Raleigh in September

In September, Raleigh averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (146 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 September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

28°C
Avg high
19°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
146 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Raleigh

4th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 26 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Raleigh (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (22°C). September runs 3°C cooler than August (31°C) and cools 5°C in October (23°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Raleigh

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:57 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:22 PM
Day length
12 h 26 min

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

Photography light in Raleigh — September

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:57 AM – 6:37 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:37 AM – 7:37 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:42 PM – 7:42 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:42 PM – 8:22 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 September

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 September'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 — September 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: comfortable tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Raleigh

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.2
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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 September weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Raleigh in September?

In September, Raleigh averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Raleigh in September?

September can be fairly wet in Raleigh, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Raleigh?

September is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Raleigh in September?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September 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.