Weather
Raleigh, NC Weather: November Ranked 27th Driest in 139 Years
Raleigh, NC – November 2026 is approaching, and last year's weather records reveal an unusually dry November in North Carolina's capital. Raleigh experienced its 27th driest November in 139 years, eve
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-24T09:54:37.823Z
Raleigh, NC – November 2026 is approaching, and last year's weather records reveal an unusually dry November in North Carolina's capital. Raleigh experienced its 27th driest November in 139 years, even as daytime temperatures ranked among the warmest historically recorded for the month.
According to National Weather Service climate statistics, Raleigh received just 1.06 inches of precipitation during November 2025, compared with the historical monthly normal of 3.52 inches.
That left the city 2.46 inches below normal, a rainfall deficit of approximately 70%.
November Brought Unusually Dry Conditions The month's precipitation ranked 27th lowest in Raleigh's 139 year weather record.
Measurable precipitation occurred on just seven days, with the wettest day producing 0.41 inches.
Raleigh also experienced an 11 day stretch without measurable precipitation, from Nov. 10 through Nov. 20.
Despite the limited rainfall, temperatures remained relatively warm overall.
The average high temperature reached 65.6 degrees, ranking as the 21st warmest November average high on record.
A Late Month Freeze Added Another Extreme November 2025 also demonstrated how quickly temperatures can change across the Triangle.
Raleigh's highest temperature reached 77 degrees, while its lowest dropped to 21 degrees.
The city recorded five days with temperatures at or below freezing.
Despite those cold mornings, the month's overall average temperature was 53.4 degrees, approximately 1.9 degrees above normal.
No measurable snowfall was recorded during the month.
What This Means for November 2026 For residents across Raleigh, Wake County and the greater Research Triangle, last November offers a reminder that unusually warm daytime conditions can coexist with freezing nights and substantial rainfall deficits.
The historical record also demonstrates that November can bring extended dry periods despite being part of the transition toward winter.
However, November 2025's weather does not establish whether November 2026 will follow a similar pattern.
With November approaching, the central question is whether Raleigh will experience a return to more typical rainfall or another unusually dry start to the late fall season.