Climate and monthly weather forecast
Wilmington, DE

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Bright neon lights light up the Central Business District of Wilmington, Delaware, with a scenic reflection in the Christian River
Bright neon lights light up the Central Business District of Wilmington, Delaware, with a scenic reflection in the Christian River

The climate of Wilmington

Predominantly typified by a Humid subtropical climate, Wilmington, Delaware, USA finds itself under the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. Its geographical position sees it experiencing a blend of temperate and subtropical features. Following formal climate definition, Wilmington resides in a zone with no dry season while hot and wet summers and mild winters are predominant.

Immersing deeper into Wilmington's climate provides a clearer understanding of its weather. Temperature range begins from a plot of 25.3°F (-3.7°C) in January, escalating to a high of 84.9°F (29.4°C) in July. Relative humidity tends to stay quite constant, varying slightly from 72% in April to 78% in October. Generally, the relative humidity ranges within the 70s band, depicting a moisture-rich atmosphere.

Rainfall seems to be a regular facet of Wilmington's climate. Figures show that August tops the rainfall chart with 4.09" (104mm) while January receives the least amount at 2.36" (60mm). Intriguingly, there is notable snowfall between January and March then again mildly in November and December, with January receiving the highest snow accumulation of 3.03" (77mm).

The best time to visit Wilmington

With consideration to favorable weather conditions, visiting Wilmington between the months of May and June seems ideal. This period witnesses average temperatures oscillating from 61.3°F (16.3°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C), offering a pleasant and satisfying weather condition for outdoor exploration and activities.

Wilmington's daylight hours in these months are relatively high, falling between 14.4 hours in May and a peak of 15 hours in June, thus promising longer days for exploration. The weather during these months does come with an elevated UV Index of 6, necessitating visitors to ensure adequate skin protection.

The worst time to visit Wilmington

From the available data, the least favourable period to visit Wilmington occurs between January and February. In these winter months, average temperatures range from a low of 25.3°F (-3.7°C) to a maximum of only 40.8°F (4.9°C). Besides, the hours of daylight drop significantly to around 9.7 to 10.7 hours for outright engagement in outdoor activities. Snowfall is also prevalent during this period, especially in January with snow recorded to reach up to 3.03" (77mm).

Spring weather in Wilmington

Spring, from March to May, in Wilmington bears notable improvements in weather conditions. Temperatures start to rise, with averages moving from 49.3°F (9.6°C) in March to 71.6°F (22°C) by May. Rainfall average increases at a steady rate peaking at 3.19" (81mm) in May. The city also enjoys an increase in daily sunlight hours, stretching from 12 hours in March to 14.4 hours in May.

Summer weather in Wilmington

Summer in Wilmington, spanning from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures, increased rainfall and plentiful sunlight. Average temperatures peak at 84.9°F (29.4°C) in July but drop slightly to 82.9°F (28.3°C) in August. Monthly rainfall also spikes to its highest at 4.09" (104mm) in August. However, sunshine isn't lost, with daylight hours reaching their zenith of 15 hours in June.

Autumn weather in Wilmington

Autumn, from September to November, brings a decline in temperature averages from 76.3°F (24.6°C) in September to 52.2°F (11.2°C) in November. Conversely, humidity rises, reaching its peak in October with a reading of 78%. Rainfall reduces gradually from its summer level, with November recording the lowest autumn rainfall of 2.44" (62mm).

Winter weather in Wilmington

Winter months of December, January and February in Wilmington come with substantial chills and snowfall. December initiates the winter season with an average temperature of 43.7°F (6.5°C) that dips further to 37°F (2.8°C) in January. Concurrently, snowfall predominates, reaching its peak in January with 3.03" (77mm). The daylight hours also diminish, plateauing at approximately 9.7 hours in December and January.

Weather in January

Commencing the year, January weather in Wilmington, Delaware, USA displays a set of standard winter conditions. Characterised by cold temperatures, it brings a notable amount of snowfall with 3.03" (77mm) spread over 6.8 days. In succession to the frosty extremes of the first month, February maintains the winter attributes. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The second month of the year in Wilmington possesses colder temperatures, lighter snowfall, and increased rainfall as compared to January. One interesting aspect is the considerable rise in daylight hours, indicating the advent of the spring season. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Wilmington makes the transition from winter to spring, March introduces more mild weather with warming temperatures. March is unique because it receives 2.95" (75mm) of rainfall, the first notable increase after the decline in February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Wilmington, Delaware, brings forth the radiant buds of spring with noticeable changes from the past month's weather. With rains contributing 2.87" (73mm), it's a season of growth accompanied by a surge in humidity and relative pressure. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The climactic layout for May in Wilmington constitutes a mixture of relatively high temperatures, substantial daylight and increased rainfall. With 71.6°F (22°C) as the high temperature, it is the doorway through which the heat of summer steps in. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in summer in Wilmington with its characteristic lengthy days, elevated temperatures and intensified sunlight. The peak summer month, it presents Wilmington with a high temperature of 79.5°F (26.4°C). A substantial rise in sea temperature contributes to the overall coziness of the month, inviting beachgoers. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In Wilmington, the zenith of summer arrives with July, characterized by the year's highest temperatures, prolonged sunshine, and minimal cloud cover. The zenith temperature hits 84.9°F (29.4°C), a feature quintessentially July, generating the hottest month of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Wilmington presents a continuation of the summer heat with slightly lower temperatures than the preceding month, and considerable daylight. The most rainfall seen this year showers down in August, with 4.09" (104mm) collected. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Wilmington signifies an onset of fall with declining temperatures, yet preserving the warmth of the passing summer. September paves the way for decreased rainfall compared with the wet August, registering only 2.4" (61mm). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October‘s weather in Wilmington Delaware exhibits a perceptible shift from September's with temperatures plunging to more chilly levels, shorter days, and a notable rise in wind speed. The impending winter season starts to make its presence felt with the first snowfall experienced since early spring, albeit a minor 0.04" (1mm). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November, the last month of the autumn in Wilmington, is cool month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 38.8°F (3.8°C) and an average high of 52.2°F (11.2°C). As October shifts into November, a slight alteration in temperatures is observed, with average highs reducing from a comfortable 64.6°F (18.1°C) to a fresh 52.2°F (11.2°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

Completing the climatic cycle of the year, December in Wilmington is characterized by cold temperatures, decreased daylight hours and significantly increased snowfall. December is the first month since March to witness a conspicuous amount of snow, registering 1.54" (39mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Wilmington?

Wilmington, Delaware, experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of 37°F (2.8°C) and a low of 25.3°F (-3.7°C).

What is the driest month in Wilmington?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Wilmington?

Throughout the year, in Wilmington, there are 168.9 rainfall days, and 35.55" (903mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Wilmington?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow in Wilmington?

Throughout the year, there are 21.9 snowfall days, and 12.05" (306mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index in Wilmington?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the month with the coldest ocean in Wilmington?

With an average ocean temperature of 33.8°F (1°C), February is the month with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Wilmington?

February has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4.9h of sunshine.

What is the snowiest month in Wilmington?

March is the month with the most snowfall in Wilmington, Delaware. Snow falls for 4.7 days and accumulates 3.58" (91mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Wilmington?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Wilmington, Delaware, 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 least humid month in Wilmington?

April is the least humid month in Wilmington, Delaware, with an average relative humidity of 72%.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Wilmington?

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

When it does not snow in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Wilmington?

With an average of 14h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What time of the year is the hottest in Wilmington?

July, characterized by an average high temperature of 84.9°F (29.4°C) and a low temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C), is generally the warmest month in Wilmington, Delaware.

What month has the most sunshine in Wilmington?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.

What is the rainiest month in Wilmington?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Wilmington, Delaware. Rain falls for 17.3 days and accumulates 4.09" (104mm) of precipitation.

What month is the ocean warmest in Wilmington?

August is the month with the warmest seawater in Wilmington, with an average ocean temperature of 73.4°F (23°C).

What is the most humid month in Wilmington?

With an average relative humidity of 78%, October is the most humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days in Wilmington?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight.

Average temperature
Wilmington, DE

Average temperature - Wilmington, DE

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (84.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (68.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.3°F).

Average pressure
Wilmington, DE

Average pressure - Wilmington, DE

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed
Wilmington, DE

Average wind speed - Wilmington, DE

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, February and March (8.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.4mph).

Average humidity
Wilmington, DE

Average humidity - Wilmington, DE

The month with the highest relative humidity is October (78%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (72%).

Average rainfall
Wilmington, DE

Average rainfall - Wilmington, DE

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (4.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (2.36").

Average rainfall days
Wilmington, DE

Average rainfall days - Wilmington, DE

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (18.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.8 days).

Average snowfall
Wilmington, DE

Average snowfall - Wilmington, DE

The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.58").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Wilmington, DE

Average snowfall days - Wilmington, DE

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Wilmington, DE

Average sea temperature - Wilmington, DE

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (34°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Wilmington, DE

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Wilmington, DE

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

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Wilmington, DE

Average sunshine days - Wilmington, DE

The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.6 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are May and July (9.8 days).

Average UV index
Wilmington, DE

Average UV index - Wilmington, DE

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, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Wilmington, DE

Average visibility - Wilmington, DE

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).

Wilmington, Delaware, USA

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