The climate of Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City, located in
North Carolina, USA, experiences a Humid subtropical climate, recognized under Köppen climate classification as Cfa. This classification denotes a lack of a dry season, ensuring higher precipitation year-round. Annual weather patterns in Elizabeth City present a distinctive contrast in conditions, varying from mild winters to warm and humid summers. Relative humidity remains reasonably constant, fluctuation between 75 to 78% during the year. Average pressure holds rather steady at around 30.08 to 30.11" (765mm).
Throughout the year, Elizabeth City experiences temperatures from a low of 36°F (2.2°C) in
January to a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July. The shift from the lowest to highest temperatures demonstrates the seasonal variation in the city. Looking at the rainfall, it's clear the annual pattern is dictated by high precipitation ranging from 1.57" (40mm) in
November to 3.54" (90mm) in
August. Notably, the highest amount of rainfall coincides with the warmest summer temperatures.
The average sunshine hours vary from a low of 5.4 to 5.5 hours in
February and
December to a high of 10.9 hours in July, indicating that Elizabeth City gets the most sunlight during the summer. Finally, wind speed in the city presents an annual high of 9.9mph (15.9km/h) in
March and
April, dropping to a low of 6.9mph (11.1km/h) in August, showing the seasonal influence on the wind speeds.
The best time to visit Elizabeth City
Considering the weather conditions, the best time to visit
Elizabeth City would be in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall. In these months, temperatures are more moderated and comfortable, ranging from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 79.7°F (26.5°C) from
March through
May and then again from
September through
November. Simultaneously, the rainfall is also relatively low, presenting a good balance between warmth and dry conditions, ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
The worst time to visit Elizabeth City
The worst time to visit
Elizabeth City from a climatological perspective would be in the peak summer months from
June to
August. In these months, temperatures reach their annual peak, even climbing to as high as 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July. Additionally, the rainfall is at its highest during these months, with ranges from 2.44" (62mm) in June to 3.54" (90mm) in August, which may affect outdoor plans. High humidity and heat combined with rainfall can make for uncomfortable conditions.
Spring weather in Elizabeth City
Springtime in
Elizabeth City sees a rapid increase in temperature with averages progressing from 55.9°F (13.3°C) in
March to 74.3°F (23.5°C) in
May. Concurrently, Spring also brings a decrease in wind speeds, moving from 9.9mph (15.9km/h) to 8.6mph (13.8km/h) during these months. Rainfall during this period stays relatively steady at close to 2" (51mm). The daylight hours increase from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May, prompting an extended time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Elizabeth City
The Summer months in
Elizabeth City are marked by the warmest temperatures of the year, ranging from a low of 82°F (27.8°C) to a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) between
June and
August. These months also see the highest rainfall levels of the year, accompanying the high temperatures. Wind speeds during this period are at their lowest, averaging around 7.5mph (12.1km/h) to 7.8mph (12.6km/h). Despite this heat and rainfall, Summer is also the time when Elizabeth City experiences the longest daylight hours and the maximum sunshine.
Autumn weather in Elizabeth City
Autumn presents a shift in
Elizabeth City's climate with a noticeable decrease in temperature, coming down from a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
September to a lower 59.9°F (15.5°C) by
November. Rainfall during this period gradually decreases, from 3.27" (83mm) in September to 1.57" (40mm) in November. With the diminishing temperatures, wind speeds also rise slightly, and daylight hours reduce from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Elizabeth City
In the winter months,
Elizabeth City faces temperatures ranging from 36°F (2.2°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C). At this time, wind speeds rise back up to around 9mph (14.5km/h). Rainfall during these cold months is relatively moderate, presenting a dip in
December to 2.32" (59mm). Interestingly, despite the cold temperatures, snowfall is quite rare, with only minor snowfall occurring, accentuated by 0.2" (5mm) in December. Consequently, winter in Elizabeth City can be quite mild with only occasional snowfall, predominantly rainy conditions, and moderate winds.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Shift from
January to
February sees a subtle rise in the average temperatures. Humidity remains steady while rainfall encounters a minor increase of about 0.39" (10mm). The frequency of snowfall augments a bit but the cause remains the same: cold northern airstreams from Canada clashing with warm moisture-laden winds from the Atlantic Ocean.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition from
February to
March comes with inviting changes as the climate transitions into spring. Average temperatures record a hike with a decrease in snowfall frequency and amount for the year, being reduced to just 0.2" (5mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Compared to
March,
April brings warmer days as temperatures climb, showcasing the onset of pleasant spring weather. From the cold winds in winter, the weather conditions shift towards warmer southern breezes from the Gulf of Mexico.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The weather in
May in
Elizabeth City,
North Carolina, exhibits distinct traits of late spring, moving towards the oncoming summer. Day-time temperatures rise up to an average of 74.3°F (23.5°C), providing a feel of the summer heat.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June's weather portrays a shift from mild spring to vibrant summer in
Elizabeth City. The increasing temperatures borne by longer days and higher sunshine hours often escalate humidity levels. The heat and humidity combined might lead to occasional thundershowers resulting from the summer afternoon convection process.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July being the warmest month of the year in
Elizabeth City,
North Carolina, observes an average high temperature of 85.6°F (29.8°C). While rainfall increases from
June, marking the peak of the wettest time of the year, torrential downpours are rare and don't last long.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite being the second hottest month,
August records a slight decrease in temperature from
July. Summer continues in
Elizabeth City, with humid days and infrequent but significant rain showers. The duration of daylight hours decreases, resulting in reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
October witnesses a noticeable drop in temperatures as autumn deepens its grip on
Elizabeth City. A distinctive reduction in rainfall from
September indicates the onset of the drier part of the year. Wind speed continues to increase from the previous month, further adding to the autumnal feel.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December
The advent of
December in
Elizabeth City opens the winter season, with average low temperatures sinking to 41.9°F (5.5°C). Despite the end of the year, rainfall increases from
November though falls short when compared to the earlier wetter months.
Weather in December »