The climate of Hatteras
Perched on the Outer Banks of
North Carolina,
Hatteras experiences a Humid subtropical climate, technically classified as Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification. This indicates a year-round warmth coupled with ample precipitation.
The weather stays moderate, with monthly average high temperatures ranging from 54.5°F (12.5°C) in
January to an 81.5°F (27.5°C) peak in
July. Meanwhile, the lows remain above freezing, from 46°F (7.8°C) in January to approximately 78.4°F (25.8°C) in July. Humidity stays relatively consistent, varying minimally from 73% in
October to 79% in July and
August. Sea temperatures warm up from 63°F (17.2°C) in January and
February to reach a comfortable 81°F (27.2°C) from July to August, providing a great respite during the warmer months.
Rainfall manifests in various volumes throughout the year. February reports the lowest at 0.31" (8mm), escalating to its peak in August where it measures 1.06" (27mm). The majority of this precipitation converts into rainfall, with maximum rainy days recorded in the summer months of July and August with 13.5 and 13.3 days respectively. Snowfall remains a rarity in this region, recorded only minimally in January and
December.
Spanning from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in
June, daylight hours generally accommodate outdoor activities. Sunshine hours follow a similar trend, showing potential sunshine durations from 5.3 hours in February to nearing 11 hours in June and July. Unsurprisingly, maximum sunshine days trend during summer, particularly June. Wind speed encounters its greatest values during the colder months, starting at 17mph (27.4km/h) in
March and slightly escalating to 17.3mph (27.8km/h) by
April.
The best time to visit Hatteras
The prime time to visit
Hatteras would be from
May to
September, when the island basks in a delightful weather combination of long daylight hours, copious sunshine, and warmer sea temperatures. May reports an average high temperature of 71.6°F (22°C), sneaking up to 78.3°F (25.7°C) and 81.5°F (27.5°C) in
June and
July. Moreover, sea temperatures peak at 81°F (27.2°C) in July and
August, fostering excellent conditions for water sports such as swimming, surfing, and sailing.
The worst time to visit Hatteras
The less favorable time to visit
Hatteras falls between
November and
March, when the area faces colder temperatures and stronger winds. Both November and
December observe a lower range of average high temperature from 64°F (17.8°C) to 59°F (15°C) respectively. While the region avoids snowfall during these months, stronger winds averaging from 15.5mph (24.9km/h) to 16.8mph (27km/h) and reduced daylight hours around 10.3 to 10.9 hours could deter outdoor enthusiasts.
Spring weather in Hatteras
Spring in
Hatteras, from
March to
May, experiences a tasty blend of moderate temperatures, extending daylight hours and decreasing rainfall. March starts with 58.1°F (14.5°C) average high temperature and accelerates to 71.6°F (22°C) by May. Sea temperatures also climb from 63°F (17.2°C) in March to 70°F (21.1°C) in May.
Summer weather in Hatteras
Summer in
Hatteras is characterized by warmth, with highest monthly averages reaching 81.5°F (27.5°C) in
July, and slight reduction to 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
August. Sea temperatures heat up during these months, averaging 81°F (27.2°C) in July and August. An increase in rainfall and daylight hours further accentuate the flamboyant Hatteras summers.
Autumn weather in Hatteras
Autumn, encompassing
September to
November, confirms a slight cooling down with an average high temperature dropping from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in September to 64°F (17.8°C) in November. The highest rainfall in the year is recorded in September, with an average of 1.02" (26mm), gradually decreasing to 0.71" (18mm) in November.
Winter weather in Hatteras
Despite colder temperatures dominating from
December to
February, winter in
Hatteras refrains from harsh conditions as seen in other parts of the country. The average high temperature drops down to 54.5°F (12.5°C) in
January and then gradually rises to 56.1°F (13.4°C) by February. Rainfall measures between 0.75" (19mm) in December and 0.31" (8mm) in February, with minimal chances of snowfall.
Weather in January
The weather in
Hatteras,
North Carolina transitions from the relatively cool conditions of winter to the slightly warmer climate of
February. Citizen experience 10.1 hours of daylight with 5.4 hours of sunshine. The daily pressure is steady, averaging 30.11" (765mm) - keeping things calm.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Hatteras,
February exhibits a gentle rise in both temperature and relative humidity values, segueing smoothly into
March's more humid environment. Sunshine hours extend slightly to 5.3, granting more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Hatteras marks an official departure from the tail-end of winter as the following month of
April promises warmer weather. The sunny hours shoot up to 7.1, offering considerably more daylight. With the improvement of driving conditions due to a visibility of 6 miles, commuting becomes safer.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Hatteras paves the way for spring's crescendo into the hotter months of the year, with
May just around the corner promising even warmer weather. Sunshine stretches for 9.7 hours providing ample daylight to enjoy outdoor pursuits.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May's weather in
Hatteras,
North Carolina embraces the warmth of spring as it rolls into the sweltering summer months. With longer sunshine hours at 10.1 and a daylight period of 14 hours, outdoor lovers get more daylight to enjoy.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June’s weather in
Hatteras signifies the onslaught of summer, with
July around the bend promising even greater heat. The UV index enters the red area, reaching up to 7. Residents and tourists are attracted to the sea, which now measures 75°F (23.9°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Hatteras’
July weather is robustly summer, with the subsequent month of
August maintaining similar heat levels. More daylight at 14.5 hours means more time for outdoor pursuits. The month sees a decrease in the percentage of cloud cover indicating clear skies.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Hatteras,
August transitions seamlessly from
July's sun-filled days, and preludes to a slightly cooler
September. Sunshine hours remain relatively long, offering 10.7 hours of sunlight. Driving conditions remain optimal with a visibility of 6 miles.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Hatteras signals the summer season winding down, and
October ushering in cooler weather. Shorter daylight hours begin to hint at the end of the sunny, outdoor-friendly period. The sea temperature cools down to 79°F (26.1°C), hinting for a stir in marine life patterns.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's weather in
Hatteras ushers in the cozy, fall season, paving the way for a chillier
November. Declining days of sunshine (6.4 hours) and shorter daylight periods characterize this month. Visibility remains the same, encouraging drivers to uphold road safety.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Hatteras in
November leans towards the chillier weather of the year, setting stage for
December's colder temperatures. The shortened days of sunlight (5.7 hours) limit outdoor activities, making most opt for cosy indoor gatherings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Lastly,
Hatteras’
December weather marks the year-end with the coldest temperatures and carries these on into the new year. The city experiences the shortest daylight hours of the year, equivalent to 9.8 hours. The sea temperature plummets further to 66°F (18.9°C), chasing away even the bravest swimmers.
Weather in December »