4-Inch Soil Temperature in North Carolina
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across North Carolina is 72°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 71°F to 73°F. Soil across North Carolina is right at the seasonal normal of 71°F for early October, based on 2 of 2 stations with historical records. Last updated September 30, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations, not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in North Carolina (2)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater #1 (Washington) | 73°F | 2026-09-30 |
| Durham 11 W | 71°F | 2026-09-30 |
Cities in North Carolina (65)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Albemarle | 28001 | 71°F |
| Apex | 27502 | 71°F |
| Asheboro | 27203 | 71°F |
| Asheville | 28801 | — |
| Boone | 28607 | — |
| Burlington | 27215 | 71°F |
| Camp Lejeune | 28542 | 73°F |
| Cary | 27511 | 71°F |
| Chapel Hill | 27514 | 71°F |
| Charlotte | 28201 | — |
| Clayton | 27520 | 71°F |
| Clinton | 28328 | 71°F |
| Concord | 28025 | 71°F |
| Creedmoor | 27522 | 71°F |
| Davidson | 28035 | — |
| Dunn | 28334 | 71°F |
| Durham | 27701 | 71°F |
| Eden | 27288 | 71°F |
| Elizabeth City | 27906 | 73°F |
| Fayetteville | 28301 | 71°F |
| Fort Bragg | 28307 | 71°F |
| Franklin | 28734 | — |
| Gastonia | 28052 | — |
| Goldsboro | 27530 | 71°F |
| Greensboro | 27395 | 71°F |
| Greenville | 27833 | 73°F |
| Henderson | 27536 | 71°F |
| Hendersonville | 28739 | — |
| Hickory | 28601 | — |
| High Point | 27260 | 71°F |
| Huntersville | 28070 | — |
| Jacksonville | 28540 | 73°F |
| Kannapolis | 28081 | 71°F |
| Kernersville | 27284 | 71°F |
| Kinston | 28501 | 73°F |
| Laurinburg | 28352 | 71°F |
| Lenoir | 28633 | — |
| Lexington | 27292 | 71°F |
| Lincolnton | 28092 | — |
| Lumberton | 28358 | 71°F |
| Matthews | 28104 | — |
| Monroe | 28110 | — |
| Mooresville | 28115 | — |
| Morganton | 28655 | — |
| New Bern | 28560 | 73°F |
| North Wilkesboro | 28656 | — |
| Pinehurst | 28370 | 71°F |
| Raleigh | 27601 | 71°F |
| Reidsville | 27320 | 71°F |
| Rockingham | 28379 | 71°F |
| Rocky Mount | 27801 | 73°F |
| Roxboro | 27573 | 71°F |
| Rural Hall | 27045 | 71°F |
| Salisbury | 28144 | 71°F |
| Sanford | 27330 | 71°F |
| Shallotte | 28459 | — |
| Shelby | 28150 | — |
| Southern Pines | 28387 | 71°F |
| Statesville | 28625 | — |
| Thomasville | 27360 | 71°F |
| Wake Forest | 27587 | 71°F |
| Waynesville | 28785 | — |
| Wilmington | 28401 | — |
| Wilson | 27893 | 71°F |
| Winston Salem | 27101 | 71°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for North Carolina
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in North Carolina?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across North Carolina is 72°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 71°F to 73°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across North Carolina is right at the seasonal normal of 71°F for early October, based on 2 of 2 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full North Carolina soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.