Raleigh/Durham At a Glance

Best Time to Go
The mild climate makes the area a pleasant year-round destination, although with NC State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and other smaller schools in the area it can be difficult to get a room during the graduation season. Likewise, football and basketball seasons put rooms at a premium. North Carolina is serious basketball country.

Average Weather
The area is coldest in January with average temperatures in the low 40s. August is the warmest month with average temperatures in the high 70s. Thunderstorms are likely in July, although September is the month with the most rainfall.

Transportation
The area is served by Raleigh-Durham International airport and boasts decent flight connections to most of the United States. Amtrak also serves the area. Public transportation is underdeveloped and visitors who fly into the area should rent a car. Most of the major car rental companies have airport outlets. Chapel Hill’s university area is walkable; the rest of the area requires a car for even short distances.

In-Season Costs
With the exception of a few gourmet eateries and some prime specialty shops, this is an inexpensive destination for business or pleasure. Average hotel room cost for an upscale room is around $89 nightly even during prime time. You can easily lunch for fewer than $10 and dine for less than $20 sans wine. Area museums only ask moderate admission fees.

Day Trips
Wilmington, North Carolina, home of the Battleship North Carolina, on the coast is a favorite day trip destination for locals -- this in addition to Wrightsville Beach. The North Carolina State Zoological Park in Asheboro is probably the best family style attraction in the area; it’s a walking-intensive trip so best to schedule it sometime other than July or August when the humidity can zap your energy.