, humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms. Mild winters with occasional snow and ice.
Winter precipitation often a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. Hurricanes can bring heavy rain.
Raleigh Weather by Season
spring
Spring is gorgeous with azaleas and dogwoods blooming in March and April, highs climbing into the 70s°F, and pleasant outdoor weather. Occasional severe thunderstorms pop up.
summer
Summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Heat index values can push past 100°F during heat waves.
fall
Fall is Raleigh's best season — mild, sunny, dry, with beautiful foliage. October highs in the 70s°F are near-perfect.
winter
Winters are mild with highs in the low 50s°F and occasional cold snaps. Ice storms are more common than pure snowstorms.
Raleigh Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51° | 55° | 63° | 72° | 79° | 86° | 89° | 88° | 82° | 73° | 63° | 54° |
| Low °F | 31° | 33° | 40° | 47° | 57° | 65° | 69° | 68° | 62° | 50° | 41° | 33° |
Best Time to Visit Raleigh
Mid-September through early November for mild, dry, sunny weather and fall color. April-May is also beautiful with blooming trees.
Severe Weather Risks
- Hurricane remnants
- Ice storms
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Heat waves
Weather Facts About Raleigh
- >Raleigh sits in the Research Triangle, a mild-climate zone that draws transplants fleeing northern winters.
- >Winter precipitation is often a messy mix — rain, sleet, freezing rain, and occasional snow within the same storm.
- >Hurricane Florence (2018) dropped over 30 inches of rain on parts of the Raleigh area, causing catastrophic flooding.
Raleigh Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Raleigh?
October offers Raleigh's best weather — mild temperatures in the 70s°F, low humidity, sunshine, and fall color. April is a close second with blooming azaleas and dogwoods.
Does Raleigh get snow?
Rarely — about 5 inches per year on average, usually in one or two brief events. Ice storms are more common and more dangerous than pure snowstorms.
How humid are Raleigh summers?
Very humid. July and August dewpoints average in the low 70s°F, making heat index values climb past 100°F. Afternoon thunderstorms provide brief but welcome cooling.
Does Raleigh get hurricanes?
Yes. Atlantic hurricanes can track inland and affect Raleigh with heavy rain, flooding, and tropical-storm-force winds. Hurricane Florence (2018) dropped record rainfall on parts of the region.