Late summer · Weather & things to do
Downtown Raleigh in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.0 in (127 mm) falling in Downtown Raleigh, alongside highs near 89°F (32°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C).
Its comfort score of 60/100 is still Good, though it ranks 11th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 5.0 in (127 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 60/100 · Good
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 89°F (32°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 68°F (20°C).
Expect regular rain: about 5.0 in (127 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October & November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort holds steady from July (58 → 60/100).
- 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 — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.0 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Raleigh in August
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Poole's Diner
Ashley Christensen's diner in a 1945 luncheonette, known for macaroni au gratin and a chalkboard menu.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.0 in of rain.
Angus Barn
Big red-barn steakhouse by the airport since 1960, with a deep wine cellar and a famously busy New Year's Eve.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
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 Go early — afternoons average 89°F.
North Carolina State Capitol
Greek Revival capitol from 1840 at the north end of Fayetteville Street, a straight sightline from City Plaza.
Why now Best first thing, before the 89°F afternoon heat.
Nearby in August
- Uptown Charlotte in August~130 mi · highs 90°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Richmond in August~139 mi · highs 89°F, 4.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Williamsburg in August~149 mi · highs 88°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ocracoke in August~156 mi · highs 83°F, 7.7 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Downtown Raleigh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 60/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are April and October & November. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 5.0 in (127 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Raleigh in August?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Raleigh in August?
Yes: about 5.0 in (127 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.7 in (1187 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Raleigh in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.0 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown Raleigh
Planning Downtown Raleigh in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.