Is Raleigh worth visiting?
We loved visiting Raleigh and, yes, it's absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or on a weekend getaway, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing museums and attractions and fantastic food.
Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina. It's a suburban city with a friendly population and a nice downtown area. The city is home to North Carolina State University as well as many smaller colleges. There's a large student population, but you'll also find many families in the area. Known as the "city of oaks", Raleigh is filled with parks and other outdoor spaces.
Raleigh, North Carolina
4 Reasons to Visit Raleigh
1. Museums and Attractions
As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.
2. Food
In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.
3. Nightlife
Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.
4. Authenticity
Raleigh has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Raleigh worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Raleigh, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here. During the summer months Raleigh hosts a number of festivals and events.
The weather in Raleigh is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (79°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (90°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Raleigh
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| August | 26°C (78°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Is Raleigh worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Raleigh. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Raleigh
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 11°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 7°C (44°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Raleigh worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Raleigh can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Raleigh is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet. Basketball season kicks up during the winter months.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and dance the night away. Also, you can enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Raleigh
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (40°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| February | 6°C (43°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Raleigh worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Raleigh. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to browse through museums and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Raleigh
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 16°C (60°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| June | 24°C (76°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Raleigh
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Raleigh might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Raleigh here or see if Raleigh is expensive here.
Related
What is Raleigh most famous for?
Raleigh is most famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. It is often described as suburban-style, friendly, southern, and student-friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Raleigh?
The most popular sight in Raleigh is North Carolina State University. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Raleigh on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for North Carolina State University and other attractions here.
How touristy is Raleigh? Is it a popular city to visit?
Raleigh is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Raleigh Guided E-Bike Tour: Burgers, Cocktails, and History: $119
- Raleigh Guided E-Bike Tour: Tacos, Taps, and Local Facts: $119
- Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour: $18
- Historic Oakwood: History & Architecture Tour: $19
- Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour: $19
- Chapel Hill Historic Churches History and Architecture Tour: $18
- Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Lenovo Center: $50
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $20
How long should I spend in Raleigh?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Raleigh is two to three days. Since Raleigh has activities such as nightlife, museums and attractions, and dining, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Raleigh? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Raleigh?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to USA and The Best Wildlife Tours to USA.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.