Climate and monthly weather forecastSanford, NC
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Sanford
Sanford, North Carolina, USA, falls primarily under the Cfa Köppen climate classification, indicative of a humid subtropical climate sans a dry season. Its geographical position, tucked comfortably in the interior of North Carolina, influences the climate significantly and lends it its generally moderate but humid conditions.Throughout the year, Sanford experiences a changeable weather pattern, with a wide swing between its coldest month, January, with average low temperatures of 32.5°F (0.3°C) and its hottest in July, with a corresponding high around 90.3°F (32.4°C). A relative humidity range of 72% to 77% across the year underscores the prevalent moisture-laden air, a characteristic feature of the humid subtropical climate.
Rainfall in Sanford is relatively steady throughout the year, with a gentle increase during summer reaching its peak in May at 3.23" (82mm). From a sunshine duration perspective, June presents the longest daylight of 14.5 hours and the highest average number of sunshine hours of around 10.5, as well as the highest UV Index of 7. Wind speeds in Sanford remain fairly consistent throughout the year, averaging around 5.8 to 7.3mph (11.7km/h), with the strongest gusts occurring in April at a speed of 11.8mph (19km/h).
Interestingly, though termed as the 'winter month', December has an average temperature of 52.7°F (11.5°C), nowhere near the freezing mark, and records a light snowfall of 0.55" (14mm), demonstrating Sanford's relatively mild winter conditions.
The best time to visit Sanford
The months from April to June present the best time to plan a visit to Sanford. During this period, the average high temperature hovers between 71.1°F (21.7°C) and 86.5°F (30.3°C), perfect for outdoor activities. These months also witness the longest average hours of daylight and sunshine, with the UV index gradually escalating from 5 in April to 7 in June.Furthermore, while the rainfall volume is slightly above the annual average during this period, the frequency of wet days does not significantly increase, still enabling maximum utilization of the extended daylight hours. The moderate wind speeds during this time further enhance the overall pleasant weather conditions, perfect for sightseeing and engaging in recreational activities.
The worst time to visit Sanford
On the contrary, mid-summer to early-autumn months of July through September are typically the least favorable for visitors. During this period, the average high temperatures persist above 82.6°F (28.1°C), peaking at 90.3°F (32.4°C) in July. Concurrently, with the average number of rainfall days also reaching its highest in July, the humidity increases, making the climate more uncomfortable.Moreover, the average number of hours of sunshine begins to dwindle from July onwards, reducing daylight's duration for outdoor activities. Deeper into these months, the wind speed starts to decrease, further intensifying the heat's impact due to the lack of a cooling effect.
Spring weather in Sanford
Spring in Sanford emerges in March and stretches until May. With the transition from winter, Sanford experiences a significant rise in temperatures, increasing from an average high of 60.3°F (15.7°C) in March to 79.3°F (26.3°C) in May. Similarly, the low temperatures rise from 41.9°F (5.5°C) to 59.9°F (15.5°C) during this period. Precipitation records a slight increase, with May witnessing the highest annual rainfall of 3.23" (82mm). A combination of increasing average sunshine hours from 7.1 in March to 9.6 in May and longer daylight hours makes spring a pleasant time in Sanford.Summer weather in Sanford
Summers in Sanford, commencing in June and concluding by August, are characterized by high temperatures and increased precipitation. With the highest temperature of the year recorded as 90.3°F (32.4°C) in July and the lowest falling not below 66.9°F (19.4°C) in June, Summers are quite hot. Rainfall levels peak during the early summer, with June recording an average rainfall volume of 2.56" (65mm). Notably, during these there is a steady number of sunshine days per month as the city sits through the longest daylight hours of the year.Autumn weather in Sanford
From September through November, Sanford experiences the fall season. Temperatures start to decrease during these months, averaging a high of 82.6°F (28.1°C) in September, which descends to 59.7°F (15.4°C) by November. Concurrently, the average low temperature drops from 64°F (17.8°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). A decrease in precipitation is seen from 2.95" (75mm) in September to 1.81" (46mm) in October. While the daylight hours reduce, the average sunshine hours per day remain fairly stable during this period.Winter weather in Sanford
Winter in Sanford starts in December and lasts until February. Even during this frail winter, the average high temperature ranges from 52.7°F (11.5°C) in December to 53.4°F (11.9°C) in February. The lowest temperature recorded is during January at 32.5°F (0.3°C), still above freezing level. In terms of rainfall, winter months are marginally drier compared to the rest of the year, with the lowermost figures recorded in December, at 2.4" (61mm). Interestingly, the city only experiences a minuscule snowfall of 1.46-inch in January and much less in the other two months.Weather in January
Sanford experiences cooler weather in January, with temperatures typically hovering between 32.5°F (0.3°C) to 48.6°F (9.2°C). This is the coldest month of the year with the lowest average temperatures. Humidity remains constant and wind speeds begin to increase, indicating a shift to the spring months. Weather in January »Weather in February
Notable changes in Sanford’s weather are seen in February, with temperatures slightly rising to reach up to 53.4°F (11.9°C). Concurrently, snowfall decreases to an average of 1.14" (29mm), indicating the transition towards spring. Weather in February »Weather in March
As Sanford exits the winter months, March weather showcases higher temperatures, reaching up to 60.3°F (15.7°C). It is a key transition month, where snowfall decreases to 0.24" (6mm), marking the end of winter. An increase in the daylight hours is also observed, signalling the upcoming spring season. Weather in March »Weather in April
April in Sanford characterizes the vibrant spring season, with average high temperatures reaching 71.1°F (21.7°C). Notably, there is no snowfall from April onwards, marking the complete transition from the cooler months. With the increase in temperature, the daylight hours too rise dramatically. Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the definite start of the warmer months in Sanford, with temperatures increasing to attain a high of 79.3°F (26.3°C). The increase in temperature, however, coincides with the highest average rainfall of 3.23" (82mm) for the year. Weather in May »Weather in June
Sanford witnesses the warmest weather by June, with average high temperatures rising up to 86.5°F (30.3°C). While there is a reduction in rainfall from the previous month, June carries the long-lasting daylight hours. This month is marked by its hot and humid weather with reduced wind speeds. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is typically the hottest month in Sanford, with average high temperatures soaring up to 90.3°F (32.4°C). Despite the heat, rainfall is moderate, providing some respite. Visibility and humidity remain relatively constant, while wind speeds reduce to their lowest for the year. Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues with the summer heat in Sanford, albeit with a slight drop in temperature to 88°F (31.1°C). Despite the high temperatures, rainfall increases to 2.95" (75mm), the second-highest for the year. August also maintains lengthy daylight hours, although not as extended as July. Weather in August »Weather in September
As Sanford transitions from summer to fall, September weather cools down to 82.6°F (28.1°C). Rainfall decreases significantly and is well-spread across the month. Though warm, the month also brings an increase in wind speeds. Weather in September »Weather in October
October brings a notable change in the weather of Sanford, with temperatures dipping to 71.8°F (22.1°C). The decreased rainfall of 1.81" (46mm), the lowest for the year, marks October as the driest month. With wind speeds increasing, it ushers in the cooler months ahead. Weather in October »Weather in November
November is characterized by a further drop in temperature, reaching an average high of 59.7°F (15.4°C) in Sanford. The start of the cold months is heralded by the sharp fall in UV index. The approach towards winter is signified by a reduction in daylight hours and a slight increase in rainfall. Weather in November »Weather in December
Sanford's December indicates the onset of winter, with temperatures reaching as low as 37.8°F (3.2°C). The cold weather is reflected in an increase in snowfall to 0.55" (14mm). Despite the lower temperatures, December experienced an average rainfall of 2.4" (61mm). Weather in December »Updated: Aug 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Temperature readings reach their annual highs in January, averaging 48.6°F (9.2°C) and a minimum average of 32.5°F (0.3°C).
In Sanford, during the entire year, the rain falls for 151.7 days and collects up to 28.74" (730mm) of precipitation.
January through March, November and December are months with snowfall in Sanford.
January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 1.1 days and accumulates 1.46" (37mm) of snow.
Throughout the year, there are 3.6 snowfall days, and 3.43" (87mm) of snow is accumulated.
January and December, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Sanford.
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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.
In Sanford, snow does not fall in April through October.
May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16.2 days and accumulates 3.23" (82mm) of precipitation.
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
July is the month when Sanford's temperatures reach their peak, with averages of 90.3°F (32.4°C) and lows of 70.3°F (21.3°C).
July is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 72%.
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.8h of sunshine.
October is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 1.81" (46mm) of precipitation.
December is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.
With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Sanford, 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 (48.6°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.5°F).
Average pressure
Sanford, NC
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.96"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.14"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).
Average wind speed
Sanford, NC
- Average wind speed in January:
6.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in April:
7.3mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.1mph - Average wind speed in August:
4.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in October:
5.9mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.9mph - Average wind speed in December:
5.8mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.8mph).
Average humidity
Sanford, NC
The month with the highest relative humidity is December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (72%).
Average rainfall
Sanford, NC
- Average rainfall in January:
2.05" - Average rainfall in February:
2.13" - Average rainfall in March:
2.13" - Average rainfall in April:
2.17" - Average rainfall in May:
3.23" - Average rainfall in June:
2.56"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.23").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.81").
Average rainfall days
Sanford, NC
- Average rainfall days in January:
10.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
9.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.5 days).
Average snowfall
Sanford, NC
The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.46").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Sanford, NC
- Average snowfall days in January:
1.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
1.7 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0.4 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0.3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (1.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sanford, NC
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 6min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 6min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 18min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 18min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 18min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 48min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 54min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 6min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 12min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 12min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 6min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Sanford, NC
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.9 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.7 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16 days - Average sunshine days in October:
21.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (21.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.7 days).
Average UV index
Sanford, NC
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Sanford, NC
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 43).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 31).
Average visibility
Sanford, 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).
