Last updated: February 24, 2025
In October, Durham, United States experiences a dynamic range of temperatures, with a notable maximum reaching 36°C (98°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (65°F), dipping to a minimum of 2°C (36°F). This month is marked by 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 9 days, contributing to the region's characteristic 80% humidity. As autumn unfolds, embrace the vibrant seasonal changes and prepare for a blend of warm days and cooler nights, making October an intriguing month for residents and visitors alike.
As October arrives in Durham, the temperatures begin to showcase a refreshing transition, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). Markedly milder than the sweltering summer months, October boasts a maximum of 36°C (98°F), hinting at the lingering warmth before winter sets in. This month serves as a beautiful bridge between the warmth of fall and the chill of approaching winter, creating a backdrop for vibrant autumn foliage and crisp, clear days. The gradual decline from September's still-warm temperatures speaks to the shifting seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities before the colder months take hold.
In October, Durham experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns, marked by an average of 97 mm (3.8 in) of rainfall spread over 9 days. This amount represents a slight decrease from the preceding months of August and September, each recording 128 mm (5.1 in), suggesting a tapering off of the late summer's abundant rains. The milder rainfall in October, however, still contributes to the overall autumnal charm, as cooler temperatures and colorful foliage become more prominent. As the year progresses towards winter, October's precipitation serves as a gentle reminder of the seasonal transition, helping maintain a balance in the region's ecosystem.
In October, Durham experiences a slight increase in humidity, averaging around 80%. This level is reflective of the overall trend observed throughout the year, where humidity gradually decreases from the peak of 85% in January to its lowest point in September at 79%. Interestingly, October marks a subtle stabilizing point, hinting at the transition into the cooler months of November and December, when humidity levels rise once again. The consistency in humidity—hovering between 79% and 86%—suggests that while the weather becomes crisper with the onset of fall, Durham retains a notable level of moisture in the air, offering a unique blend of refreshing autumn days and the lingering heaviness of summer.
As October unfolds in Durham, the UV Index settles at a striking 8, placing the area in the very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This month marks a gradual decline from the intense summer months, where UV levels reached an extreme 11 from May through July. However, the UV Index remains elevated, reminding residents to be cautious when enjoying outdoor activities. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, it's still essential to protect your skin from harmful rays. Embrace the autumn sun wisely and stay informed about local UV conditions through this helpful resource: Durham UV Index.
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October in Durham, United States, brings a delightful transition as the sunshine begins to shift from the peak summer hours. With 270 hours of sunshine, October maintains a vibrant glow, nestled comfortably between the summer’s 352 hours in July and the cooler 234 hours of November. This month showcases a gradual decline from the exuberance of summer, while still offering ample sunlight for outdoor activities, crisp autumn walks, and enjoying the changing leaves. The overall trend indicates a clear pattern of decreasing sunlight as the year progresses, yet October holds its own as a captivating time to soak up the remaining warmth before winter sets in.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in October in Durham, United States, the forecast reveals a 48% chance of sunshine. This figure is consistent with the trend seen in early autumn, where September boasts a slightly higher probability at 58%. October's sunshine chances mirror those of certain winter months, like January and December, but stand out from the comparatively sunny April, which reaches 60%. As the region transitions into late fall, the promise of brighter days may become a bit more elusive, inviting a reflective pause before winter sets in, especially with November's sunshine probability at 63%. Overall, while October brings a decent chance of sun, it hints at the gradual retreat of warmth and light that characterizes the forthcoming seasons.
As October unfolds in Durham, the city experiences a subtle transition in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the skies for approximately 11 hours each day. This marks a gentle decline from the summer peak of 14 hours in June, July, and August. Following the vibrant 14-hour days of mid-summer, October’s shorter daylight hours signal the onset of autumn, where the comforting warmth of the sun begins to give way to the cooler, crisper air of the season. As daylight diminishes steadily into the cooler months, the rhythm of life adjusts, inviting residents to embrace cozy evenings and vibrant fall foliage, all while savoring the last remnants of daylight before the deepening winter nights.
As October settles over Durham, the wind begins to pick up slightly, averaging 2.8 m/s (6 mph), which is a refreshing change from the summer's gentle breezes. This month marks a notable rise from the calmer days of August and September, where winds hovered around 2.0 m/s and 2.4 m/s, respectively. With a shift in the season, the winds signal the approach of cooler months, and this gentle increase reflects a broader trend of rising gusts from January's light breezes of 2.7 m/s to the more robust 3.0 m/s by November. Embracing the crisp air while the leaves turn, October serves as a bridge, blending the softer winds of late summer with the invigorating gales that herald approaching winter.
The weather in Durham changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of October's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Durham and find detailed weather information for every month.
October and January present markedly different weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 36°C (98°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F) and a relatively high humidity of 80%. The month experiences about 9 days of precipitation, totaling around 97 mm (3.8 in). In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and only reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F). The average temperature sits at 6°C (43°F), and although precipitation is slightly lower at 89 mm (3.5 in), the humidity remains high at 85%. For more detailed insights on January weather, you can explore Durham weather in January.
October and February present contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the transition from fall to winter. In October, temperatures range from a mild 2°C to a scorching 36°C, with an average of 18°C, while February sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C and a maximum of 27°C, averaging at 9°C. Precipitation is slightly higher in February at 117 mm over 11 days compared to October's 97 mm over 9 days. Humidity remains relatively consistent, with October at 80% and February slightly higher at 82%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Durham weather in February.
When comparing October and March weather, one can observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation. October typically boasts a wider temperature range, with minimums around 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching up to 36°C (98°F), leading to a warm average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, March features cooler temperatures, with lows dropping to -5°C (24°F) and highs peaking at 31°C (88°F), resulting in a lower average of 11°C (53°F). Both months experience moderate rainfall, with October receiving 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 9 days, while March sees slightly less precipitation at 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 10 days. Humidity levels remain similar between the two months, hovering around 80% in October and 81% in March. For a detailed look at March weather patterns, visit Durham weather in March.
In comparing the weather of October and April, both months exhibit similar humidity levels at 80%, creating a consistently moist atmosphere. October typically has a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum reaching as high as 36°C (98°F), while April's temperatures range from a cooler -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in April, with 116 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days compared to October's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days. For more detailed insights, you can check Durham weather in April.
October and May exhibit distinct weather patterns, although both months can experience similar maximum temperatures, peaking at around 36°C (97°F to 98°F). In October, the temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to an average of 18°C (65°F), while in May, the temperatures slightly increase, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation levels are also noteworthy; October averages 97 mm (3.8 inches) over 9 rainy days, whereas May sees a higher precipitation total of 118 mm (4.6 inches) spread across 11 days. Humidity remains relatively consistent, measuring around 80% in October and 81% in May, contributing to the overall atmospheric feel of each month. For a more detailed overview of May's weather specifically, you can refer to Durham weather in May.
In comparing the weather of October and June, October tends to be cooler with a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F), while June has a higher minimum of 12°C (55°F). The average temperature in October is 18°C (65°F), compared to June's warmer average of 24°C (76°F). Both months can reach a maximum temperature of 36°C (97°F), but October experiences slightly less precipitation at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days, whereas June sees more rainfall with 121 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are similar, with October at 80% and June slightly higher at 81%. For a detailed look into June's weather, you can visit Durham weather in June.
In comparing the weather of October and July, October features a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping to 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching up to 36°C (98°F), whereas July enjoys consistently warmer temperatures, boasting a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F). July also experiences slightly higher total precipitation, with 114 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 14 days, compared to October's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels remain fairly close between the two months, with October at 80% and July at 81%, making both months feel quite humid, but July typically feels much warmer overall. For a more detailed look at July weather, check out Durham weather in July.
October weather in Durham tends to be much cooler compared to the warm days of August. With average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), October experiences a notable drop from August's milder temperatures, which range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to an average of 26°C (78°F). Additionally, October sees slightly less precipitation than August, with 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain over 9 days compared to August's 128 mm (5.1 in) over 15 days. Both months share the same humidity level of 80%, but the overall cooler temperatures in October make it feel much more comfortable than the heat of summer. For more details on August weather patterns, check out Durham weather in August.
In comparing the weather between October and September, October tends to start cooler with minimum temperatures dropping to around 2°C (36°F) compared to September's milder minimum of 9°C (48°F). The average temperature in October is around 18°C (65°F), while September sees a warmer average of 23°C (74°F). Despite having a maximum temperature of 36°C (98°F) in October, which is quite similar to September's 35°C (96°F), the overall precipitation is lower in October at 97 mm (3.8 in) compared to September's 128 mm (5.1 in). Both months experience about nine days of precipitation, with October's humidity slightly higher at 80% versus September's 79%. For more specific details on September's weather, you can check Durham weather in September.
October generally offers warmer temperatures compared to November, with averages around 18°C (65°F) and maximums peaking at 36°C (98°F), while November's averages drop to 10°C (51°F) with maximums reaching 29°C (84°F). Additionally, while October experiences a higher amount of rainfall with 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 9 days, November sees slightly less precipitation at 81 mm (3.2 in) across 7 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with October at 80% and November a bit higher at 85%. For further details, you can check Durham weather in November.
October and December present quite contrasting weather characteristics. In October, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm 36°C (98°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (65°F). However, the month is also marked by significant humidity at 80% and about 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation across 9 rainy days. In December, the temperatures drop considerably, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), leading to a colder average of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 107 mm (4.2 in), maintaining a similar frequency of rainfall over 9 days, and the humidity rises to 86%. For a detailed look at what to expect, you can check Durham weather in December.
As October unfolds in Durham, the weather reflects a delightful transition from the sweltering heat of summer to cooler, more comfortable conditions. Although temperatures can still soar on warmer days, the average provides a pleasant respite at a temperate level, making it ideal for outdoor activities. With increased humidity and a modest amount of rainfall scattered over the month, you can expect more vibrant autumn foliage and a refreshing atmosphere. This month strikes a perfect balance, allowing residents and visitors alike to revel in the beauty of fall. For a deeper dive into what the weather looks like throughout the year, check out Durham Climate.