The climate of New Bern
New Bern,
North Carolina, USA, has a Humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) predominantly, with no dry season. It experiences warm summers and mild winters that create high humidity due to the city's geographical location.
Throughout the year, the temperature in New Bern varies significantly, with the monthly average high ranging from 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
January to a peak of 89.2°F (31.8°C) in
July. Correspondingly, the lowest average temperatures range from 36°F (2.2°C) in January to 72.7°F (22.6°C) in July.
Humidity remains relatively stable throughout the year, oscillating around the 75% to 79% range. Rainfall levels also fluctuate annually, with the driest months typically being January and
February at just under 1 inch, and the wettest month being
August with an average rainfall of 3.39" (86mm). Periods of snowfall are rare, with minimal amounts recorded in January, February and
November.
New Bern experiences a diverse and dynamic climate that is shaped by its variability in wind speed, cloud cover, and solar radiation. The daylight hours per month vary from 9.8 in
December to 14.5 in
June; conversely, sunshine hours corresponds to 5.4 hours in December and 10.6 hours in June. Meanwhile, cloud cover hovers around 35% to 43%, creating an overcast atmosphere most of the year.
The best time to visit New Bern
Considering the weather parameters, the most favorable time to visit
New Bern is from late
April to
June when the city experiences moderate temperatures between 61.3°F (16.3°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C). During this period, visitors can enjoy long daylight hours ranging from 13.1 to 14.5 hours, coupled with relatively high sunshine hours from 9.5 to 10.6.
The Worst Time to Visit New Bern
Contrarily, the less favorable time to visit would be the rainy season from
June to
September; an average rainfall varying from 2.72" (69mm) to 3.39" (86mm) is witnessed during these months. The highest rainfall occurs in late summer, from
July to
August, with an average of 3.19 to 3.39" (86mm). These months also see high humidity levels between 77% to 79%.
Spring weather in New Bern
In
New Bern, spring runs from
March through
May, characterized by steadily rising temperatures. The high temperatures range from 61.3°F (16.3°C) in March to 79.5°F (26.4°C) in May; meanwhile, the lows oscillate from 43.9°F (6.6°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C). Although March and
April receive modest rainfall between 1.34" (34mm) to 1.73" (44mm), May experiences a slightly higher figure of 1.81" (46mm).
Summer weather in New Bern
The hot season in
New Bern, from
June to
August, experiences average high temperatures in the mid-80s, peaking at 89.2°F (31.8°C) in
July. Lows during the summer months range from 69.4°F (20.8°C) to 72.7°F (22.6°C). Despite the high humidity level from 76% to 79%, the amount of sunshine received every day varies from 10.5 hours in July to 10.6 hours in June.
Autumn weather in New Bern
Autumn in
New Bern encompasses the months of
September to
November. The temperatures decline gradually from 82.9°F (28.3°C) in September to a cooler 62.1°F (16.7°C) in November. Correspondingly, the average low temperatures vary from 67.1°F (19.5°C) in September to 45.5°F (7.5°C) in November. Rainfall decreases sharply from 2.28" (58mm) in September to 1.77" (45mm) in November.
Winter weather in New Bern
The winter period in
New Bern, from
December through
February, is characterized by cold temperatures, with highs ranging from 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
January to 56.1°F (13.4°C) in December. Low temperatures range from 36°F (2.2°C) to 41.2°F (5.1°C) in the same period. Due to its climate, this period sees minimal snowfall and relative humidity remains high, hovering around the 79% mark in December and February. Despite the cold, the city receives around 5.4 to 5.5 hours of sunshine each day during these months.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February in
New Bern sees minor changes from the previous month, with temperatures slowly warming up. The city experiences a narrow precipitation increase to 1.34" (34mm) of rain, with the least amount of sunshine days, noticeably dimmer than
January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
New Bern takes a turn towards spring proper in
March, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. The higher temperature reaches 61.3°F (16.3°C), noticeable compared to the cooler
February, signalling the onset of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases a significant change in weather, with increased daylight hours and a noticeable rise in temperature. The mercury climbs up to a comfortable 71.6°F (22°C) high during the day. The increased precipitation to 1.73" (44mm), and longer daylight hours, bring life to the flora of
New Bern, sprucing up the entire city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings about the familiar warmth of late spring to
New Bern, with temperatures and rainfall continuing their rise. The days are vivid and warm with the mercury reaching up to 79.5°F (26.4°C). The city is adorned with a vibrant palette of colors, amplified by the 14 hours of daylight.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes the onset of summer in
New Bern with the warmest weather yet. With an observable leap, the mercury stretches up to 85.8°F (29.9°C), marking the start of the warmest period. Rainfall too has a significant increase, offering relief amidst the sweltering heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The climax of summer hits in
July with the peak temperature scaling up a noticeable 89.2°F (31.8°C). Despite being the hottest month, the annoying discomfort is negated by the soothing sea breezes. Rainfall further escalates to 3.19" (81mm), providing much-needed reprieve from the soaring heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the summer spell with a slight dip in the temperature and a marginal climb in precipitation to 3.39" (86mm). Despite the drop, mercury marks a toasty 88°F (31.1°C) high, preserving the summer ambiance. The robust wind speed drops a notch, overlaying a stillness that brings about calm and peace.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
New Bern marks a noticeable change in the atmosphere with a shift from summer to fall. The cooling trend is evident as the monthly high slips to 82.9°F (28.3°C). The declining Sun hours give way for lengthening shadows, a typical spectacle of the fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a more significant drop in temperature in
New Bern, previewing the colder months ahead. A notable reduction sets the maximum temperature at 73.6°F (23.1°C). The leaf-changing season is at its peak, filling the city with a palette of Autumn colors.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, cold weather starts settling into
New Bern as the temperature plunges, falling from 62.1°F (16.7°C) during the day to a chilly 45.5°F (7.5°C) at night. The cold creeps in, nudging winters in the door as the city braces for crisper winds and frostier nights.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December is firmly in winter territory in
New Bern, showcasing chilly days and frigid nights. The colder December air sees the temperature range narrow down to between daytime high of 56.1°F (13.4°C) and nighttime low of 41.2°F (5.1°C).
Weather in December »