The climate of Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island,
North Carolina, USA falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfa, signifying a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Positioned in the southeastern United States and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the Island experiences a conveyor belt of diverse weather patterns throughout the year.
Average daytime temperatures on the island swing from a comfortable 55°F (12.8°C) in
January to a hot 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July and
August. The nighttime temperatures paint a similar picture, varying from a cool 43.7°F (6.5°C) in January to a warm 77.4°F (25.2°C) in July. Thus, the island enjoys a milder climate due to the moderating influence of the nearby ocean. Showing minor fluctuations across the months, relative humidity remains fairly constant between 74% and 78%, promoting muggy conditions for much of the year.
Notably, rainfall doesn't take a break on Bald Head Island. From January to
December, the area is witness to a steady shower of rain. Precipitation peaks during August, clocking in at 3.7" (94mm), and tapers off to its minimum of 0.83" (21mm) in January. Throughout the year, the Island experiences between 8.4 and 19.1 rainy days per month, making umbrellas almost as essential as sunscreen. Snow, however, remains a distant acquaintance with scarcely 0.04" (1mm) registered annually.
Interestingly, despite the frequent rainfall, Bald Head Island enjoys a healthy amount of sunshine. The Island basks in sunlight for an average of between 5.5 hours to 10.8 hours per day. The sunshine hours peak in
May-July and again dwindle towards the year-end, bringing a darker yet charming winter ambiance.
The best time to visit Bald Head Island
Spring, between
March and
May, marks the best period to soak in the balmy weather of
Bald Head Island. Temperatures gradually rise from an average high of 62.1°F (16.7°C) in March to 76.8°F (24.9°C) in May, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and beach fun. Along with witnessing moderate levels of rainfall, it is a perfect time to admire the Island's blooming flora against the backdrop of clear skies.
Additionally, autumn stands out as an opportune time to visit, specifically between
September and
October. With comfortable temperatures scaling from 81.9°F (27.7°C) to 73.8°F (23.2°C) and comparatively lower humidity levels, the fall season introduces a rather refreshing break from the summer heat.
The worst time to visit Bald Head Island
The period from
June to
August, falling in the thick of the Island's hot, humid summer, brings about less comfortable conditions for visitors. Daytime temperatures reach their zenith, touching 85.6°F (29.8°C), while the relative humidity hovers around a muggy 77-78%. Conversely, the high amount of rainfall and a lesser number of sunshine hours, mainly in
July and August, add to discomfort.
Spring weather in Bald Head Island
Springtime is a period of rapid transition in
Bald Head Island with temperatures ramping up from an average high of 62.1°F (16.7°C) in
March to a warm 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
May. Correspondingly, the night temperatures also rise from 50.7°F (10.4°C) in March to 67.8°F (19.9°C) in May, accompanied by a slight surge in humidity levels. Meanwhile, the average monthly rainfall begins to increase during this period, with May recording a higher rainfall of 2.28" (58mm).
Summer weather in Bald Head Island
The Island's summer, from
June to
August, is characterized by hot and humid conditions. Daytime temperatures reach their maximum, hovering from 82.9°F (28.3°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C), while warmth grips the nights as well with temperatures fluctuating between 74.7°F (23.7°C) to 77.4°F (25.2°C). The summer also witnesses the year's highest precipitation levels, with rainfall inching up to 3.7" (94mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Bald Head Island
Autumn ushers in a milder climate with daytime temperatures gradually decreasing from 81.9°F (27.7°C) in
September to 73.8°F (23.2°C) in
October. Correspondingly, the nighttime temperature scales down from 72.5°F (22.5°C) in September to 63.1°F (17.3°C) in October. Although rainfall remains prevalent with an average monthly estimation of 3.27" (83mm) in September and 1.65" (42mm) in October, it does not hamper the outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Bald Head Island
Winter in
Bald Head Island is marked by a downturn in temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Daytime temperatures stoop down to between 59.4°F (15.2°C) in
December and 55°F (12.8°C) in
January, and nighttime temperatures reaching down to 48.9°F (9.4°C) in December. Despite the prevalent cold conditions, the absence of snowfall keeps the Island's natural charm unaltered. Rainfall remains steady with 2.28" (58mm) recorded in December.
Weather in January
January sees the new year introduced with fairly subdued weather in
Bald Head Island. A cooler period in the annual climate, it marks the winter season with temperatures dwelling in the chilly zone. Notably, this month submits to the lowest daylight hours, with approximately 10.2 hours in the day, satisfying the popular imagery of a brief winter's day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Progressing from
January,
February carries over the winter's character, with little remarkable change in most weather aspects. Still, while winter perseveres, subtle signs of an approaching spring can be felt as daylight hours increase slightly.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Enter
March, and with it, a marked transition towards spring can be discerned in
Bald Head Island's weather. Temperature begins to climb, alluding to the warmer months ahead. An appreciable increase in rainfall can be noticed this month, with the number reaching 1.38" (35mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is an interesting month weather-wise as
Bald Head Island transitions fully into the spring season. It greets with a warmer, mellower climate, without straying into the extremity of summer's heat. The nights remain cool as the land gradually rises from winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Embodying a vivid spring atmosphere,
May presents the island with bountiful sunlight and burgeoning warmth. As the month advances, a definitive incline toward warmer temperatures can be sensed, cueing the onset of summer. Trees bloom and life thrives, enhanced by an average of 13.9 daylight hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As summer officially commences,
June ushers in marked changes to the weather pattern in
Bald Head Island. The temperatures head towards the eighties and the sun basks the island for the longest duration in the year, peaking at 14.4 hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, smack in the middle of the year, is a showcase of typical summer weather, mirroring the conditions of
June while ramping up some elements. As temperatures continue to rise, the Island experiences a notable swelling in humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend set by
July, carrying the flavor of peak summer to its last leg. When the hot and humid summer is in full swing, afternoon thunderstorms become a common feature. In terms of humidity and temperature, slight dips are observed, indicating an impending shift in the season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As summer begins its retreat,
September introduces the first hints of Autumn to the weather in
Bald Head Island. While days remain relatively hot, nights see a noticeable dip in temperature. A receding pattern is also visible in daylight hours, carving a marked downtrend from the mid-year peak.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is a defining milestone in the
Bald Head Island calendar as it ushers in the autumn season. What transpires is a considerable drop in temperature, providing relief from the scorching summer. The island gets drenched in hues of yellows and oranges, characteristic of the fall season globally.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the year winds down,
November brings along a further drop in temperature, setting the stage for the advent of winter. The temperature, humidity, and rainfall record a synchronized drop, pulling the island weather into a calm stage.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding out the year,
December marks the return of winter to
Bald Head Island. Temperatures flux between cold and moderate, setting the tune for the holiday season. Along with dropping temperatures, rainfall gets a notch up, taking the index to 2.28" (58mm), replenishing the island's water reserves just before the year-end.
Weather in December »