Charlotte, NC: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Charlotte is situated in the rolling hills of Piedmont, 180 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Though the city is located about 85 miles southeast of the Appalachian range, the mountains play a significant role in Charlotte weather. The mountains shelter the city from harsh weather, so while winters are cool, the temperatures rarely drop to freezing and significant snowfall is rare.

Summer: Charlotte weather is hot and humid in summer, with the temperature climbing into the 90s on July afternoons. Afternoon thunderstorms often bring temporary relief from the heat. The average temperature is 78 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.9 inches.

Fall: September can be summer-like but October and November bring crisp weather to Charlotte. Fall is relatively dry, with only the occasional afternoon rain shower. The average temperature is 62 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.2 inches.

Winter: Temperatures generally stay comfortable in winter. Snow dustings in January and February aren't uncommon, but the snow usually melts quickly. The average temperature is 40 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.7 inches.

Spring: Temperatures may rise into the 70s on spring afternoons, but evenings can be chilly. Charleston weather is quite pleasant for the majority of spring days. The average temperature is 65 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.4 inches.

Looking for local weather reports? Try www.wsoctv.com/weather. or the Charlotte Observer.

When to Go: Peak Season

Spring and fall bring the largest numbers of visitors to Charlotte. The warm, dry weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and a full calendar of events (graduations, sporting events, etc.) related to the University of North Carolina bring students' families to town en masse. This is the best time to visit Charlotte's famous bird sanctuary and Springfest, a music festival in April, along with September's Festival in the Park, bring additional tourists to the city. Hotel rooms, especially those around University City, are at their most expensive during the peak months of May, September, and October.

When to Go: Off Season

Colder temperatures drive out tourists, making winter Charlotte's off season. Thanks to the mild climate, however, it rarely snows much, and the temperatures are bearable for walking around the city and sightseeing. Hotel room rates tend to go up around Christmas and the winter holidays, but they drop again after the New Year. You won't encounter crowds in the city's museums and restaurants, apart from the locals themselves, so this is a good time to travel if you don't mind a little chilly weather and you like to shop or dine in relative peace.

When to Go: Shoulder Season

Charlotte weather can be sweltering in July and August. Temperatures often climb into the 90s on July days, and thunderstorms unleash rain and winds over the city practically every other afternoon. Many university students are out of the city for the summer, and many tourists prefer to head to coastal destinations during these hot months. Hotel room rates aren't extremely discounted, but you'll certainly have a wide selection to choose from - just make sure your accommodations offer a swimming pool so that you can cool off on sunny summer afternoons. Summer nights are usually pleasant and even the Charlotte locals who hide in the air conditioning during the day like to be out and about, enjoying the cooler temperatures.

• Mon

   

  Cloudy

  51  44

• Tue

   

  Mostly Cloudy

  61  45

• Wed

   

  Cloudy

  61  42

• Thu

   

  Partly Cloudy

  62  36

• Fri

   

  Sunny

  54  36

• Sat

   

  Sunny

  54  35

• Sun

   

  Sunny

  57  38

Get more information on Charlotte weather.