What should you know about Wilmington's weather?
- NWS office
- Wilmington (ILM)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 14 ft
- Coordinates
- 34.24° N, 77.95° W
- Nearest radar
- KLTX · Wilmington NEXRAD · 32 mi
- County
- New Hanover County, NC
- Yearly rain
- 60.1 in
- Warmest month
- July · 81.5°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 46.8°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Wilmington get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57.2 | 60.3 | 66.5 | 74.6 | 81.1 | 87.0 | 90.0 | 88.3 | 83.9 | 76.1 | 67.4 | 60.3 |
| Low °F | 36.3 | 38.4 | 44.1 | 52.6 | 61.1 | 69.3 | 73.0 | 71.7 | 66.7 | 55.6 | 44.8 | 39.1 |
| Rain (in) | 3.81 | 3.47 | 3.97 | 3.07 | 4.54 | 5.67 | 6.86 | 8.16 | 8.69 | 4.66 | 3.56 | 3.69 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.2 | 36.3 | 3.81 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 38.4 | 3.47 |
| Mar | 66.5 | 44.1 | 3.97 |
| Apr | 74.6 | 52.6 | 3.07 |
| May | 81.1 | 61.1 | 4.54 |
| Jun | 87.0 | 69.3 | 5.67 |
| Jul | 90.0 | 73.0 | 6.86 |
| Aug | 88.3 | 71.7 | 8.16 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 66.7 | 8.69 |
| Oct | 76.1 | 55.6 | 4.66 |
| Nov | 67.4 | 44.8 | 3.56 |
| Dec | 60.3 | 39.1 | 3.69 |
WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US · 4 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Why can storms appear locally on Wilmington weather radar?
The sea breeze can trigger thunderstorms instead of simply bringing in rain that formed elsewhere. NWS Wilmington explains that rising warm air over land draws in cooler marine air and creates a zone where air converges. The classic sea-breeze boundary follows the coastline’s shape and can travel well inland. Look for new echoes developing along that boundary rather than assuming a quiet upstream map guarantees a dry afternoon.
How did Hurricane Florence disrupt access to Wilmington?
Florence’s flooding closed every access route and isolated Wilmington and New Hanover County for several days. The closures included Interstate 40 and the surrounding highway approaches. Within the county, strong winds also brought down trees and power lines. Rainfall radar helps track incoming bands, but the Florence experience shows why departure decisions also need current road closure information.
Can nearby beaches be dangerous when the radar is clear?
Yes, dangerous rip currents can occur during sunny weather along this coast. NWS Wilmington notes that some of the worst rip-current events coincide with the best weather. Rip currents channel water away from shore through the surf zone, a movement that this precipitation loop does not measure. Read the beach forecast and lifeguard guidance separately from your rain check.
How does Wilmington’s rainfall in August and September compare with April?
Both months are much wetter than April in the local airport normals. September averages 8.69 inches of precipitation and August averages 8.16 inches, compared with 3.07 inches in April. Those monthly totals are background context rather than a prediction for a particular storm. During a wet spell, use successive frames to see whether the heaviest cells keep revisiting the same part of the city.
When should you check the Wilmington radar?
Thunderstorm concentration
May to JulyAbout 54% of New Hanover County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall in this period. Before a boat trip to Masonboro Island, check for cells growing between the mainland and your destination.
Busiest Atlantic hurricane period
Mid-August to mid-OctoberFor plans in Wrightsville Beach, compare the spacing and movement of tropical rain bands with the hourly forecast. A lull at departure may end before the return trip.
What else do people ask about the Wilmington radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Wilmington?
NWS Wilmington (ILM) issues forecasts and warnings for Wilmington. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KLTX, about 32 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 Wilmington and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KLTX (Wilmington NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Wilmington (ILM)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KLTX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Wilmington (ILM)
- 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, Wilmington office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: WILMINGTON INTL 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 Wilmington: Sea breeze and coastal weather science
- NWS Wilmington: Hurricane Florence summary
- NWS Wilmington: Carolinas rip current awareness
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical cyclone climatology