Summer is coming. This is how hot it usually gets in Charlotte
Brace yourself, Charlotte: summer is coming. And with it comes the higher temperatures that are a staple of the season in the region.
Whether Southern summers are old hat for you or you’re new to the area, you’re likely to have strong feelings about whether warmer days are a blessing or a curse. Either way, looking back on weather records and average temperatures from the past can help you know what to prepare for and provide perspective on the hottest of days.
Here’s what to know about the temperatures to expect as we head toward another summer in the Carolinas:
How hot does it get in Charlotte in the summer?
In the summer months — June, July, August and September — average temperatures in Charlotte climb into the mid-to-high 70s, according to the National Weather Service’s tracking.
But temperatures do get even higher: in 2021, Charlotte had 58 days when temperatures reached 90 degrees. The earliest 90-degree day came in late May, and the latest in September.
Charlotte hasn’t seen triple-digit temperatures, per National Weather Service data, since 2015.
What is the hottest month in Charlotte?
According to the National Weather Service’s averages, which use data dating back to 1871, July is typically the hottest month in Charlotte, with an average temperature of 78.5 degrees.
August is a close second, with an average temperature of 77.3 degrees.
Record high temperature in Charlotte
The highest daily temperature recorded in Charlotte happened relatively recently, according to the National Weather Service: 104 degrees on July 1, 2012.
The warmest month on record, meanwhile, was July 1993, when the temperature averaged 85.5 degrees.
Average annual temperature in Charlotte
While the summer months may get steamy, there are plenty of times throughout the year when it’s cooler in Charlotte. That averages out to relatively mild average yearly temperatures over the last two decades, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (Tip: Use the drop down menu in the graphic to compare multiple counties):
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 5:45 PM.
