Weather in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Partly Cloudy—87°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—93°62°
- MondayMay 18Clear—93°68°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—90°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast10%91°65°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle64%90°67°
- FridayMay 22Overcast62%87°65°
- PM 2.5
- 5.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 91.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:21 AM
- Moonset
- 12:36 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Fayetteville at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 7°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 18 (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
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Fayetteville's peak heat (~81°F mean) while January delivers the year's coldest temperatures (~43°F). Rainfall reaches its maximum in July (5.7 inches) and drops to its minimum in February (3.2 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| February | 46° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| March | 52° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| April | 61° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| May | 70° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| June | 77° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| July | 81° | 5.7″ | 9 |
| August | 79° | 5.2″ | 8 |
| September | 74° | 4.9″ | 6 |
| October | 63° | 3.3″ | 5 |
| November | 52° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| December | 46° | 3.5″ | 7 |
Regional context
Fayetteville belongs to the humid subtropical climate region — sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Durham, NC, Greensboro, NC.
Naturalist notes
Red-winged blackbirds return to Fayetteville's wetlands in late February, their territorial calls marking winter's retreat.
Dogwood trees begin their spring bloom in early April, painting the forest understory white before the canopy leafs out.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Fayetteville?
- Fayetteville's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Fayetteville?
- July is the wettest month with about 5.7 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 48 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Fayetteville?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Fayetteville?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 43°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Fayetteville?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Fayetteville get?
- Fayetteville averages about 78 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Fayetteville?
- Fayetteville's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Fayetteville, North Carolina sits in a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 43°F while July averages 81°F — a 38°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Fayetteville receives about 48 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 78 rainy days.
Geography sets the rhythm here: latitude (35.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to shape what grows, when frost threatens, and how weather patterns unfold through the seasons.