How Cold Are Winters in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington is a historic port town on the southern shores of North Carolina, known for its laid-back coastal style and beautiful beaches. One of the best things about Wilmington, NC is the weather year-round. In particular, the mild winter in Wilmington, NC means you can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation in the cooler months. 

The Wilmington, NC Weather Year-Round Offers a Bit of Everything

While North Carolina's weather is pretty awesome in general, it's just different on the coast! In the humid summers, the balmy breezes of the Atlantic cool things off a bit (there's nothing like eating outside on a patio with an ocean breeze blowing), and the average winter highs are usually somewhere in the upper 50s or low 60s. Spring and Fall offer moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The area also receives plenty of rainfall, with an average total of around 45 inches per year. But on average, there are 216 sunny days per year in Wilmington. With weather like this, every day is an outside day, especially for fun and relaxing outdoor activities like golf, fishing, or boating. 

Even when the cooler months arrive, there is still plenty of outdoor fun to enjoy. Thanks to the “warmer” winter weather in Wilmington, NC, you can enjoy the water views from the beach or the greenery at one of the area’s beautiful parks and gardens. Explore Greenfield Lake, stroll around the 5-mile trail, or take in the natural beauty of Airlie Gardens or New Hanover County Arboretum year-round. Soak in the culture of historic downtown Wilmington on the nearly 2-mile Riverwalk, then head to a cafe for a warm drink or one of the local hot spots for some comfort foods. 

There are just as many indoor options to keep you entertained during the winter – or any other season. The Cameron Art Museum features rotating exhibits like Recovery in Flight. Kids will love the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, letting their imaginations take flight with interactive exhibits fun and educational.

Wilmington has no shortage of arts and music, so you should have no problem finding a performance. The annual NC Jazz Festival is a must-see for all jazz enthusiasts and music lovers. With events all year long, the Allan & Laura Wilson Humanities and Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Community College is an ideal venue to visit during winter. Depending on the week, you may find the NC Symphony, acrobats, comedians or dinosaurs in residence. 

Whether you’re raising a family or have recently retired, there’s a lot to appreciate about living in Wilmington.

Should I Move to Wilmington, NC?

There’s no doubt that North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the U.S. And nothing beats the lifestyle in Wilmington, NC. This vibrant and culturally rich city holds the #1 spot as “Best Place to Move” in 2023 by the United Van Lines Annual National Movers Study. Not only are the beaches stunning year-round, but there is a well-balanced mix of laid-back southern living and exciting modern amenities. The cost of living and housing isn’t too shabby either.

You might think that with all of the incredible attributes, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC would be higher. Conversely, it’s lower than the national average by 4% and lower than the state's capital of Raleigh by 6%. Moving here allows you to enjoy savings when it comes to groceries and housing. 

Housing is affordable, too. Location plays a big role in the cost of a home and with the prime location of Wilmington it may seem home prices would be outrageous. However, when compared to other coastal towns and cities in the US it’s very reasonable for what you get. 

Wilmington is the epitome of “Southern hospitality”. Its residents are some of the happiest and friendliest people you’ll meet. The large and diverse population will make it easy to find friends who share your interests. Between the endless outdoor recreation, historic downtown area, and year-round festivals and events, Wilmington has something for everyone. 

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