AI-generatedWilmington, North Carolina at a glance
- Best time
- May – Oct
- Warmest month
- Jul · 32°
- Warmest sea
- Aug · 27.9°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,360 h
- Rain a year
- 1,370 mm
- Climate
- Temperate
- Time zone
- UTC−5 / UTC−4
- Elevation
- 9 m
Climate in Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. July is the warmest month with average highs of 32 °C, while January is the coolest at 14 °C. With around 2,360 hours of sunshine a year, Wilmington, North Carolina is sunny; May is the sunniest month with 7.9 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Wilmington, North Carolina
The best time to visit Wilmington, North Carolina is from May to October. In August, September and October, though, the hurricane season is at its peak: check the forecast before you go. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go in May and in October. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable from February to May and from October to December. The wettest month is August with 187 mm of precipitation.
Wilmington, North Carolina through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Wilmington, North Carolina in spring
Mar – May
Fair
- 19–28 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 7.3 h of sun a day
- 28 rainy days in all
Wilmington, North Carolina in summer
Jun – Aug
Good
- 31–32 °C by day
- Sea 27 °C
- 7.3 h of sun a day
- 50 rainy days in all
Wilmington, North Carolina in autumn
Sep – Nov
Good
- 20–29 °C by day
- Sea 23 °C
- 6.0 h of sun a day
- 28 rainy days in all
Wilmington, North Carolina in winter
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 14–16 °C by day
- Sea 14 °C
- 5.2 h of sun a day
- 27 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
May, Oct
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
Feb – May, Oct – Dec
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Wilmington, North Carolina for you.
Your best months: May – June, September
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Excellent
Best time to visit: May – October
October is the peak of the hurricane season Hurricane season
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Good forBeach & swimmingSightseeing & walks
Keep in mindStorm season
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 15°
- Midday, 13:00: about 24°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 24°
- Evening, 20:00: about 20°
- Night, 23:00: about 17°
07:1618:39
Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 07:00–07:50 · evening 18:05–18:54
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:51–07:00 · evening 18:54–19:04
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
October in Wilmington, North Carolina compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs fall from about 27° at the start of the month to 22° at the end. The sea cools from 25° to 21°. The days get 1.0 h shorter.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 27° | 22° |
| Night-time low | 16° | 10° |
| Sea | 25° | 21° |
| Daylight | 11.9 h | 10.9 h |
What is the weather like in Wilmington, North Carolina in October?
In October, Wilmington, North Carolina is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 23.4 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 88 mm. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 11 h 23 min07:16 – 18:39
- UV index
- 5 · moderateclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 8 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 16 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 44 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 1 day30 °C or moreAll months
- Time zone
- UTC−4offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 35 %95 %
- Seaweight 25 %91 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %55 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %76 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.
What to pack in October
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- A jumper for the evenings
Compare two months in Wilmington, North Carolina
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
October and June bring similar holiday weather to Wilmington, North Carolina (score 82 and 81). In June, days are 6 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 2 °C warmer in June. June has 8 more rainy days. The sun shines 2 hours longer a day in June.
| Month | October | June |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 82 | 81 |
| Daytime high | 25° | 31° |
| Night-time low | 13° | 21° |
| Sea | 23.4° | 25.6° |
| Sunshine | 6.3 h | 7.8 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 7better | 15 |
| Rainfall | 88 mmbetter | 120 mm |
| Muggy days | 8better | 25 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Wilmington, North Carolina month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
20January14° · Sea 14° · 5.2 h
In January, Wilmington, North Carolina is cool: daytime highs average 14 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sea averages 14.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 82 mm in total. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in January21February16° · Sea 13° · 5.5 h
In February, Wilmington, North Carolina is cool: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. The sea averages 13.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 88 mm. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in February26March19° · Sea 15° · 6.3 h
In March, Wilmington, North Carolina is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 14.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 99 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in March62April24° · Sea 18° · 7.7 h
In April, Wilmington, North Carolina is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 18.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.7 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 83 mm. All in all, April is a good month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in April79May28° · Sea 22° · 7.9 h
In May, Wilmington, North Carolina is hot: daytime highs average 28 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 21.9 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 7.9 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 98 mm in total. On about 6 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, May is a good month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in May81June31° · Sea 26° · 7.8 h
In June, Wilmington, North Carolina is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 21 °C. The sea averages 25.6 °C – pleasant for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.8 hours a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 120 mm. On about 19 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, June is an excellent month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in June68July32° · Sea 28° · 7.4 h
In July, Wilmington, North Carolina is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 23 °C. The sea averages 27.5 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.4 hours a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 170 mm. On about 28 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, July is a good month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in July70August32° · Sea 28° · 6.6 h
In August, Wilmington, North Carolina is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 22 °C. The sea averages 27.9 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 6.6 hours a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 187 mm. On about 24 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, August is a good month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in August76September29° · Sea 27° · 5.9 h
In September, Wilmington, North Carolina is hot: daytime highs average 29 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 26.6 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 173 mm in total. On about 11 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, September is a good month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in September82October25° · Sea 23° · 6.3 h
In October, Wilmington, North Carolina is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 23.4 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 88 mm. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in October37November20° · Sea 19° · 5.8 h
In November, Wilmington, North Carolina is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 19.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 85 mm. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in November20December16° · Sea 16° · 5.0 h
In December, Wilmington, North Carolina is cool: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. The sea averages 15.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 97 mm. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Wilmington, North Carolina
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cold 0–8°
- Cool 8–15°
- Pleasant 15–20°
- Warm 20–24°
- muggy month (15+ muggy days)
CoolOctober: nights around 13°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening. Muggy on about 8 days (dew point 18 °C or more).
The coolest nights are in January (3°), the warmest in July (23°). Tropical nights of 20 °C and more are the rule from June to September; then air conditioning or a fan helps you sleep. Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) in May. Nights fall below 8 °C on average from November to March, so the room should be heated. It is muggy (dew point 18 °C or more) on about 135 days a year, mostly from June to September.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 20 | 14° | 3° | 14.0° | 5.2 h | 9 | 82 |
| FebruaryFeb | 21 | 16° | 4° | 13.0° | 5.5 h | 9 | 88 |
| MarchMar | 26 | 19° | 7° | 14.7° | 6.3 h | 9 | 99 |
| AprilApr | 62 | 24° | 12° | 18.0° | 7.7 h | 8 | 83 |
| MayMay | 79 | 28° | 16° | 21.9° | 7.9 h | 11 | 98 |
| JuneJun | 81 | 31° | 21° | 25.6° | 7.8 h | 15 | 120 |
| JulyJul | 68 | 32° | 23° | 27.5° | 7.4 h | 18 | 170 |
| AugustAug | 70 | 32° | 22° | 27.9° | 6.6 h | 18 | 187 |
| SeptemberSep | 76 | 29° | 20° | 26.6° | 5.9 h | 13 | 173 |
| OctoberOct | 82 | 25° | 13° | 23.4° | 6.3 h | 7 | 88 |
| NovemberNov | 37 | 20° | 7° | 19.3° | 5.8 h | 8 | 85 |
| DecemberDec | 20 | 16° | 4° | 15.9° | 5.0 h | 9 | 97 |
Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
34.24° N, 77.95° W · 9 m · America/New_York
Sea temperature in Wilmington, North Carolina
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 22.2 – 24.5 °C
Swimming season: May – Oct
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Wilmington, North Carolina ranges from 13.0 °C in February to 27.9 °C in August. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from May to October.
The sea warms up slowly: it is warmest in August, while the air already peaks in July. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in August, eight out of ten years were between 27.1 and 28.7 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 14.0° | 9.4° | 19.4° | cold |
| FebruaryFeb | 13.0° | 8.6° | 18.1° | cold |
| MarchMar | 14.7° | 11.3° | 18.8° | cold |
| AprilApr | 18.0° | 16.4° | 19.6° | fresh |
| MayMay | 21.9° | 21.1° | 22.9° | refreshing |
| JuneJun | 25.6° | 24.8° | 26.3° | pleasant |
| JulyJul | 27.5° | 26.8° | 28.4° | warm |
| AugustAug | 27.9° | 27.1° | 28.7° | warm |
| SeptemberSep | 26.6° | 25.9° | 27.4° | warm |
| OctoberOct | 23.4° | 22.2° | 24.5° | pleasant |
| NovemberNov | 19.3° | 17.1° | 21.7° | fresh |
| DecemberDec | 15.9° | 12.8° | 20.8° | cold |
Sunshine hours in Wilmington, North Carolina
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 6.3 of 11.4 hours of daylight in Wilmington, North Carolina, 55 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Wilmington, North Carolina: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Wilmington, North Carolina has about 7 rainy days with 88 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Wilmington, North Carolina
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 5 · moderateAround midday seek shade; use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in June (UV 11).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 25 min
- Fair skin
- about 30 min
- Light brown skin
- about 45 min
- Olive skin
- about 55 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Wind and clouds in Wilmington, North Carolina
How breezy and how cloudy Wilmington, North Carolina is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Wilmington, North Carolina typically peaks at 16 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
From Beaufort 4 (20 km/h) the daily breeze is usually enough for windsurfing and often for kiting: Feb – Apr.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 44 % of the sky over Wilmington, North Carolina: mostly sunny, with about 6.3 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Heat and humidity in Wilmington, North Carolina
How often the day gets hot in Wilmington, North Carolina (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.
Heat calendar
- pleasant
- some hot or muggy days
- often muggy
- often hot
- hot and muggy
In October, Wilmington, North Carolina has about 1 hot day, with an average daytime high of 25 °C: some hot or muggy days. Single hot or muggy days are possible; a hat and water bottle are enough.
Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year
Planning a trip to Wilmington, North Carolina
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Wilmington, North Carolina in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Wilmington, North Carolina has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 82) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 20).
- 51
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Fair
- 23 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 7.3 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 79
May half-term
May – Jun
Good
- 28 °C by day
- Sea 23 °C
- 7.9 h of sun a day
- 12 rainy days a month
Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks
- 69
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Good
- 32 °C by day
- Sea 28 °C
- 6.9 h of sun a day
- 18 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Storm season
- 82
October half-term
Oct
ExcellentBest holidays
- 25 °C by day
- Sea 23 °C
- 6.3 h of sun a day
- 7 rainy days a month
Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks
Keep in mind: Storm season
- 20
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
Poor
- 15 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 5.1 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 8 h 5 min
- Distance
- 6,280 km
- Time zone
- UTC−4
- Jet lag
- About 3 days (5 h west)
Rule of thumb for flying west: for a few days before, stay up a little later, and get afternoon and evening light at your destination.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Storm season
Wilmington, North Carolina lies in an area that Atlantic hurricanes can reach. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with most storms from August to October. A direct hit on any one place is rare, but if you travel then, keep an eye on weather warnings and book flexibly.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June: Season
- July: Season
- August: Peak
- September: Peak
- October: Peak
- November: Season
- December
Official season dates of the regional warning centres (NOAA, JMA, IMD, Météo-France, BoM, Fiji Meteorological Service); not a forecast.
Compare & alternatives
Wilmington, North Carolina compared
Put Wilmington, North Carolina side by side with another destination.
Wilmington vs Myrtle Beach
In October the holiday weather in Wilmington and Myrtle Beach is about equally good (score 82 vs 81). During the day Myrtle Beach is 1 °C cooler than Wilmington. The sea in Myrtle Beach is 1 °C warmer.
| in October | Wilmington | Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 82 | 81 |
| Daytime high | 25° | 24° |
| Sea | 23° | 24° |
| Sunshine | 6 h | 6 h |
| Rainy days | 7 | 7 |
| Best time | May – Oct | May – Oct |
Through the year
USA in October: the best places
In October, Wilmington, North Carolina ranks 9 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Hilton Head Island26°24°87
- 2Charleston26°24°86
- 3Charlotte23°85
- 4Atlanta24°85
- 5Raleigh23°84
- 6Savannah26°84
- 7Greenville23°84
- 8Chattanooga24°84
- 9WilmingtonThis page25°23°82
Near Wilmington, North Carolina
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Wilmington, North Carolina
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Wilmington, North Carolina's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Wilmington, North Carolina
When is the best time to visit Wilmington, North Carolina?
The best time to visit Wilmington, North Carolina is from May to October. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Wilmington, North Carolina?
The sea temperature in Wilmington, North Carolina ranges from 13.0 °C in February to 27.9 °C in August. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from May to October.
Can you swim in Wilmington, North Carolina in October?
Yes. In October the sea averages 23.4 °C – pleasant for swimming.
What is the warmest month in Wilmington, North Carolina?
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 32 °C and nights around 23 °C. January is the coolest month at 14 °C.
When does it rain most in Wilmington, North Carolina?
The wettest month is August with 187 mm of precipitation. The driest month is January with 82 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Wilmington, North Carolina get?
Wilmington, North Carolina gets around 2,360 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is May with 7.9 hours a day; in December there are 5.0 hours a day.
What time zone is Wilmington, North Carolina in?
Wilmington, North Carolina is on UTC−5 in January and UTC−4 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Wilmington, North Carolina?
A nonstop flight from London to Wilmington, North Carolina takes about 8 h 5 min, for a straight-line distance of about 6,280 km.
When is hurricane season in Wilmington, North Carolina?
Wilmington, North Carolina lies in an area that Atlantic hurricanes can reach. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with most storms from August to October. A direct hit on any one place is rare, but if you travel then, keep an eye on weather warnings and book flexibly.
Which school holidays are best for Wilmington, North Carolina?
Wilmington, North Carolina has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 82) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 20). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 51, May half-term 79, summer holidays 69, October half-term 82, Christmas holidays 20.