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Carteret County Climate

Carteret County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec64.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

64.4°F

Annual Precip

58.8"

Annual Snowfall

0.5"

Extreme Heat Days

18

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.4"
3.6"
3.6"
3.6"
4.3"
4.3"
6.0"
7.5"
8.5"
4.4"
4.2"
4.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

5,746

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 03/11
First fall frost (32°F): 12/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring54°71°11.5"Summer78°81°17.8"Fall57°76°17.1"Winter47°50°12.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 86% of US counties
Wetter than 94% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 13% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Carteret County

Climate Verdict

Carteret County has a warm, averaging 64.4°F year-round, very wet conditions receiving 58.8 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 18.275 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 0.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 47.0°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 81.1°F. The 34°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Carteret County is 5.1°F warmer than the North Carolina statewide average of 59.3°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 7.2 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 19.36590136054422 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Carteret County Weather

Exceptional Coastal Warmth

Carteret County is one of the warmest spots in the country, with an annual average temperature of 64.4°F. This coastal climate is heavily influenced by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

North Carolina's Warmest Coastal Tier

The county is significantly warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. Its maritime location keeps winter temperatures much higher than the state's interior.

High Precipitation and Ocean Moderation

Carteret is one of the wettest counties in the region, receiving 58.8 inches of rain annually. Ocean breezes limit extreme heat, resulting in only 18 days above 90°F despite the high average temperature.

Humid Summers and Soft Winters

Winters are among the warmest in the state at 48.7°F, with snowfall being a rare 0.5-inch event. July averages 81.1°F, but extreme heat is far less frequent than in the inland Piedmont.

Invest in High-Quality Rain Gear

Heavy rainfall and high humidity require residents to invest in dehumidification and moisture-resistant building materials. Snow gear is rarely needed, but high-quality rain gear is a daily essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Carteret County?
The average annual temperature in Carteret County, NC is 64.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Carteret County get?
Carteret County receives an average of 58.8 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Carteret County?
Yes, Carteret County receives an average of 0.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Carteret County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Carteret County is 79.6°F. The county experiences an average of 18 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Carteret County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Carteret County is 48.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 47.0°F.

Track your own weather in Carteret County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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