The climate of Charlotte
Charlotte,
North Carolina, adheres to the Köppen climate classification typified as a Humid subtropical region with no dry season. The city's geographical position in the southeastern part of the United States contributes to its diverse climatological parameters throughout the year.
Charlotte experiences a wide range of weather patterns. Average high temperatures are highest in
July at 90.7°F (32.6°C), gradually cooling down to the lowest in
January at 48.7°F (9.3°C). The average low temperatures also peak at 70.3°F (21.3°C) in July and decrease to the lowest point of 33.3°F (0.7°C) in January. The humidity stays relatively constant at around 70-75% throughout the year, contributing to the subtropical feel of the city.
In terms of precipitation, Charlotte receives an average rainfall between 1.34" (34mm) in
February and 2.6" (66mm) in
August. Notably, the city experiences the least number of rainfall days in
November, with an average of 7.8 days and a maximum number of rainfall days in July with 16.9 days. The city receives minor snowfall only in the months of January and February, averaging 0.59" (15mm) and 0.67" (17mm) respectively.
The daylight hours are longest in
June with 14.5 hours a day, while
December has the shortest daylight duration of 9.8 hours. Sunshine is most abundant in July and June, contributing to 10.9 and 10.7 hours per day, respectively. Remarkably, the UV index goes up to 7 in July, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Charlotte
The ideal time to visit
Charlotte stretches from late spring to early summer (
April to
June), when the city's weather is the most pleasant. During these months, the average high temperatures range from 71.2°F (21.8°C) to 87.4°F (30.8°C) while the temperature lows range from 51.8°F (11°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C). Consequently, the agreeable temperatures during this period create a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities and city exploration.
The abundant sunshine, achieving its peak of 10.7 hours per day in June, combined with longer daylight hours of up to 14.5 hours during the same period, allows visitors plenty of time to enjoy a range of activities. Furthermore, rainfall is moderate during this time frame, resulting in fewer disruptions to scheduled plans.
The worst time to visit Charlotte
The least favorable period to visit
Charlotte coincides with the late summer to early autumn months, more specifically between
July and
September. Although the highest temperatures of the year occur during these months, reaching up to 90.7°F (32.6°C) in July, the considerably high humidity levels may lead to an uncomfortable experience. Furthermore, these months receive significant amounts of rainfall, with
August getting the highest average rainfall of 2.6" (66mm) and the most number of rainy days reaching up to 16.9 days.
Spring weather in Charlotte
Spring brings warmer temperatures and renewed life in
Charlotte. The average high temperatures increase from 60.4°F (15.8°C) in
March to 79.3°F (26.3°C) in
May, and the lows rise from 42.6°F (5.9°C) in March to 59.9°F (15.5°C) in May. The city gets a reasonable amount of sunshine during these months, with the averages inching up from 7.2 hours per day in March to 9.7 hours per day in May. The daylight duration extends gradually from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May.
Summer weather in Charlotte
Summer in
Charlotte is characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels. Average high temperatures peak at 90.7°F (32.6°C) in
July while the average lows reach the maximum of 70.3°F (21.3°C) during the same month. Sunshine hours sit around 10.7 to 10.9 hours per day from
June to July, although the number of days experiencing rainfall also tends to increase at this time of year.
Autumn weather in Charlotte
In autumn, the weather in
Charlotte slowly cools down after the hot summer months. Average high temperatures drop gradually from 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
September to 59.4°F (15.2°C) in
November and average low temperatures reduce from 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 42.1°F (5.6°C) across the same period. Rainfall averages around 1.7" (43mm) per month, with an average of 9.8 rainy days in November.
Winter weather in Charlotte
Winter in
Charlotte comes with cooler weather and snowy landscapes. In the cold months, temperatures average from a low of 33.3°F (0.7°C) in
January to a high of 48.7°F (9.3°C) during the same month.
December and January see the least sunshine of around 5.4 to 5.9 hours per day, and snowfall reaches its height during the same period, with an average of 0.79" (20mm) in December.
Weather in January
Charlotte welcomes the New Year with chilly temperatures and a fair amount of cloud cover. It's typically the coldest month in the city's climatology, with the average high and low temperatures approximately 48.7°F (9.3°C) and 33.3°F (0.7°C) respectively.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February brings relatively mild weather improvements in
Charlotte. The temperature increases mildly to an average high of 53.6°F (12°C) and an average low of 36.5°F (2.5°C). As the city transitions into spring, expect more rain in the coming month of
March.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Charlotte is characterized by a notable increase in temperatures and daylight hours. The average high and low temperatures rise to 60.4°F (15.8°C) and 42.6°F (5.9°C), a welcome relief from the chilly winter. It serves as a prelude for
April, when there will be even more daylight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As spring continues,
April brings a noticeable shift in the weather pattern. The average temperature increases to a high of 71.2°F (21.8°C) and a low of 51.8°F (11°C), providing a comfortable climate to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a transitional month in
Charlotte, paving the way for the heat and humidity of the summer. The average high and low temperatures rise even further to 79.3°F (26.3°C) and 59.9°F (15.5°C), respectively. The warmer temperatures and long hours of daylight make May an ideal month to enjoy outdoor activities before the peak summer heat of
June.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the first true month of summer in the city, with the average high temperature soaring to 87.4°F (30.8°C) and the average low settling around 66.7°F (19.3°C). The arrival of summer also marks a drastic reduction in snowfall, and the highest average daylight with 14.5 hours a day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Charlotte's summertime continues to shine in
July. It is the hottest month, with soaring temperatures reaching an average high of 90.7°F (32.6°C) and an average low of 70.3°F (21.3°C). Residents tend to enjoy beach vacations or trips to the cooler mountain regions nearby during this season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Charlotte is a month with slightly decreasing temperatures and rainfall. The average high temperature remains in the high 80s with 88.7°F (31.5°C), whereas the low temperature records an average of 68.7°F (20.4°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September, the fall season starts to settle in
Charlotte. The average high temperature drops to a more comfortable 82.9°F (28.3°C) and the low temperature averages at around 63.7°F (17.6°C). Compared to
August, the fall season brings a noticeable shift in the weather and daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a true taste of fall weather in
Charlotte. The temperature averages from 71.4°F (21.9°C) to 52.7°F (11.5°C), providing a refreshing change from the summer heat. The beautiful fall foliage color attracts many visitors to the city parks and nearby mountains.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks a shift in the weather as winter gradually sets in with lower temperatures between 59.4°F (15.2°C) and 42.1°F (5.6°C). As compared to
October, there's a palpable chill in the air, making it necessary to bundle up.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
Charlotte's
December weather witnesses a mix of fall and winter. The temperatures are typically from 52.9°F (11.6°C) to 38.3°F (3.5°C), making the climate colder. Despite decreased daylight, the city remains vibrant with holiday decorations and festivities.
Weather in December »