Mid-spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown Raleigh in April
Downtown Raleigh warms up: highs climb to 71°F (22°C), from 60°F in March, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain.
April opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 87/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 87/100 · Great
What April feels like
Warm afternoons near 71°F (22°C) make long days outdoors easy.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 13°C (23°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Some rain is likely, about 3.6 in (91 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around April
April is one of Downtown Raleigh's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 71°F, up from 60°F in March.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April and October & November.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by May, the score drops to 81/100.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 6°C (11°F) from March.
- Our Raleigh New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — April falls outside it.
What to pack for April
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 71°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Raleigh in April
April is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
North Carolina State Capitol
Greek Revival capitol from 1840 at the north end of Fayetteville Street, a straight sightline from City Plaza.
Why now April scores 87/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
First Night Raleigh and the Acorn Drop
Artsplosure's New Year's Eve festival on Fayetteville Street, ending with the copper acorn lowered over City Plaza and fireworks.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 3.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Poole's Diner
Ashley Christensen's diner in a 1945 luncheonette, known for macaroni au gratin and a chalkboard menu.
The Raleigh Times Bar
Bar in the 1906 building of the old Raleigh Times newspaper, with a rooftop patio a block from City Plaza.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in April
- Uptown Charlotte in April~130 mi · highs 72°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in April~139 mi · highs 69°F, 3.5 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in April~149 mi · highs 68°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ocracoke in April~156 mi · highs 67°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Dix Park & West Raleigh.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown Raleigh in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Downtown Raleigh?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 87/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Raleigh in April?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Raleigh in April?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.7 in (1187 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Raleigh in April?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 71°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown Raleigh
Planning Downtown Raleigh in April?
Share this April plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.