If you’ve spent any time in Eastern North Carolina, you know the vibe. One day you’re wearing a heavy coat to grab coffee at a local spot in downtown Tarboro, and the next, you're wondering if it's too early in the year to turn on the AC. Basically, the weather for Tarboro North Carolina is a mix of Southern charm and unpredictable Atlantic influences.
Tarboro sits right in Edgecombe County. It's beautiful, historic, and honestly, a bit humid.
What’s happening right now?
We are currently moving through January 2026. If you're looking out the window today, Saturday, January 17, it’s actually looking like one of the clearer days of the month. Historically, January 17 is often the "clearest" day in Tarboro, with about a 50% chance of sunshine according to long-term data from WeatherSpark.
Temps today are hovering around a high of 58°F. That's a bit warmer than the typical January average high of 51°F. Tonight, though, don't get comfortable. It's dropping down to about 38°F.
The rest of the weekend looks a bit more "wintery." Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, there is a legitimate 50% chance of snow. While Tarboro only gets about 4 inches of snow a year on average, January is the month it usually happens. If you’re planning to be on the roads, just be careful—North Carolina roads and even a dusting of snow don't always get along.
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The Four Seasons of Tarboro
Spring is probably the most "polite" season here. April and May are the sweet spots. You’ve got highs in the 70s and 80s, and the humidity hasn't quite reached that "sticky" level that makes you want to stay indoors until October.
Then comes summer.
July in Tarboro is no joke. The average high is 89°F, but with the humidity, the "feels like" temperature frequently stays in the mid-90s or higher. It’s the kind of heat that feels like a warm, wet blanket. Most people here just accept that they’re going to be a little sweaty from June through August.
Fall is a relief. September still carries some of that summer heat, but by October, things settle into the 70s. It’s the driest month of the year, too. If you’re planning a visit or an outdoor event, October is your best bet for avoiding rain.
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Rain, Hurricanes, and the Tar River
Tarboro averages about 48 inches of rain a year. That’s a decent amount of water. Because it's located near the Tar River, the town has a long history with flooding, especially during hurricane season.
Edgecombe County has seen its fair share of major storms. We’re talking about names everyone here remembers: Floyd, Matthew, Florence. According to risk assessment data from Augurisk, the county has a moderate disaster risk, mostly tied to these tropical events. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, but the peak for Tarboro usually hits in late August or September.
If you live here, you keep an eye on the river levels when the tropical alerts start popping up on your phone. It's just part of the lifestyle.
Surprising Weather Facts for Tarboro
- Coldest Temperature: While the average January low is 30°F, it can get much lower. Back in 1985, a massive cold snap hit the region, and many spots in the state saw record-breaking negatives.
- The Humidity Peak: December actually has the highest relative humidity at 84%, which makes the cold feel much sharper than the thermometer suggests.
- Sunshine Hours: June is the sunniest month, giving us about 10 hours of solid sunshine per day.
Planning your week in Tarboro
If you're checking the weather for Tarboro North Carolina to plan your week, here is the quick breakdown of what to expect through late January 2026.
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The start of next week (Jan 19-21) is going to stay chilly but sunny. Monday's high is 44°F, but the low is a biting 19°F. Tuesday is looking like the coldest day of the stretch with a high of only 36°F and a low of 14°F. Basically, keep the heavy winter gear out.
By Friday, January 23, we start to see a slight warmup back into the 50s. But keep an eye on Saturday the 24th—there’s a 40% chance of rain moving back into the area.
Practical Steps for Tarboro Residents
Don't let the "moderate" winters fool you into being unprepared.
- Check your pipes. With lows hitting 14°F next Tuesday, make sure your outdoor faucets are covered.
- Monitor the Tar River. If you live in a low-lying area, bookmark the USGS river gauges for the Tar River at Tarboro. It's the most accurate way to see if the water is creeping up during heavy rain weeks.
- Winter Car Kit. Even with just a 50% chance of snow this Sunday, keep a scraper and a blanket in the car. North Carolina ice storms can happen fast.
- Humidity Control. Since Tarboro stays humid even in winter (80%+), check your crawlspace or basement for moisture issues this month to prevent mold growth before the spring rains hit.
The weather here changes fast. It’s part of the charm of the South. One day you're at a high school football game in a t-shirt, and the next you're scraping frost off your windshield. Just stay flexible and keep an umbrella in the trunk.