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Contents
- The climate of Durham
- The best time to visit Durham
- The worst time to visit Durham
- Spring weather in Durham
- Summer weather in Durham
- Autumn weather in Durham
- Winter weather in Durham
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina
The climate of Durham
Durham, North Carolina, USA, finds itself set in the humid subtropical climate zone(Cfa) as per the Köppen climate classification. This indicates that the city experiences no dry seasons and a predominance of the humid subtropical climate year-round. The geographical positioning straddles subtropical and temperate zones, leading to varied and dynamic weather patterns.
Across all months, the temperature ranges from a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C) in the colder months to a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) during the hottest month. Humidity hovers around 72% to 77%, providing an indication of the consistent moisture content in the air. Rainfall in Durham sees a trend from a low of 1.89" (48mm) to a high of 3.19" (81mm) varying across the months. Snowfall, a rare occurrence, is seen only from January and February and again in December, with the heaviest amount measuring at 1.93" (49mm). Interestingly, Durham registers an average of 10 maximum hours of daylight while sunshine duration varies considerably ranging from around 5 hours to 10.6 hours in a day. The cloud cover in Durham is substantially moderate, and it fluctuates between 32% to 44%. Atmospheric pressure holds steady around 30.14in while wind speed measures from a light 4.8mph (7.7km/h) to a moderately breezy 7.4mph (11.9km/h).
Unique weather patterns are observed in the average number of sunny days, peaking around 20.8 days in the late months. November experiences the lowest rainfall, making it the driest month. July, the hottest month, witnesses the peak of summer with maximum temperatures hitting 90.3°F (32.4°C).
Across all months, the temperature ranges from a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C) in the colder months to a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) during the hottest month. Humidity hovers around 72% to 77%, providing an indication of the consistent moisture content in the air. Rainfall in Durham sees a trend from a low of 1.89" (48mm) to a high of 3.19" (81mm) varying across the months. Snowfall, a rare occurrence, is seen only from January and February and again in December, with the heaviest amount measuring at 1.93" (49mm). Interestingly, Durham registers an average of 10 maximum hours of daylight while sunshine duration varies considerably ranging from around 5 hours to 10.6 hours in a day. The cloud cover in Durham is substantially moderate, and it fluctuates between 32% to 44%. Atmospheric pressure holds steady around 30.14in while wind speed measures from a light 4.8mph (7.7km/h) to a moderately breezy 7.4mph (11.9km/h).
Unique weather patterns are observed in the average number of sunny days, peaking around 20.8 days in the late months. November experiences the lowest rainfall, making it the driest month. July, the hottest month, witnesses the peak of summer with maximum temperatures hitting 90.3°F (32.4°C).
The best time to visit Durham
Based on weather considerations, the period from April to June is ideally the best time to visit Durham. During this span, the temperatures are typically between a comfortable 50.7°F (10.4°C) to a warm 86.5°F (30.3°C), creating the perfect environment for outdoor activities. Moreover, the average sunshine duration per day is a plentiful 9.2 to 10.5 hours allowing one to make the most of the day. The presence of moderate humidity and minimal rainfall further enhance the city's appeal for visitors during this period.
The worst time to visit Durham
In contrast, the months between December and February can prove to be challenging for visitors primarily due to the lowest temperatures averaging from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C). These months also witness the highest snowfall, with January experiencing up to 1.93" (49mm). While the amount of snowfall may be attractive to some, the cold temperature, combined with the shortest days of about 9.8 to 10.9 hours of daylight, might make it an unsuitable time for travel for many.
Spring weather in Durham
Marked by bearable temperatures and an escape from severe winter conditions, spring in Durham ranges from a temperature low of 41.2°F (5.1°C) in March to a peak of 70.5°F (21.4°C) by the end of May. Rainfall is relatively consistent, revolving around 2.2" (56mm) to 3.11" (79mm), providing sufficient hydration for plant life to flourish. The average duration of daylight elongates from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May end. The overall spring weather offers a pleasant blend of mild temperatures, permeating sunshine, and moderate rainfall.
Summer weather in Durham
Summer in Durham is characterised by high temperatures, consistent daylight, and heightened humidity. From June to August, the lowest recorded temperature is 66.4°F (19.1°C) while the peak temperature soars up to 90.3°F (32.4°C). The associated high humidity of around 72% to 73% enforces a tangible heaviness in the air. Daylight is visibly ample in these months, reaching up to 14.6 hours in June. Rainfall sees a marginal increase to 2.8" (71mm) to 3.19" (81mm) making the layout of the summer landscape lush and invigorating.
Autumn weather in Durham
Autumn in Durham begins a transition from the intense summer heat towards the approaching cooler winter months. Temperatures drop gradually from 82°F (27.8°C) to a more moderate 58.8°F (14.9°C). Days begin to shorten, with daylight hours decreasing from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours by November. Rainfall also ebbs to a lower range from 2.17" (55mm) to 1.89" (48mm). Autumn in Durham is rich with color as the foliage turns vivid shades, a sight to behold against the backdrop of cool, clear skies.
Winter weather in Durham
Winter marks the coldest period in Durham with temperatures plummetting to a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C) and increasing marginally to 51.8°F (11°C) by the end of February. Snowfall occurs only in the months of January and February, with the heaviest of it being a scanty 1.93" (49mm). With the shortest days of the year, the maximum daylight is confined to 10 hours. Rainfall in winter manifests in varied amounts from 2.09" (53mm) to 2.56" (65mm). Despite the inevitable cold, wintry Durham can be quite charming with its dusting of snow and crisp air.
Weather in January
The new year brings chilly weather in Durham, North Carolina, varying from a high of 47.7°F (8.7°C) and a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C). The region's climate is often overcast, with a cloud-covered sky approximately 41% of the time, resulting in roughly six sunlight hours daily and 19.4 sunny days in January. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February in Durham is slightly warmer than January, yet still remains on the cooler side. The temperature slightly escalates, the average rainfall inches is equivalent to January's, and snowfall is reduced to about 1.54" (39mm). Weather in February »
Weather in March
As spring sets in, weather takes a bit of a turn in Durham, with March experiencing less snowfall than the preceding months. Rainfall increases slightly from the previous months at 2.32" (59mm), and the relative humidity remains relatively stable, comparable to January and February. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April Cincinnati receives 2.2" (56mm) of rainfall, comparatively less than March, dropping the number of rainy days. Alongside an increase in sunlight hours and daylight duration, this indicates the arrival of a more pleasant climate, shifting away from the frequent showers common in the preceding months. Weather in April »
Weather in May
The pleasant climate continues into May with increased temperature ranges. Contrary to April, rainfall significantly rises to 3.11" (79mm), making it the month with the most rainfall until now in the year. Despite the elevated humidity, longer periods of daylight coupled with the highest number of sunshine hours yet noticed this year creates an inviting environment for outdoor activities. Weather in May »
Weather in June
As summer officially arrives, June sees a considerable shift in climate in Durham. Rainfall lessens marginally compared to May, dropping to 2.8" (71mm), but the temperature rises markedly, entering summer territory. Extended sunshine days, longer daylight hours, and a reduction in winds contribute to a warm climate, ideal for summertime activities. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, commonly perceived as the peak of summer, boasts the highest temperatures of the year, marked by a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) and a low of 70.2°F (21.2°C). This is complemented by longer sunshine hours, reaching its maximum at 10.6 hours on average per day, and a slightly reduced cloud% from the preceding month. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Durham experiences somewhat of a meteorological plateau in August, as temperatures, though still high, start to decline slightly from July's peak. The weather is stabilized by the average 3.19" (81mm) of rainfall, an increase from the previous month. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September acts as a transition month, setting the stage for autumn. While temperatures begin to decline, they remain moderately high, lending an optimum balance to the weather. The rainfall decreases to 2.17" (55mm), pulling back from August's peak. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces autumn in its full glory, with notable reductions in temperature, making the weather more cool and comfortable. Rainfall also decreases, with the city receiving an average of 1.89" (48mm), the lowest until now in the second half of the year. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Significant changes in weather are witnessed in November, as the final month of fall. The advent of colder temperatures, dip in average rainfall to 2.56" (65mm), and an overall decrease in humidity present a stark shift from the warmer, wetter seasons of summer and fall. Weather in November »
Weather in December
As winter takes hold in December, the weather in Durham, North Carolina, becomes markedly colder, with temperatures dropping to a high of 51.8°F (11°C) and a low of 37°F (2.8°C). This month witnesses snowfall of 0.51" (13mm), the first significant snowfall since February, indicating the start of the winter season. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 29, 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
What month is the coldest?
In Durham, January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 47.7°F (8.7°C) at the peak and 32.2°F (0.1°C) at the lowest.
How much does it rain?
In Durham, during the entire year, the rain falls for 150.7 days and collects up to 29.41" (747mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Durham?
January through March and December are months with snowfall.
What is the snowiest month?
January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 1.5 days and accumulates 1.93" (49mm) of snow.
How many days does it snow?
In Durham, during the entire year, snow falls for 5.2 days and aggregates up to 4.41" (112mm) of snow.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Durham?
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
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.
When it does not snow?
April through November are months without snowfall.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.
What is the hottest time of year?
In Durham, the average highest temperatures are observed in July, with a high of 90.3°F (32.4°C) and a low of 70.2°F (21.2°C).
What is the least humid month?
The least humid month is July, with an average relative humidity of 71%.
What month has the most sunshine?
With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
What is the rainiest month?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16.1 days and accumulates 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.
What is the driest month?
October is the month with the least rainfall in Durham. Rain falls for 8.9 days and accumulates 1.89" (48mm) of precipitation.
What is the most humid month?
The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 77%.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Durham?
December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Durham, 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 (47.7°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.2°F).
Average pressure
Durham, NC
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.1"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:
29.98"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
Durham, NC
- Average wind speed in January:
6.6mph - Average wind speed in February:
7mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in April:
7.4mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5mph - Average wind speed in August:
4.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.4mph - Average wind speed in October:
6.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
6.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.8mph).
Average humidity
Durham, NC
The month with the highest relative humidity is December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (71%).
Average rainfall
Durham, NC
- Average rainfall in January:
2.24" - Average rainfall in February:
2.24" - Average rainfall in March:
2.32" - Average rainfall in April:
2.2" - Average rainfall in May:
3.11" - Average rainfall in June:
2.8"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.6" - Average rainfall in August:
3.19" - Average rainfall in September:
2.17" - Average rainfall in October:
1.89" - Average rainfall in November:
2.56" - Average rainfall in December:
2.09"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.89").
Average rainfall days
Durham, NC
- Average rainfall days in January:
9.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.7 days).
Average snowfall
Durham, NC
The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.93").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").
Average snowfall days
Durham, NC
- Average snowfall days in January:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0.8 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:
0.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Durham, NC
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 3min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Durham, NC
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16 days - Average sunshine days in October:
20.4 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20.8 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.9 days).
Average UV index
Durham, NC
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 and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Durham, NC
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 32).
Average visibility
Durham, 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).
Durham, North Carolina, USA
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