Weather in Wilmington, North Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Mostly Clear—79°54°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—86°61°
- MondayMay 18Mostly Clear—82°65°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—85°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Clear—88°66°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle31%87°69°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle54%84°68°
- PM 2.5
- 7.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 10.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.4 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 88.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:19 AM
- Moonset
- 12:29 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Wilmington at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 11°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 12 (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 Wilmington's peak heat with mean temperatures around 82°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 47°F. September produces the heaviest rainfall at 8.7 inches, contrasting with April's driest period of 3.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| February | 49° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| March | 55° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| April | 64° | 3.1″ | 5 |
| May | 71° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| June | 78° | 5.7″ | 7 |
| July | 82° | 6.9″ | 9 |
| August | 80° | 8.2″ | 10 |
| September | 75° | 8.7″ | 7 |
| October | 66° | 4.7″ | 5 |
| November | 56° | 3.6″ | 5 |
| December | 50° | 3.7″ | 6 |
Regional context
Wilmington falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Durham, NC, Greensboro, NC.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the synchronized emergence of Brood XIII cicadas across North Carolina's coastal plain.
Red-winged blackbirds establish territories in Wilmington's marshlands during March, their distinctive calls marking the transition from winter to spring.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Wilmington?
- Mid-March typically marks Wilmington's last spring frost, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Wilmington?
- September records the highest monthly rainfall at approximately 8.7 inches, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 60 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Wilmington?
- July temperatures peak at an average of about 82°F during the year's warmest period.
- What is the coldest month in Wilmington?
- January delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging approximately 47°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Wilmington?
- Plant cool-season crops like peas and lettuce around the last spring frost in mid-March, then wait 1–2 weeks after for warm-season varieties such as tomatoes and peppers.
- How many rainy days does Wilmington get?
- Approximately 79 rainy days occur annually in Wilmington.
- What hardiness zone is Wilmington?
- Check the USDA's online ZIP code lookup tool for Wilmington's current hardiness zone, which reflects the area's lowest average winter temperatures.
Climate
Wilmington, North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate. January temperatures hover near 47°F while July averages 82°F, creating a 35°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 60 inches across roughly 79 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns emerge from Wilmington's latitude at 34.2°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.