Raleigh is home to the North Carolina State Fair in the summer and fall to the Chinese Lantern Festival in the winter. Compared to other cities in North Carolina, Raleigh has a diverse range of events and a thriving arts scene. The city is also conveniently located near many historical monuments and tourist traps, such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Biltmore Estate, both within a three-hour drive. Additionally, suburbs such as Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill are all within a 30-minute drive from Raleigh.
Spring
- Average temperature: 60-75°F
- Climate: Mild with occasional rain showers
- Unique traditions and events: Artsplosure, a free outdoor arts festival, and the North Carolina Beer Month celebration
- Average daylight: 12-14 hours
Summer
- Average temperature: 80-90°F
- Climate: Hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms
- Unique traditions and events: The North Carolina State Fair and the International Festival of Raleigh
- Average daylight: 14-15 hours
Fall
- Average temperature: 50-70°F
- Climate: Mild with occasional rain showers
- Unique traditions and events: The North Carolina State Fair and the International Festival of Raleigh
- Average daylight: 10-12 hours
Winter
- Average temperature: 30-50°F
- Climate: Cold with occasional snow and ice storms
- Unique traditions and events: The Raleigh Christmas Parade and the Chinese Lantern Festival
- Average daylight: 9-10 hours
Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). The nearest timezone border is approximately 50 miles away, and it is in the Central Time Zone (CT). The travel time to the nearest states, Virginia and South Carolina, is approximately 2 hours and 3 hours, respectively. Raleigh's neighboring cities include Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary. It would take approximately 44 hours to drive from Raleigh to Los Angeles, California, across America. Learn more about traveling to Raleigh and explore its rich history and culture.
Nearest Counties | Corresponding Zip Codes --- | --- Wake County | 27601, 27603, 27604, 27605, 27606 Durham County | 27701, 27703, 27704, 27705, 27707 Chatham County | 27312, 27344, 27349, 27355, 27357 Franklin County | 27525, 27549, 27572, 27596, 27597 Johnston County | 27501, 27520, 27524, 27577, 27603
| Destination | Distance (miles) | Time (hours) | Timezone Change (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite National Park | 2,716 | 54.32 | -3 |
| White House in Washington D.C. | 265 | 5.3 | -1 |
| Denali National Park | 3,907 | 78.14 | -4 |
| Las Vegas Strip | 2,174 | 43.48 | -3 |
| Citizens Bank Park | 358 | 7.16 | -1 |
| Niagara Falls | 610 | 12.2 | -1 |
| Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco | 2,716 | 54.32 | -3 |
| Yellowstone | 1,862 | 37.24 | -2 |
| Manhattan | 426 | 8.52 | -1 |
| Grand Canyon | 1,788 | 35.76 | -2 |