weatherbycounty

Durham County Climate

Durham County, North Carolina

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec58.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

58.3°F

Annual Precip

48.6"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

40

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
4.0"
2.9"
4.5"
3.7"
3.8"
5.2"
4.2"
5.2"
4.7"
3.4"
3.6"
3.3"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,272

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/02
First fall frost (32°F): 11/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring49°66°12.0"Summer74°78°14.7"Fall49°70°11.7"Winter38°42°10.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 65% of US counties
Wetter than 72% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 33% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Durham County

Climate Verdict

Durham County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 58.3°F, moderately wet with 48.6 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 40.2 per year above 90°F. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 38.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 77.9°F. The 40°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

Durham County closely matches the North Carolina statewide average temperature of 59.3°F, it is somewhat drier than average for North Carolina.

Climate Profile

About Durham County Weather

A Standard Piedmont National Profile

Durham's 58.3°F average temperature sits just below the state average but remains above the national median. The climate is characterized by humid summers and relatively mild winters.

Just Below the North Carolina Average

Durham’s annual temperature of 58.3°F is exactly one degree cooler than the North Carolina state average. It represents the typical climate of the central Piedmont region.

Higher Rainfall Than Central Neighbors

The county's 48.6 inches of rain is higher than Davidson’s 45.5 inches. While local snowfall data is limited, its 40 extreme heat days are identical to Edgecombe's count.

Cool Winters and Humid Summer Peaks

Januarys average a cool 38.4°F, while July brings an average of 77.9°F. Summer humidity is a major factor during the 40 days that top 90°F.

Maintain Cooling and Rain Prep

Focus on air conditioning maintenance to survive the 40 days of extreme summer heat. Residents should also plan for a wet climate given the 48.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Durham County?
The average annual temperature in Durham County, NC is 58.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Durham County get?
Durham County receives an average of 48.6 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Durham County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Durham County is 75.9°F. The county experiences an average of 40 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Durham County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Durham County is 40.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 38.4°F.

Track your own weather in Durham County

Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.

Shop Weather Stations →

Sponsored

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
← Back to North Carolina