Durham North Carolina Tourism At a GlanceBest Time to Visit Durham North Carolina
With its mild climate and variety of things to see and do, anytime is a great time to visit Durham. Autumn is Durham’s peak visitor season, but, as the home to Duke and North Carolina Central universities, Durham’s peak periods are usually based on major university events like spring commencement (typically the first week of May for both universities) and new student orientation week (typically mid-August for both universities). During Blue Devil and Eagle homecoming weekends (typically mid- to late- October) thousands of alumni, fans, friends, and family return home to Durham.
When planning your trip to Durham during these peak visitor periods, it is best to book your accommodations in advance. Click Here to find hotels in Durham. If you need additional visitor information for Durham, Click Here.
Average Durham Weather
Durham’s mild, well-rounded climate is partly what makes the community a “hotspot” for Northerners in the winter and a “cool” getaway for those escaping the blistering summer heat and humidity of the Deep South and the Far West.
Winter months in Durham bring average highs in the 50s (10°C) and overnight-lows in the mid-30s (1°C). Things heat-up in the summertime—but not too much—with average highs in the mid-80s (29°C) and overnight-lows in the mid-60s (18°C). Durham averages 3.4 inches of precipitation per month (41.4 per year), the majority of which is rain.
Transportation
More than half of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive or an hour’s flight from Durham. Interstates 40 and 85—plus U.S. Highways 70, 15, and 501—connect the community to the rest of the country. Downtown Durham’s Amtrak station serves passengers traveling both the Piedmont (Charlotte to Durham to Raleigh) and Carolinian (Charlotte to Durham to New York City) routes.
RDU International Airport ranks as one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports (2000), serving upward of six million passengers annually from nine major airlines, 11 commuter carriers, and more than 440 daily flights. RDU is a mere two miles from Southeast Durham and only 12 miles from Downtown Durham.
Intra-city and intra-regional bus systems carry nearly 33,000 passengers each day, and Durham’s many taxi companies, shuttle services, and rental car agencies provide additional options for visitor transportation.
In-Season Costs
Durham is a Genuine, Textured, and Authentic destination that won’t break the bank. Trips can be tailored to satisfy any budget. Durham’s blend of 18 Celebrated Cuisine restaurants, Durham's most widely acclaimed chefs and eateries, range from fine dining to traditional Southern favorites.
Accommodations in Durham run the gamut, from campsites, extended-stay and budget properties to all-suite hotels and golf resorts. Several lodging properties offer special weekend and government rates and membership discounts.
North Carolina Tourism - Durham Attractions, Activities and Day Trips
For nature lovers, hiking and canoeing in Eno River State Park, named after one of several Native American tribes that lived and farmed here centuries ago, is as relaxing as it is rewarding.
Its Neo-Gothic and Neo-Georgian architectural scheme, makes a visit to Duke University a daytrip all its own. Major visitor features like Duke University Chapel, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Duke University Primate Center, and Cameron Indoor Stadium are spread throughout the campus.
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Durham tourism & sightseeing
