When to go · Raleigh
Raleigh, month by month
The best months for Raleigh: Apr, May, Sep, Oct. Months to avoid: Jul, Aug.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.11 °C (52 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Low
- FebruaryMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Still winter north; ski season in the Rockies; Presidents' Day weekend busy. Mardi Gras in New Orleans (date varies).13 °C (55 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Spring break fills Florida beaches and parks; the desert parks come into season.17 °C (63 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days63 °F (17 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatInside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 8 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatInside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 9 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Rockies and northern parks open; desert heat builds; hurricane season starts. Book parks months ahead.31 °C (88 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 9 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High
- JulyAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid), late Oct fair week if you want quiet.33 °C (91 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 10 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid), late Oct fair week if you want quiet.32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 9 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High
- SeptemberGreatInside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberGreatInside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.23 °C (73 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 7 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 7 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- NovemberMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Quiet between holidays; Thanksgiving week is the busiest travel period of the year.17 °C (63 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 7 rain days63 °F (17 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 7 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- DecemberMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.13 °C (55 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Raleigh, side by side.
Verdict
Apr: Great
May: Great
Daytime high
Apr: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
May: 27 °C (81 °F)81 °F (27 °C)
Night low
Apr: 9 °C (48 °F)48 °F (9 °C)
May: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Rain days
Apr: 8 (better)
May: 9
Crowds
Apr: Medium
May: Medium
Prices
Apr: Medium
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Apr: 1
May: 1
April: Inside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
May: Inside Raleigh's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
Raleigh: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.