Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Downtown Raleigh in July
Downtown Raleigh's warmest month brings highs averaging 91°F (33°C), lows of 69°F (21°C) and about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 58/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by heat.
- Avg high
- 91°F (33°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What July feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 91°F (33°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 69°F (21°C), about 12°C (22°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is a real factor, with about 4.8 in (122 mm) across the month.
Plan around July
July is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October & November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (July – September), which brings about 14.5 in (368 mm) in total.
- Comfort slips from 65/100 in June to 58/100.
- 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 — July falls outside it.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clothes91°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 69°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Raleigh in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Bida Manda
Laotian restaurant run by a brother and sister since 2012, known for crispy pork belly soup and lemongrass dishes.
Why now A break from 91°F afternoons.
North Carolina State Capitol
Greek Revival capitol from 1840 at the north end of Fayetteville Street, a straight sightline from City Plaza.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 91°F.
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Fine dining in the restored 1879 Dodd-Hinsdale House, with a formal upstairs dining room and a cozier tavern below.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
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 Best first thing, before the 91°F afternoon heat.
Nearby in July
- Uptown Charlotte in July~130 mi · highs 91°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in July~139 mi · highs 91°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Williamsburg in July~149 mi · highs 90°F, 4.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ocracoke in July~156 mi · highs 83°F, 6.2 in rain · 4°C (8°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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Downtown Raleigh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 58/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are April and October & November. Expect highs of 91°F (33°C) and 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Raleigh in July?
Average highs are 91°F (33°C) and average lows 69°F (21°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Raleigh in July?
Yes: about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.7 in (1187 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Raleigh in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (91°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 69°F) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
More on Downtown Raleigh
Planning Downtown Raleigh in July?
Share this July plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.