Climate and monthly weather forecast
Hatteras, NC

Share

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

HatterasJuly 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, HatterasDecember 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 »
Updated: Aug 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January, recording an average high temperature of 54.5°F (12.5°C) and a low temperature of 46°F (7.8°C), is Hatteras's coldest month.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 6.3 days and typically collects 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

In Hatteras, during the entire year, the rain falls for 100.9 days and collects up to 8.58" (218mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through March and December.

What is the snowiest month in Hatteras?

The months with the most snowfall days in Hatteras are January through March and December, with an average of 0.1 snowfall days.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, in Hatteras, there are 0.4 snowfall days.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What is the month with the coldest ocean?

February is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 60.8°F (16°C).

What is the month with the least sunshine?

February has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.3h of sunshine.

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 Hatteras, snow does not fall in April through November.

What is the most humid month?

The months with the highest humidity are May through July, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.

What are the months with the most sunshine?

The months with the most sunshine are June and July, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

What are the warmest months?

In Hatteras, temperatures reach their average annual highs in July, measuring 81.5°F (27.5°C) and a minimum average of 78.4°F (25.8°C).

What are the months with the warmest ocean?

The months with the warmest seawater are July and August, with an average ocean temperature of 80.6°F (27°C).

What is the wettest month in Hatteras?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 73%, October is the least humid month.

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.

Average temperature
Hatteras, NC

Average temperature - Hatteras, NC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (54.5°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (78.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (46°F).

Average pressure
Hatteras, NC

Average pressure - Hatteras, NC

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January, November and December (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).

Average wind speed
Hatteras, NC

Average wind speed - Hatteras, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (17mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (12mph).

Average humidity
Hatteras, NC

Average humidity - Hatteras, NC

The months with the highest relative humidity are May, June and July (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

Average rainfall
Hatteras, NC

Average rainfall - Hatteras, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.06").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.31").

Average rainfall days
Hatteras, NC

Average rainfall days - Hatteras, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.6 days).

Average snowfall days
Hatteras, NC

Average snowfall days - Hatteras, NC

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January, February, March and December (0.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Hatteras, NC

Average sea temperature - Hatteras, NC

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are July and August (81°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (61°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Hatteras, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Hatteras, NC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 18min).

Average sunshine days
Hatteras, NC

Average sunshine days - Hatteras, NC

The month with the most sunshine days is January (22.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.3 days).

Average visibility
Hatteras, NC

Average visibility - Hatteras, 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).

Hatteras, North Carolina, USA

Weather forecast for your location

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