North Carolina weather and outdoor projects
North Carolina has three regions with different weather. Charlotte and Raleigh in the Piedmont have hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional ice. The coast is warmer in winter and exposed to hurricanes, and the mountains around Asheville are cooler, wetter and get earlier frost.
Fall is often the best season for outdoor projects, with drier air and steadier weather. Spring is good too, though pine pollen in March and April can stick to wet finishes. Summer afternoon storms and humid nights make early starts important.
Frost dates in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 30 and the median first fall freeze is around November 3, a frost-free season of about 221 days.
In Raleigh–Durham, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 31 and the median first fall freeze is around November 4, a frost-free season of about 219 days.
In Asheville, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 9 and the median first fall freeze is around October 28, a frost-free season of about 201 days.
Frost dates matter for concrete, which must not freeze in its first 48 hours, for paint and caulk that need nights above their minimum, and for lawn care, since crabgrass preventer goes down as the soil warms in spring. See how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Best time to stain a deck in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–January is too cold, with average highs around 54°F. In February, nights average about 35°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Raleigh–Durham, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June–August and November can also work on the right days. December–January is too cold, with average highs around 53°F. In February, nights average about 34°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March and November, nights average about 40°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Asheville, the most reliable months are May and September. April, June–August and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In March and November, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August averages about 8 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the deck staining forecast.
Best time to paint outside in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. February–March, July–August and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 32°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. February and December are cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Raleigh–Durham, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June–August and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 32°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. February and December are cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 40°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Asheville, the most reliable months are May and September–October. March–April, June–August and November can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In February and December, nights average about 31°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March–April and November, nights average about 39°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August averages about 8 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the exterior painting forecast.
Best time to pour concrete in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days. December–February averages about 14 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 7 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Raleigh–Durham, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days. December–February averages about 16 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 8 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Asheville, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March averages about 17 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 2 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the concrete pouring forecast.
Best time to seal a driveway in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 55°F. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Raleigh–Durham, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 54°F. In March and November, nights average about 40°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Asheville, the most reliable months are May and September. April, June–August and October can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 55°F. In April and October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August averages about 8 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the driveway sealing forecast.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in North Carolina
In Charlotte, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June–August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Raleigh–Durham, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June–August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Asheville, the most reliable months are April–October. February–March and November–December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. February–March and November–December are cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the lawn fertilizer forecast.
How the weather differs across North Carolina
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 90°F | 32°F | 44 in | March 30 | November 3 |
| Raleigh–Durham | 91°F | 32°F | 46 in | March 31 | November 4 |
| Asheville | 85°F | 29°F | 50 in | April 9 | October 28 |
Of the places above, Charlotte has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (17 job-months), and Asheville has the fewest (10). If you live between them, expect something in between, and higher ground to be cooler with a shorter season.
Monthly weather in Charlotte
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 32°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 44% | 17 |
| February | 57°F | 35°F | 6 | 3.1 in | 41% | 12 |
| March | 64°F | 41°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 39% | 6 |
| April | 73°F | 49°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 40% | 1 |
| May | 80°F | 58°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 47% | 0 |
| June | 87°F | 66°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 49% | 0 |
| July | 90°F | 70°F | 6 | 3.7 in | 50% | 0 |
| August | 89°F | 69°F | 6 | 4.3 in | 51% | 0 |
| September | 83°F | 63°F | 5 | 3.7 in | 50% | 0 |
| October | 73°F | 50°F | 4 | 3.2 in | 47% | 1 |
| November | 63°F | 40°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 43% | 7 |
| December | 55°F | 35°F | 6 | 3.6 in | 46% | 14 |
*Days with at least 0.1 inch of rain or melted snow. Freezing nights: average nights a month at or below 32°F. Humidity is calculated from NOAA hourly normal temperature and dew point at 3 PM.
Monthly weather in Raleigh–Durham
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 32°F | 7 | 3.4 in | 45% | 18 |
| February | 56°F | 34°F | 6 | 2.8 in | 42% | 14 |
| March | 63°F | 40°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 40% | 8 |
| April | 73°F | 49°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 42% | 1 |
| May | 80°F | 58°F | 7 | 3.4 in | 49% | 0 |
| June | 87°F | 66°F | 7 | 3.9 in | 50% | 0 |
| July | 91°F | 70°F | 8 | 5.0 in | 52% | 0 |
| August | 89°F | 69°F | 7 | 4.7 in | 53% | 0 |
| September | 83°F | 63°F | 6 | 5.2 in | 53% | 0 |
| October | 73°F | 50°F | 5 | 3.4 in | 50% | 1 |
| November | 63°F | 40°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 45% | 8 |
| December | 55°F | 34°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 48% | 15 |
Monthly weather in Asheville
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 29°F | 6 | 4.1 in | 47% | 22 |
| February | 53°F | 31°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 44% | 18 |
| March | 60°F | 37°F | 8 | 3.8 in | 42% | 11 |
| April | 69°F | 45°F | 7 | 4.2 in | 41% | 2 |
| May | 76°F | 53°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 49% | 0 |
| June | 83°F | 61°F | 8 | 4.8 in | 55% | 0 |
| July | 85°F | 65°F | 9 | 4.7 in | 57% | 0 |
| August | 84°F | 64°F | 8 | 5.0 in | 58% | 0 |
| September | 79°F | 58°F | 6 | 4.1 in | 54% | 0 |
| October | 70°F | 46°F | 4 | 3.4 in | 47% | 2 |
| November | 60°F | 36°F | 6 | 3.7 in | 44% | 13 |
| December | 52°F | 31°F | 7 | 4.2 in | 49% | 19 |
Use the averages, then check the forecast
These ratings describe a typical month, not a particular week. A warm spell in a “poor” month can give you a good day, and a wet week can spoil a “good” one. Use this page to plan the season, then check the 7-day forecast for your ZIP code before you buy materials or book help. Each project forecast checks the hours after you finish too: overnight lows, dew and rain that would ruin fresh stain, paint, sealer or concrete.
About this data
Monthly temperatures, rain days, snowfall and freeze dates are NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Climate Normals for 1991–2020 at CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AP, RALEIGH DURHAM INTL AP, ASHEVILLE RGNL AP. Ratings apply the same temperature limits as our forecasts (for example, 50°F or warmer for deck stain and driveway sealer, and no freezing nights for new concrete) to the average month. Your product label always takes priority.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in North Carolina?
In Charlotte, April–June and September–October. In Raleigh–Durham, April–May and September–October. In Asheville, May and September. Look for at least 24 dry hours before and after, and nights above about 40°F. The deck staining forecast checks your exact week.
When is the last frost in North Carolina?
Charlotte: around March 30; Raleigh–Durham: around March 31; Asheville: around April 9. These are median dates from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, so a freeze after them happens in about half of years. Low spots and valleys freeze later in spring.
Can you pour concrete in winter in North Carolina?
Yes, but it needs cold-weather practices. Charlotte averages about 43 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in North Carolina?
In Charlotte, May–September. In Raleigh–Durham, May–September. In Asheville, May and September. Most sealers need 50°F or warmer for 24 hours and a dry day after. See the driveway sealing forecast.