The climate of Oak Island
Oak Island, located in
North Carolina, USA, is categorized as having a Humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification, bearing the code Cfa. This classification is attributed to locations that generally experience no dry season but rather humid conditions, fairly hot summers and mild to cool winters.
Reviewing the weather parameters throughout a year, Oak Island exhibits temperatures that range from a low of 43.7°F (6.5°C) in
January to a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July and
August. Patterns of fluctuating temperatures translate to for a consistent seasonal progression. The relative humidity stays fairly uniform all year, with averages resting between 74% and 78%. Sea temperature also shifts with the season, dipping to a cool 56.1°F (13.4°C) in
February and climbing to a warm 82.7°F (28.2°C) in August.
Precipitation is another key component of Oak Island's climate. The town sees the most significant rainfall from August through
September, with monthly totals hitting 3.7" (94mm) and 3.27" (83mm) respectively. Additionally, these months also register the highest number of days with rainfall at 19.1 and 15.5 days. Interestingly, despite this rainfall, there is no recorded snowfall.
The best time to visit Oak Island
While the best time to visit
Oak Island ultimately depends on the preferences of the traveler, a look at the climate data offers some guidelines. The months of
May through
October offer the warmest temperatures, with averages ranging from 76.8°F (24.9°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Furthermore, these months also exhibit the highest sea temperatures, averaging between 70.3°F (21.3°C) to 82.7°F (28.2°C), perfect for activities like swimming.
It should be noted however, that these warmer months also see the most rainfall, the most significant of which occurs in
August and
September. Nevertheless, with an average of 10.2 to 14.4 hours of daylight, there is ample opportunity for sun-soaked activities even on days with showers.
The worst time to visit Oak Island
Based on the climate parameters, the least desirable time to visit
Oak Island might be during the coldest months of the year, specifically
January and
February. During these months, average low temperatures drop to 43.7°F (6.5°C) and 46°F (7.8°C) respectively. Sea temperatures also fall to 59.4°F (15.2°C) and 56.1°F (13.4°C), making beach activities less appealing.
Those interested in sunshine might also want to avoid the winter months. Although the percentage of cloud cover remains relatively consistent all year, winter months offer the shortest daylight hours, between 9.9 to 11 hours, when compared to other seasons.
Spring weather in Oak Island
Spring in
Oak Island is characterized by moderate temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Temperatures range from 43.7°F (6.5°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C) in the months from
March to
May. Coinciding with the rise in temperatures, average rainfall also increases from 1.38" (35mm) in March to 2.28" (58mm) in May. The number of hours of daylight gradually increases through the spring months from 12 hours in March to 13.1 hours in
April and 13.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Oak Island
Summer on
Oak Island brings the highest temperatures of the year, ranging from 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
May to 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July and
August. The sea temperatures also rise significantly during the summer months, making it an ideal time for water-based activities. The rainfall during these months is also the highest of the year, reaching 2.28" (58mm) in July and peaking at 3.7" (94mm) in August. Despite the increase in rainfall, summer provides the longest daylight hours, from 14.4 hours in
June to 13.4 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Oak Island
Autumn in
Oak Island sees a gradual decrease in temperatures, with averages dropping from 81.9°F (27.7°C) in
September to 59.4°F (15.2°C) in
December. The sea temperatures also decrease through the fall months, transitioning from 80.3°F (26.8°C) in September to 61.6°F (16.4°C) in December. Rainfall decreases after the summer high, from 3.27" (83mm) in September to 2.28" (58mm) in December. The daylight hours begin to decrease in the fall months but the hours of sunshine remains relatively consistent, ranging from 9.5 hours in September to 5.5 hours in December.
Winter weather in Oak Island
Winter in
Oak Island brings the coldest temperatures and shortest daylight hours. Temperatures range from 59.4°F (15.2°C) in
December to lows of 43.7°F (6.5°C) in
January. Sea temperatures drop down to 61.6°F (16.4°C) in December and reach the lowest point of 56.1°F (13.4°C) in
February. Despite cooler temperatures, rainfall decreases in winter, with averages falling to 1.57" (40mm) in
November and 2.28" (58mm) in December. The daylight hours also decrease from 10.4 hours in November to 9.9 hours in December, while the hours of sunshine diminish to 5.8 hours and 5.5 hours respectively.
Weather in January
In
January,
Oak Island,
North Carolina, witnesses the year's start with colder temperatures when compared to the months before and after. Coats are a necessity as occasional gusty winds reach speeds of 16.9mph (27.2km/h). Continual changes in weather can be expected within a day and across the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February at
Oak Island finds itself slightly warmer than
January but cooler than the advancing month of
March. The Flora and Fauna adjust to the moderate rains totaling up to 1.14" (29mm) leading to growth spurts as Spring starts to hint at its arrival.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Oak Island welcomes
March with a noticeable escalation in temperature from the preceding
February, setting the stage for the impending warmer months. The rainfall increases to 1.38" (35mm) sustaining the burgeoning springtime vegetation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring is in full swing by
April in
Oak Island and the temperatures bear a notable rise compared to both the prior month of
March and the following
May. Rainfall measures up to 2.13" (54mm), making it the first of the months with significant rainfall, alluding to the imminent rainy season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Oak Island provides a glimpse into the upcoming months of summer with its growing warmth and a dwindling resemblance to the departing Spring. Rains rise to an unprecedented 2.28" (58mm), acting as a necessary counterpart to the temperature to maintain Oak Island's wholesome verdant allure.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the hot summer days truly setting in at
Oak Island, contrary to the dropping temperatures in the following month. There is significant decrease in wind speeds to 9.8mph (15.8km/h), allowing for more stable weather conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July steps in,
Oak Island experiences the highest temperatures of the year ranging from 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Though temperatures slowly descend from this peak in the following months, the effect of direct sunlight on the human body remains the same due to consistency of the UV index at 7.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August, although marked by less soaring temperatures as compared to
July, continues to inherit the intense summer heat. The month's rainfall amounts to 2.28" (58mm), making it less rainy than its predecessor, July, yet more rainfall prone than the ensuing
September.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September, in
Oak Island, reveals the respite from the gruelling summer with temperatures that dip lower than
August and would continue to plummet in
October. Despite the declining temperatures, the amount of sunshine reduces, precipitating a favorable climate for outdoor activities and exploration.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October at
Oak Island experiences an appreciable decrease in temperature from
September as the city gently strolls into the cooler autumn months. Unlike September and the advancing
November, the monotonous cloud cover gives way to a more pleasant sky.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sends
Oak Island into the throes of cold with temperatures falling consistently from those recorded in
October and further from what
December will record. The rainfall does decrease a little from 1.65" (42mm) in October to 1.57" (40mm) in November, but the main highlight is the relatively stable cloud cover that maintains the charm of the now cooler city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the final month of the year at
Oak Island, plunges further into the biting cold with temperatures continuing to drop from the warmth of
November. Rainfall rises to 2.28" (58mm), a significant increase from the recorded 1.57" (40mm) in November.
Weather in December »