Climate and monthly weather forecast
Elizabeth City, NC

Share
The Little Sugar Creek near a clear path on Greenway in the city of Elizabeth, North Carolina
The Little Sugar Creek near a clear path on Greenway in the city of Elizabeth, North Carolina

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

January in Elizabeth City, North Carolina witnessess steady rainfall with an average of 1.81" (46mm) over approximately 10.3 days. The impact of the Atlantic Ocean combined with cold airstreams gives rise to occasional but mild snowfall. 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

September marks the transition from summer to fall in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. While temperatures descend from August, the weather remains quite warm. September sees a gradual decreasing trend in rainfall amounts from the summer's peak, signifying the close of the storm season. 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

November oversees a significant fall in temperatures as Elizabeth City, North Carolina, prepares for winter. A dip in rainfall to a mere 1.57" (40mm) makes it the driest month of the year, setting it apart from the preceding wet months. 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 »
Updated: Aug 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

January, recording an average high temperature of 47.8°F (8.8°C) and a low temperature of 36°F (2.2°C), is Elizabeth City's coldest month.

How many days does it rain?

In Elizabeth City, during the entire year, the rain falls for 165 days and collects up to 29.06" (738mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through March, November and December.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 4.6 snowfall days, and 2.09" (53mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 1.8 days and typically aggregates up to 0.94" (24mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 5.4h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

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?

In Elizabeth City, snow does not fall in April through October.

What is the most humid month in Elizabeth City?

With an average relative humidity of 79%, May is the most humid month.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.

What time of the year is the hottest?

In Elizabeth City, July registers the highest temperatures, averaging 85.6°F (29.8°C) at the peak and 73°F (22.8°C) at the lowest.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Elizabeth City, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.54" (90mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is November, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What is the driest month?

November is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9.8 days and accumulates 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Elizabeth City, NC

Average temperature - Elizabeth City, NC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (85.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (47.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (73°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (36°F).

Average pressure
Elizabeth City, NC

Average pressure - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed
Elizabeth City, NC

Average wind speed - Elizabeth City, NC

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (9.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.9mph).

Average humidity
Elizabeth City, NC

Average humidity - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (75%).

Average rainfall
Elizabeth City, NC

Average rainfall - Elizabeth City, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.54").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (1.57").

Average rainfall days
Elizabeth City, NC

Average rainfall days - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (18.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (9.8 days).

Average snowfall
Elizabeth City, NC

Average snowfall - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.94").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Elizabeth City, NC

Average snowfall days - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (1.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Elizabeth City, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Elizabeth City, NC

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 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Elizabeth City, NC

Average sunshine days - Elizabeth City, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is October (19.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (9.4 days).

Average UV index
Elizabeth City, NC

Average UV index - Elizabeth City, NC

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 3).

Average visibility
Elizabeth City, NC

Average visibility - Elizabeth City, 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).

Elizabeth City, North Carolina, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location