Raleigh in August

In August, Raleigh averages 31°C (87°F) during the day and 21°C (71°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (122 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

It's peak hurricane season in Raleigh during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

31°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
122 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Raleigh

2nd
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 32 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in Raleigh (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C above the annual average (22°C). August runs 1°C cooler than July (32°C) and cools 3°C in September (28°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Raleigh

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:33 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:04 PM
Day length
13 h 32 min

Times shown for Raleigh local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Raleigh — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Raleigh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:33 AM – 6:13 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:13 AM – 7:13 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:24 PM – 8:24 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:24 PM – 9:04 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Raleigh.

📅 When to book — Raleigh in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Shoulder) and Raleigh's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — August in Raleigh

Shoulder

Raleigh is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Raleigh

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.8
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Raleigh in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 10°C / 51°F 1°C / 34°F 102 mm 10
February 14°C / 56°F 4°C / 38°F 92 mm 10
March 17°C / 62°F 6°C / 43°F 91 mm 11
April 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 51°F 108 mm 10
May 26°C / 80°F 16°C / 60°F 100 mm 11
June 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 68°F 113 mm 13
July 32°C / 90°F 22°C / 72°F 109 mm 15
August 31°C / 87°F 21°C / 71°F 122 mm 14
September 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F 146 mm 12
October 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 56°F 92 mm 8
November 16°C / 61°F 7°C / 44°F 90 mm 8
December 13°C / 56°F 4°C / 40°F 103 mm 10

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Raleigh in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Raleigh in August?

In August, Raleigh averages a high of 31°C (87°F) and a low of 21°C (71°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Raleigh in August?

August can be fairly wet in Raleigh, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Raleigh?

August is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Raleigh in August?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Raleigh for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Raleigh on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.