Raleigh
Go to Raleigh for a state capital laid out on a grid, with downtown history, state museums and nearby trips to Durham and Chapel Hill.
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Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, in the Piedmont region of the U.S. South. It was planned and built to be a state capital, with a grid of streets around a central square where the State Capitol stands. That grid keeps downtown compact. The city is nicknamed the City of Oaks for its oak-lined streets. It is the largest city in the Research Triangle, with Durham and Chapel Hill nearby. North Carolina State University is in Raleigh.
Visitors come for state history at the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Art on Blue Ridge Road. The Blount Street Historic District has Victorian and Queen Anne mansions from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, with about 48 days a year at 90°F (32°C) or higher. Autumn is similar to spring overall but has fewer rainy days. Winters are cool, and freezing rain or sleet occurs in most winters.
Raleigh in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Raleigh
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 44%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 6%
Raleigh
07:03 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today21°9°6%Monday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Tue24°10°1%Tuesday: Fog. High 24°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Wed27°16°2%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu24°18°33%Thursday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Fri23°15°35%Friday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sat19°12°27%Saturday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Sun23°12°8%Sunday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 8%.
Updated 03:39 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Raleigh
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Rules for Raleigh, checked
- Visa-waiver visitors need an approved ESTA before flying to the US. Check current entry rules on travel.state.gov before you book.Source
- Tropical storms and hurricanes can reach Raleigh mainly from August to early October. Check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) before you travel.Source
- Freezing rain or sleet occurs in most winters, so check the National Weather Service (weather.gov) forecast before you drive.Source
Plan around Raleigh
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideRaleigh FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.