What should you know about Fayetteville's weather?
- NWS office
- Raleigh (RAH)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 101 ft
- Coordinates
- 35.05° N, 78.88° W
- Nearest radar
- KRAX · Raleigh/Durham NEXRAD · 48 mi
- County
- Cumberland County, NC
- Yearly rain
- 44.6 in
- Warmest month
- July · 81.7°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 44°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Fayetteville get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54.0 | 57.8 | 65.3 | 74.8 | 82.1 | 88.5 | 91.4 | 89.3 | 83.9 | 74.8 | 64.9 | 56.8 |
| Low °F | 34.0 | 36.2 | 42.3 | 50.8 | 59.7 | 68.2 | 71.9 | 70.2 | 64.6 | 52.9 | 42.3 | 36.3 |
| Rain (in) | 3.15 | 2.78 | 3.08 | 3.15 | 3.11 | 4.89 | 4.95 | 5.36 | 4.87 | 3.23 | 3.04 | 2.97 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54.0 | 34.0 | 3.15 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 36.2 | 2.78 |
| Mar | 65.3 | 42.3 | 3.08 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 50.8 | 3.15 |
| May | 82.1 | 59.7 | 3.11 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 68.2 | 4.89 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 71.9 | 4.95 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 70.2 | 5.36 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 64.6 | 4.87 |
| Oct | 74.8 | 52.9 | 3.23 |
| Nov | 64.9 | 42.3 | 3.04 |
| Dec | 56.8 | 36.3 | 2.97 |
FAYETTEVILLE RGNL AP, NC US · 4 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What did Hurricane Matthew mean for rivers near Fayetteville?
Hurricane Matthew brought record flooding to the Little River at Manchester near Fayetteville in October 2016. Its crest exceeded the previous peak from Hurricane Floyd. The local radar view tracks incoming rain, while river observations show the runoff already passing through the basin. Continue checking river forecasts after the rain bands retreat instead of treating a clearing loop as an all-clear.
What can Fayetteville weather radar reveal about a rotating storm?
It can show storm organization and motion, but a rain display alone cannot confirm the circulation near the ground. During the April 16, 2011 outbreak, the storm that produced the Fayetteville-Smithfield tornado maintained a strong radar signature while crossing northern Cumberland County. The NWS Raleigh review also describes its circulation separating from the main updraft as the tornado approached Interstate 95. Keep following official warnings as the storm structure changes, rather than assuming the strongest rain color marks the entire threat.
Why watch for new summer cells even after a shower moves away?
Summer rainfall is substantial at Fayetteville Regional Airport, so the next developing cell can matter as much as the one leaving. Normal precipitation is 4.89 inches in June, 4.95 inches in July and 5.36 inches in August. Those monthly totals do not say which neighborhood will get wet on a particular afternoon. Look for fresh echoes forming nearby before restarting outdoor plans after a shower.
What are the limits of the Raleigh/Durham radar view?
KRAX is about 48 miles from Fayetteville, so its view samples air above the surface rather than the condition of your street. Radar beams rise farther above the ground with increasing distance from the station. This matters when a shallow layer of cold air could turn falling rain into ice on contact. For a cold-weather drive, compare the hourly temperature forecast with the precipitation timing instead of relying on color alone.
When should you check the Fayetteville radar?
Early-summer thunderstorm concentration
May to JulyMay to July accounts for about 66% of the county's severe reports from 1996 to 2025. Before outdoor plans in Hope Mills, check for fresh cells developing behind a departing shower.
Peak Atlantic tropical activity
Mid-August to mid-OctoberPersistent tropical rain bands are a reason to postpone an outing on the Cape Fear River Trail. Check access conditions after the bands leave, since the radar cannot certify that a trail is open.
What else do people ask about the Fayetteville radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Fayetteville?
NWS Raleigh (RAH) issues forecasts and warnings for Fayetteville. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KRAX, about 48 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Raleigh and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KRAX (Raleigh/Durham NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Raleigh (RAH)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KRAX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Raleigh (RAH)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Raleigh office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: FAYETTEVILLE RGNL AP, NC US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Raleigh: Hurricane Matthew event summary
- NWS Raleigh: Spring tornado outbreak analysis
- National Weather Service: Radar sampling and surface observations
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical cyclone climatology
- North Carolina Trails: Cape Fear River Trail application