Weather in Burlington, North Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—84°48°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—91°62°
- MondayMay 18Clear—91°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—91°61°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle35%92°61°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Showers76%73°62°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle76%76°57°
- PM 2.5
- 13.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.4 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 117.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:20 AM
- Moonset
- 12:41 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Burlington at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 4°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 23 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Burlington's peak heat with mean temperatures around 80°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 41°F. September typically produces the most rainfall at 4.9 inches, with November marking the driest period at 3.2 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 4.0″ | 13 |
| February | 44° | 3.2″ | 11 |
| March | 51° | 4.4″ | 15 |
| April | 60° | 3.8″ | 13 |
| May | 68° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| June | 76° | 4.6″ | 15 |
| July | 80° | 4.4″ | 15 |
| August | 78° | 4.1″ | 14 |
| September | 72° | 4.9″ | 16 |
| October | 61° | 3.4″ | 11 |
| November | 51° | 3.2″ | 11 |
| December | 44° | 3.4″ | 11 |
Regional context
Burlington falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing comparable temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with surrounding cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Durham, NC, Greensboro, NC.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of wood thrushes echoing through Burlington's woodlands as these migratory songbirds establish their breeding territories.
Dogwood trees typically reach full bloom across the area during mid-April, their white bracts creating a striking display before the canopy leafs out completely.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Burlington?
- Burlington's final spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, with the first fall frost returning around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Burlington?
- September ranks as the wettest month, delivering approximately 4.9 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 47 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Burlington?
- July typically registers as the warmest month, with average temperatures around 80°F.
- What is the coldest month in Burlington?
- January usually marks the coldest period, averaging about 41°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Burlington?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Burlington get?
- Burlington experiences approximately 157 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Burlington?
- Burlington's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Burlington, North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 41°F, while July averages reach 80°F — creating a 38°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 47 inches across roughly 157 rainy days throughout the year.
Geographic factors like latitude (36.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation determine the local growing patterns, frost timing, and daily weather patterns.