Climate and monthly weather forecast
Winston-Salem, NC

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Lit skyscrapers and streets seen at dusk in Winston - Salem City, North Carolina
Lit skyscrapers and streets seen at dusk in Winston - Salem City, North Carolina

The climate of Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, a city in North Carolina, USA, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate (Cfa during the Köppen climate classification), which means there is no dry season. This climate type is prevalent in regions located on the southeastern side of continents. The year-round weather in this city is best described as temperate.

A glance at the temperature data reveals a distinct variation throughout the year. Temperatures range from a low of 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in winter to a high of 89.8°F (32.1°C) in summer. The humidity level stays relatively stable, fluctuating between 69% and 75% over the course of the year. Rainfall keeps steady all year round, ranging from 2.09" (53mm) to 3.19" (81mm). There are no months without rainfall, which is a crucial aspect of a city with a Humid Subtropical climate. The snowfall, although sporadic, happens mainly in January and December with 1.77" (45mm) and 2.24" (57mm), respectively.

An interesting pattern appears when looking at the daylight hours. It falls within a rather narrow range, from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern. The number of sunshine days, however, does not follow this trend and it stays fairly consistent throughout the year, with roughly half of the month experiencing sunny conditions.

The best time to visit Winston-Salem

The most pleasant time for tourists to visit Winston-Salem definitely falls between April and June. Taking all weather conditions into account, from temperature to rainfall, these months clearly stand out. During this period, the daily temperatures range between 49.3°F (9.6°C) and 68.9°F (20.5°C) and rainfall is moderate. Combined with the longer daylight hours, from 12 to 14.1 hours, this makes the city an excellent place to visit during the spring season. The added bonus of relative humidity ranging between 72% and 75% makes it even more comfortable.

The worst time to visit Winston-Salem

Prospective visitors might want to avoid the chilly winter months of January and February. The high temperature barely climbs above 50.4°F (10.2°C), while low temperatures plunge to 30.7°F (-0.7°C)—rather cold for outdoor activities. During these months, daylight hours are shortest—you get only about 10 to 10.9 hours—and sunshine days are at their lowest for the year. The climatic conditions in these months are certainly not conducive for sightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Spring weather in Winston-Salem

Spring in Winston-Salem is particularly lovely. From March to May, average temperatures rise from a low of 40.3°F (4.6°C) to a high of 77.5°F (25.3°C). Rainfall averages are from 2.64" (67mm) to 3.19" (81mm), slightly above the year's average. Daylight lasts from 12 to 14.1 hours, delivering plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor charms of the city.

Summer weather in Winston-Salem

During the summer months, between June and August, temperatures increase significantly in the city. Average high temperatures rise to an average high of 87.4°F (30.8°C) to 89.8°F (32.1°C) with a relative humidity ranging from 69% to 71%. Rainfall varies from 2.4" (61mm) to 2.24" (57mm), somewhat lesser than in spring, and daylight hours reach their peak, ranging between 14.1 and 14.6 hours. This makes it an ideal season for water-based recreational activities.

Autumn weather in Winston-Salem

Autumn falls between September and November in Winston-Salem, giving rise to cooler temperatures. The weather during this time varies from 40.1°F (4.5°C) to 81°F (27.2°C). Rainfall decreases slightly in comparison to the summer, with averages ranging from 2.05" (52mm) to 2.2" (56mm). However, daylight hours also decrease during autumn with November being the month with the least sun exposure at 10.3 hours. This makes the city a little less crowded, providing a quieter time to enjoy.

Winter weather in Winston-Salem

Winter months in Winston-Salem are characterized by cold weather conditions. December through February sees the temperature fluctuate from a chilly 30.7°F (-0.7°C) to a high of 50.4°F (10.2°C). The level of precipitation in these three months remains consistent, with rainfall averaging between 2.76" (70mm) and 2.95" (75mm). Those who enjoy a winter wonderland will appreciate this season in Winston-Salem. It delivers the coldest days in the city and a chance to see the city blanketed by a thin layer of snow.

Weather in January

January brings the chill of winter to Winston-Salem with average highs and lows ranging between 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 30.7°F (-0.7°C), making it the coolest month. Humidity levels are fairly high, typical for winter, giving the air a chill bite. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Winter in Winston-Salem continues into February with temperatures slightly warmer than January. The peaks of daily sunlight increase alongside the relative humidity. February receives only a slightly higher amount of rainfall (2.76in) compared to January, keeping the city's landscapes green and lush. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Winston-Salem marks the arrival of spring with temperatures ranging from a pleasant 58.1°F (14.5°C) to a cooler 40.3°F (4.6°C). The transition period between the end of winter and the start of spring is marked by increased rainfall and more sunshine hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a noticeable shift in Winston-Salem's weather. With an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) and a low of 49.3°F (9.6°C), the city basks in the spring season's warmth. Sunshine hours rise even more, reaching a peak as the month progresses, bathing the city in consistent and pleasant radiance. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is characterized by a significant rise in temperatures, reaching up to a warm 77.5°F (25.3°C) during the day and a still comfortable 57.6°F (14.2°C) at night. The onset of summer brings a decline in wind speeds while maintaining relatively high humidity levels, making the air feel hotter than it is. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is a typically hot month in Winston-Salem, with highs soaring to around 85.8°F (29.9°C). Despite the high temperatures, this month is not the wettest in terms of rainfall. With steadily increasing daylight hours and prolonged sunshine days, outdoor activities are popular during this time. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the prime summer month in Winston-Salem, commanding the highest average temperature in the year of 89.8°F (32.1°C). Despite the scorching heat, this month does not experience the year's maximum rainfall, maintaining quite a moderate precipitation level. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Winston-Salem is characterized by consistently high temperatures, though slightly less than July. The city continues to bask in the summer heat, but the decrease in daylight hours hints at the approaching end of the season. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Winston-Salem witnesses a mixture of summer's end and the onset of autumn. With a noticeable dip in temperatures down to 81°F (27.2°C), the days become cooler and more comfortable. Rainfall also sees a further decline, marking one of the dry periods in the city. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Winston-Salem brings with it the chill of the autumn season, with temperatures sliding down to an average high of 69.6°F (20.9°C) and a low of 50.7°F (10.4°C). The region experiences a reduction in daylight and sunshine hours during this month, signaling shorter and cooler days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in the winter season in Winston-Salem with the temperature falling to 57°F (13.9°C). The relatively lower temperatures are accompanied by a reduction in sunshine hours and longer nights. Less rainfall is experienced during this month, and humidity levels are also significantly lower. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the peak of the winter season in Winston-Salem, with average temperatures dipping down to highs of 49.8°F (9.9°C) and lows of 35.8°F (2.1°C). The month records one of the highest snowfall measurements of 2.24in, and the highest relative humidity level of 75%. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month?

The month of January, characterized by an average high of 45.9°F (7.7°C) and a low of 30.7°F (-0.7°C), is recognized as the coldest.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 159 rainfall days, and 30.83" (783mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Winston-Salem?

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

How much does it snow?

In Winston-Salem, during the entire year, snow falls for 7.2 days and aggregates up to 7.05" (179mm) of snow.

When is the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

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?

April through October are months without snowfall.

What are the most humid months?

May and December, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are most humid months.

What is the wettest month?

May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.8 days and accumulates 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 14h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What is the hottest time of year?

The warmest temperatures occur during July, when averages reach a peak of 89.8°F (32.1°C) and a low of 68.2°F (20.1°C).

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 69%, July is the least humid month.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.8h of sunshine.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 9.7 days and typically collects 2.05" (52mm) of precipitation.

What is the snowiest month?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 1 days and accumulates 2.24" (57mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine.
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Average temperature
Winston-Salem, NC

Average temperature - Winston-Salem, NC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (89.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (45.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (68.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (30.7°F).

Average pressure
Winston-Salem, NC

Average pressure - Winston-Salem, NC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).

Average wind speed
Winston-Salem, NC

Average wind speed - Winston-Salem, NC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.4mph).

Average humidity
Winston-Salem, NC

Average humidity - Winston-Salem, NC

The months with the highest relative humidity are May and December (75%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (69%).

Average rainfall
Winston-Salem, NC

Average rainfall - Winston-Salem, NC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (2.05").

Average rainfall days
Winston-Salem, NC

Average rainfall days - Winston-Salem, NC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (9.2 days).

Average snowfall
Winston-Salem, NC

Average snowfall - Winston-Salem, NC

The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.24").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Winston-Salem, NC

Average snowfall days - Winston-Salem, NC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Winston-Salem, NC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Winston-Salem, 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 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Winston-Salem, NC

Average sunshine days - Winston-Salem, NC

The months with the most sunshine days are October and November (19.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.1 days).

Average UV index
Winston-Salem, NC

Average UV index - Winston-Salem, NC

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Winston-Salem, NC

Average cloud cover - Winston-Salem, NC

The months with the most cloud cover are February and March (Cloud cover 42).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility
Winston-Salem, NC

Average visibility - Winston-Salem, 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).

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

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