Climate and monthly weather forecast
Oak Island, NC

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The climate of Oak Island

Oak Island, located in North Carolina, USA, is categorized as having a Humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification, bearing the code Cfa. This classification is attributed to locations that generally experience no dry season but rather humid conditions, fairly hot summers and mild to cool winters.

Reviewing the weather parameters throughout a year, Oak Island exhibits temperatures that range from a low of 43.7°F (6.5°C) in January to a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in July and August. Patterns of fluctuating temperatures translate to for a consistent seasonal progression. The relative humidity stays fairly uniform all year, with averages resting between 74% and 78%. Sea temperature also shifts with the season, dipping to a cool 56.1°F (13.4°C) in February and climbing to a warm 82.7°F (28.2°C) in August.

Precipitation is another key component of Oak Island's climate. The town sees the most significant rainfall from August through September, with monthly totals hitting 3.7" (94mm) and 3.27" (83mm) respectively. Additionally, these months also register the highest number of days with rainfall at 19.1 and 15.5 days. Interestingly, despite this rainfall, there is no recorded snowfall.

The best time to visit Oak Island

While the best time to visit Oak Island ultimately depends on the preferences of the traveler, a look at the climate data offers some guidelines. The months of May through October offer the warmest temperatures, with averages ranging from 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Furthermore, these months also exhibit the highest sea temperatures, averaging between 70.3°F (21.3°C) to 82.7°F (28.2°C), perfect for activities like swimming.

It should be noted however, that these warmer months also see the most rainfall, the most significant of which occurs in August and September. Nevertheless, with an average of 10.2 to 14.4 hours of daylight, there is ample opportunity for sun-soaked activities even on days with showers.

The worst time to visit Oak Island

Based on the climate parameters, the least desirable time to visit Oak Island might be during the coldest months of the year, specifically January and February. During these months, average low temperatures drop to 43.7°F (6.5°C) and 46°F (7.8°C) respectively. Sea temperatures also fall to 59.4°F (15.2°C) and 56.1°F (13.4°C), making beach activities less appealing.

Those interested in sunshine might also want to avoid the winter months. Although the percentage of cloud cover remains relatively consistent all year, winter months offer the shortest daylight hours, between 9.9 to 11 hours, when compared to other seasons.

Spring weather in Oak Island

Spring in Oak Island is characterized by moderate temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Temperatures range from 43.7°F (6.5°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C) in the months from March to May. Coinciding with the rise in temperatures, average rainfall also increases from 1.38" (35mm) in March to 2.28" (58mm) in May. The number of hours of daylight gradually increases through the spring months from 12 hours in March to 13.1 hours in April and 13.9 hours in May.

Summer weather in Oak Island

Summer on Oak Island brings the highest temperatures of the year, ranging from 76.8°F (24.9°C) in May to 85.6°F (29.8°C) in July and August. The sea temperatures also rise significantly during the summer months, making it an ideal time for water-based activities. The rainfall during these months is also the highest of the year, reaching 2.28" (58mm) in July and peaking at 3.7" (94mm) in August. Despite the increase in rainfall, summer provides the longest daylight hours, from 14.4 hours in June to 13.4 hours in August.

Autumn weather in Oak Island

Autumn in Oak Island sees a gradual decrease in temperatures, with averages dropping from 81.9°F (27.7°C) in September to 59.4°F (15.2°C) in December. The sea temperatures also decrease through the fall months, transitioning from 80.3°F (26.8°C) in September to 61.6°F (16.4°C) in December. Rainfall decreases after the summer high, from 3.27" (83mm) in September to 2.28" (58mm) in December. The daylight hours begin to decrease in the fall months but the hours of sunshine remains relatively consistent, ranging from 9.5 hours in September to 5.5 hours in December.

Winter weather in Oak Island

Winter in Oak Island brings the coldest temperatures and shortest daylight hours. Temperatures range from 59.4°F (15.2°C) in December to lows of 43.7°F (6.5°C) in January. Sea temperatures drop down to 61.6°F (16.4°C) in December and reach the lowest point of 56.1°F (13.4°C) in February. Despite cooler temperatures, rainfall decreases in winter, with averages falling to 1.57" (40mm) in November and 2.28" (58mm) in December. The daylight hours also decrease from 10.4 hours in November to 9.9 hours in December, while the hours of sunshine diminish to 5.8 hours and 5.5 hours respectively.

Weather in January

In January, Oak Island, North Carolina, witnesses the year's start with colder temperatures when compared to the months before and after. Coats are a necessity as occasional gusty winds reach speeds of 16.9mph (27.2km/h). Continual changes in weather can be expected within a day and across the month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February at Oak Island finds itself slightly warmer than January but cooler than the advancing month of March. The Flora and Fauna adjust to the moderate rains totaling up to 1.14" (29mm) leading to growth spurts as Spring starts to hint at its arrival. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Oak Island welcomes March with a noticeable escalation in temperature from the preceding February, setting the stage for the impending warmer months. The rainfall increases to 1.38" (35mm) sustaining the burgeoning springtime vegetation. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Spring is in full swing by April in Oak Island and the temperatures bear a notable rise compared to both the prior month of March and the following May. Rainfall measures up to 2.13" (54mm), making it the first of the months with significant rainfall, alluding to the imminent rainy season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Oak Island provides a glimpse into the upcoming months of summer with its growing warmth and a dwindling resemblance to the departing Spring. Rains rise to an unprecedented 2.28" (58mm), acting as a necessary counterpart to the temperature to maintain Oak Island's wholesome verdant allure. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June witnesses the hot summer days truly setting in at Oak Island, contrary to the dropping temperatures in the following month. There is significant decrease in wind speeds to 9.8mph (15.8km/h), allowing for more stable weather conditions. Weather in June »

Weather in July

As July steps in, Oak Island experiences the highest temperatures of the year ranging from 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Though temperatures slowly descend from this peak in the following months, the effect of direct sunlight on the human body remains the same due to consistency of the UV index at 7. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August, although marked by less soaring temperatures as compared to July, continues to inherit the intense summer heat. The month's rainfall amounts to 2.28" (58mm), making it less rainy than its predecessor, July, yet more rainfall prone than the ensuing September. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September, in Oak Island, reveals the respite from the gruelling summer with temperatures that dip lower than August and would continue to plummet in October. Despite the declining temperatures, the amount of sunshine reduces, precipitating a favorable climate for outdoor activities and exploration. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October at Oak Island experiences an appreciable decrease in temperature from September as the city gently strolls into the cooler autumn months. Unlike September and the advancing November, the monotonous cloud cover gives way to a more pleasant sky. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sends Oak Island into the throes of cold with temperatures falling consistently from those recorded in October and further from what December will record. The rainfall does decrease a little from 1.65" (42mm) in October to 1.57" (40mm) in November, but the main highlight is the relatively stable cloud cover that maintains the charm of the now cooler city. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December, the final month of the year at Oak Island, plunges further into the biting cold with temperatures continuing to drop from the warmth of November. Rainfall rises to 2.28" (58mm), a significant increase from the recorded 1.57" (40mm) in November. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Oak Island?

With average high and low temperatures of 55°F (12.8°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C) respectively, January is Oak Island's coldest month.

What is the least humid month in Oak Island?

The months with the lowest humidity are January, March, October and November, with an average relative humidity of 74%.

What is the driest month in Oak Island?

The month with the least rainfall in Oak Island, North Carolina, is January, when the rain falls for 9.8 days and typically collects 0.83" (21mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Oak Island?

Throughout the year, in Oak Island, there are 157.9 rainfall days, and 24.69" (627mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Oak Island?

January is the only month when snow falls.

When does it snow the most in Oak Island?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Oak Island, North Carolina. Snow falls for 0.3 days and accumulates 0.04" (1mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Oak Island?

Throughout the year, there are 0.5 snowfall days, and 0.04" (1mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index in Oak Island?

January is the month with the lowest UV index in Oak Island, North Carolina, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

When it does not snow in Oak Island?

In Oak Island, snow does not fall in February through December.

What month is the ocean coldest in Oak Island?

The month with the coldest seawater in Oak Island is March, with an average ocean temperature of 55.9°F (13.3°C).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Oak Island?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Oak Island, North Carolina, 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.

What is the most humid month in Oak Island?

With an average relative humidity of 78%, June is the most humid month in Oak Island, North Carolina.

When are the longest days in Oak Island?

With an average of 14h and 24min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What are the months with the most sunshine in Oak Island?

June and July, with an average of 10.8h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Oak Island.

When is the highest UV index in Oak Island?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Oak Island.

What are the warmest months in Oak Island?

The months of July and August see the peak of Oak Island's temperatures, averaging a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C).

What is the rainiest month in Oak Island?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 19.1 days and typically aggregates up to 3.7" (94mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the warmest ocean in Oak Island?

With an average ocean temperature of 82.8°F (28.2°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Oak Island, North Carolina.

What is the month with the shortest days in Oak Island?

The month with the shortest days in Oak Island, North Carolina, is December, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Oak Island?

With an average of 5.5h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Oak Island, NC

Average temperature - Oak Island, NC

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (85.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (55°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (77.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (43.7°F).

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Average pressure
Oak Island, NC

Average pressure - Oak Island, NC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.97"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Oak Island, NC

Average wind speed - Oak Island, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (11.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8.7mph).

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Average humidity
Oak Island, NC

Average humidity - Oak Island, NC

The month with the highest relative humidity is June (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, March, October and November (74%).

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Average rainfall
Oak Island, NC

Average rainfall - Oak Island, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.7").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.83").

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Average rainfall days
Oak Island, NC

Average rainfall days - Oak Island, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.4 days).

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Average snowfall
Oak Island, NC

Average snowfall - Oak Island, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.04").
The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

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Average snowfall days
Oak Island, NC

Average snowfall days - Oak Island, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Oak Island, NC

Average sea temperature - Oak Island, NC

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (82.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (56°F).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Oak Island, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Oak Island, NC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

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Average sunshine days
Oak Island, NC

Average sunshine days - Oak Island, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (7.8 days).

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Average visibility
Oak Island, NC

Average visibility - Oak Island, 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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Oak Island, North Carolina, USA

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