How to Enjoy Summer in Durham
Deciding to enjoy a getaway to Durham is always something for travelers to relish, but if you’re lucky enough to be heading here in the summertime, there’s even more to look forward to! Durham is a delightful destination for visitors of all ages to experience, and a top place to embrace fun seasonal events, art, festivals, outdoor adventure, and more. Read on for our tips on how to enjoy summer in Durham, NC!
If you are looking for more fun ideas while you visit Durham, make sure to request our free vacation guide. We have all the suggestions for things to do, places to visit, the best dining, and entertainment. Download the guide and plan your stay today!
Summer Weather Expectations
Durham, North Carolina enjoys a place in the Southeastern U.S. and hosts a humid subtropical climate. This means that winters here are typically mild and summers are decidedly hot and humid. On average, summer months in Durham see daily highs lingering in the 80s while lows can dip down into the mid 60s. The hottest month of Summer is often July with daily highs hitting 89 degrees.
What to Pack for Your Getaway
There’s a good chance your summer trip to Durham will inspire you to get outside and explore. With warm temperatures accompanying your journey, it’s advisable to pack plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses for your stay. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got at least one pair of comfortable shoes for afternoons of walking and exploring. Don’t forget to tuck that umbrella into your suitcase before you head out because there’s a chance for summer rain and you want to be prepared. August is often the rainiest summer month but only averages 3.87 inches in total.
Summer Activities to Enjoy
Durham is known and loved for its fantastic art scene. A summer trip this way isn’t quite complete without setting aside some time to explore the public art featured throughout the city. A self-guided tour of the city will lead you to murals, crosswalks, and even electrical boxes that have been colorfully adorned and transformed into masterpieces just waiting to be admired. Once you’ve soaked up all the local art, purchase a ticket to a Durham Bulls baseball game. These are fun and vibrant settings to enjoy and, on the weekends, they’re followed up by a great fireworks display. If you happen to love time on the greens, a round of summer golf is a must in Durham. Book a tee time at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club or the Hillandale Golf Course to work on your long and short game alike with great surrounding views to top it all off. For history buffs, a summer trip to Durham is a chance to explore some amazing historic landmarks. The Duke Homestead, Bennett Place, and the Historic Stagville are just a few of the many options to consider while you’re here. To enjoy the flavors of the season, make your way to Grass Grazed Farm and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience featuring local summer ingredients. If you prefer to serve up a summer meal in your vacation rental, swing by U-Pick Waller Family Farm and enjoy gathering your own berries and fresh produce while you’re in town.
Fun Seasonal Events
Summer in Durham is a season for festival fun! If you’re here between early June and mid-August, you can participate in the American Dance Festival hosted at Duke University. The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is also held in early June at the Rock Quarry Park and will be in its 54th year in 2024. This family-friendly festival celebrates African and African American history, culture, arts, music, and tradition and includes performances, storytelling, games, crafts, and more. Dozens of musical acts descend on Durham the weekend of July 4th for the Festival for the Eno. This experience pairs music with international food, fantastic beverages, water activities, family-friendly crafts, and more. The Durham Summer Festival is held at the end of June at Durham Central Park while the Music in the Gardens event is hosted each Wednesday in June and July at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens starting at 7:00 pm.
Book Your Durham Getaway in Style Today
Elevate your summer getaway to Durham in comfort and style when you book your accommodations at the Arrowhead Inn. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!