Climate and monthly weather forecast
Durham, NC

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The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina
The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina

The climate of Durham

Durham, North Carolina, USA, finds itself set in the humid subtropical climate zone(Cfa) as per the Köppen climate classification. This indicates that the city experiences no dry seasons and a predominance of the humid subtropical climate year-round. The geographical positioning straddles subtropical and temperate zones, leading to varied and dynamic weather patterns.

Across all months, the temperature ranges from a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C) in the colder months to a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) during the hottest month. Humidity hovers around 72% to 77%, providing an indication of the consistent moisture content in the air. Rainfall in Durham sees a trend from a low of 1.89" (48mm) to a high of 3.19" (81mm) varying across the months. Snowfall, a rare occurrence, is seen only from January and February and again in December, with the heaviest amount measuring at 1.93" (49mm). Interestingly, Durham registers an average of 10 maximum hours of daylight while sunshine duration varies considerably ranging from around 5 hours to 10.6 hours in a day. The cloud cover in Durham is substantially moderate, and it fluctuates between 32% to 44%. Atmospheric pressure holds steady around 30.14in while wind speed measures from a light 4.8mph (7.7km/h) to a moderately breezy 7.4mph (11.9km/h).

Unique weather patterns are observed in the average number of sunny days, peaking around 20.8 days in the late months. November experiences the lowest rainfall, making it the driest month. July, the hottest month, witnesses the peak of summer with maximum temperatures hitting 90.3°F (32.4°C).

The best time to visit Durham

Based on weather considerations, the period from April to June is ideally the best time to visit Durham. During this span, the temperatures are typically between a comfortable 50.7°F (10.4°C) to a warm 86.5°F (30.3°C), creating the perfect environment for outdoor activities. Moreover, the average sunshine duration per day is a plentiful 9.2 to 10.5 hours allowing one to make the most of the day. The presence of moderate humidity and minimal rainfall further enhance the city's appeal for visitors during this period.

The worst time to visit Durham

In contrast, the months between December and February can prove to be challenging for visitors primarily due to the lowest temperatures averaging from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C). These months also witness the highest snowfall, with January experiencing up to 1.93" (49mm). While the amount of snowfall may be attractive to some, the cold temperature, combined with the shortest days of about 9.8 to 10.9 hours of daylight, might make it an unsuitable time for travel for many.

Spring weather in Durham

Marked by bearable temperatures and an escape from severe winter conditions, spring in Durham ranges from a temperature low of 41.2°F (5.1°C) in March to a peak of 70.5°F (21.4°C) by the end of May. Rainfall is relatively consistent, revolving around 2.2" (56mm) to 3.11" (79mm), providing sufficient hydration for plant life to flourish. The average duration of daylight elongates from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May end. The overall spring weather offers a pleasant blend of mild temperatures, permeating sunshine, and moderate rainfall.

Summer weather in Durham

Summer in Durham is characterised by high temperatures, consistent daylight, and heightened humidity. From June to August, the lowest recorded temperature is 66.4°F (19.1°C) while the peak temperature soars up to 90.3°F (32.4°C). The associated high humidity of around 72% to 73% enforces a tangible heaviness in the air. Daylight is visibly ample in these months, reaching up to 14.6 hours in June. Rainfall sees a marginal increase to 2.8" (71mm) to 3.19" (81mm) making the layout of the summer landscape lush and invigorating.

Autumn weather in Durham

Autumn in Durham begins a transition from the intense summer heat towards the approaching cooler winter months. Temperatures drop gradually from 82°F (27.8°C) to a more moderate 58.8°F (14.9°C). Days begin to shorten, with daylight hours decreasing from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours by November. Rainfall also ebbs to a lower range from 2.17" (55mm) to 1.89" (48mm). Autumn in Durham is rich with color as the foliage turns vivid shades, a sight to behold against the backdrop of cool, clear skies.

Winter weather in Durham

Winter marks the coldest period in Durham with temperatures plummetting to a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C) and increasing marginally to 51.8°F (11°C) by the end of February. Snowfall occurs only in the months of January and February, with the heaviest of it being a scanty 1.93" (49mm). With the shortest days of the year, the maximum daylight is confined to 10 hours. Rainfall in winter manifests in varied amounts from 2.09" (53mm) to 2.56" (65mm). Despite the inevitable cold, wintry Durham can be quite charming with its dusting of snow and crisp air.

Weather in January

The new year brings chilly weather in Durham, North Carolina, varying from a high of 47.7°F (8.7°C) and a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C). The region's climate is often overcast, with a cloud-covered sky approximately 41% of the time, resulting in roughly six sunlight hours daily and 19.4 sunny days in January. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Durham is slightly warmer than January, yet still remains on the cooler side. The temperature slightly escalates, the average rainfall inches is equivalent to January's, and snowfall is reduced to about 1.54" (39mm). Weather in February »

Weather in March

As spring sets in, weather takes a bit of a turn in Durham, with March experiencing less snowfall than the preceding months. Rainfall increases slightly from the previous months at 2.32" (59mm), and the relative humidity remains relatively stable, comparable to January and February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April Cincinnati receives 2.2" (56mm) of rainfall, comparatively less than March, dropping the number of rainy days. Alongside an increase in sunlight hours and daylight duration, this indicates the arrival of a more pleasant climate, shifting away from the frequent showers common in the preceding months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The pleasant climate continues into May with increased temperature ranges. Contrary to April, rainfall significantly rises to 3.11" (79mm), making it the month with the most rainfall until now in the year. Despite the elevated humidity, longer periods of daylight coupled with the highest number of sunshine hours yet noticed this year creates an inviting environment for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

As summer officially arrives, June sees a considerable shift in climate in Durham. Rainfall lessens marginally compared to May, dropping to 2.8" (71mm), but the temperature rises markedly, entering summer territory. Extended sunshine days, longer daylight hours, and a reduction in winds contribute to a warm climate, ideal for summertime activities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, commonly perceived as the peak of summer, boasts the highest temperatures of the year, marked by a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) and a low of 70.2°F (21.2°C). This is complemented by longer sunshine hours, reaching its maximum at 10.6 hours on average per day, and a slightly reduced cloud% from the preceding month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Durham experiences somewhat of a meteorological plateau in August, as temperatures, though still high, start to decline slightly from July's peak. The weather is stabilized by the average 3.19" (81mm) of rainfall, an increase from the previous month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September acts as a transition month, setting the stage for autumn. While temperatures begin to decline, they remain moderately high, lending an optimum balance to the weather. The rainfall decreases to 2.17" (55mm), pulling back from August's peak. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October introduces autumn in its full glory, with notable reductions in temperature, making the weather more cool and comfortable. Rainfall also decreases, with the city receiving an average of 1.89" (48mm), the lowest until now in the second half of the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Significant changes in weather are witnessed in November, as the final month of fall. The advent of colder temperatures, dip in average rainfall to 2.56" (65mm), and an overall decrease in humidity present a stark shift from the warmer, wetter seasons of summer and fall. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As winter takes hold in December, the weather in Durham, North Carolina, becomes markedly colder, with temperatures dropping to a high of 51.8°F (11°C) and a low of 37°F (2.8°C). This month witnesses snowfall of 0.51" (13mm), the first significant snowfall since February, indicating the start of the winter season. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest in Durham?

January is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 47.7°F (8.7°C) and as low as 32.2°F (0.1°C).

How many days does it rain in Durham?

In Durham, North Carolina, during the entire year, the rain falls for 150.7 days and collects up to 29.41" (747mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Durham?

Months with snowfall in Durham are January through March and December.

What is the snowiest month in Durham?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Durham. Snow falls for 1.5 days and accumulates 1.93" (49mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Durham?

Throughout the year, there are 5.2 snowfall days, and 4.41" (112mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Durham?

The months with the lowest UV index in Durham, North Carolina, are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Durham?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Durham, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow in Durham?

In Durham, snow does not fall in April through November.

When is the highest UV index in Durham?

The months with the highest UV index in Durham are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When are the longest days in Durham?

The month with the longest days in Durham is June, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.

What month is the hottest in Durham?

July, recognised by an average high temperature of 90.3°F (32.4°C) and a low of 70.2°F (21.2°C), is Durham's warmest month.

What is the least humid month in Durham?

With an average relative humidity of 71%, July is the least humid month in Durham.

What month has the most sunshine in Durham?

With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Durham, North Carolina.

What is the rainiest month in Durham?

The month with the most rainfall in Durham, North Carolina, is August, when the rain falls for 16.1 days and typically aggregates up to 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.

What is the driest month in Durham?

The month with the least rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 8.9 days and typically collects 1.89" (48mm) of precipitation.

What is the most humid month in Durham?

The most humid month in Durham, North Carolina, is December, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

What is the month with the shortest days in Durham?

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Durham, North Carolina.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Durham?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Durham, NC

Average temperature - Durham, NC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (90.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (47.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.2°F).

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Average pressure
Durham, NC

Average pressure - Durham, NC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Durham, NC

Average wind speed - Durham, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.8mph).

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Average rainfall
Durham, NC

Average rainfall - Durham, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.89").

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Average rainfall days
Durham, NC

Average rainfall days - Durham, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.7 days).

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Average snowfall
Durham, NC

Average snowfall - Durham, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.93").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

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Average snowfall days
Durham, NC

Average snowfall days - Durham, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Durham, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Durham, NC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

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Average sunshine days
Durham, NC

Average sunshine days - Durham, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.9 days).

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Average UV index
Durham, NC

Average UV index - Durham, NC

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

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Average visibility
Durham, NC

Average visibility - Durham, NC

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

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Durham, North Carolina, USA

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