Cape Cod Weather

Because Cape Cod stands guard offshore from the New England land mass, swaddled in both cold and warm waters, its weather is unique to the region.

In winter the Cape is warmed by the ocean and in summer it is cooled by those same waters. It is rare during even the sultriest summer day for there not to be a cooling ocean breeze. Incidentally, at one time, there were more than 1,000 windmills lining the shores of Cape Cod, availing themselves of the prevailing winds to grind grains and power pumps for salt works. Similarly, when the balance of New England is painted white by snow, a true snowfall is rare on Cape Cod. Once again, the oceans work their magic in maintaining the Cape’s rather temperate climate.

Spring, fall and even some winter days are ideal times for recreation and outdoor pursuits, including golf, as the weather stays relatively mild all year long. The most pleasant temperatures can be found in the months of May, June, September and October. July is on average the warmest month, and January is on average the coolest month.

Average Cape Cod Temperatures (Compiled by the U.S. Weather Bureau)

  High - Fahrenheit High - Celsius Low - Fahrenheit Low- Celsius
January 40 4 25 -4
February 41 5 26 -3
March 42 6 28 -2
April 53 12 40 4
May 62 17 48 9
June 71 22 56 13
July 78 26 63 17
August 76 24 62 16
September 70 21 56 13
October 59 15 47 8
November 49 9 37 3
December 40 4 26 -3

Speaking of weather, did you know that Cape Cod has it own trusty weather prognosticator? On the first day of summer each June, the region's official mascot—Doug the Quahog—tells us how many days of beach weather we have to look forward to for the summer. Quahog Day has become a rite of passage into summer for many Cape Codders and visitors. Find out more!
 

 

Spotlight on Cape Cod