Weather and climate in Maryland: Four distinct seasons. Humid subtropical climate. Hot, humid summers. Cold, snowy winters. Mild, wet springs. Colorful autumn foliage. Coastal areas milder. Frequent thunderstorms. Occasional hurricanes. Variable regional conditions.
Four distinct seasons.
Maryland experiences four distinct seasons that offer something unique year-round. During summer, from June to mid-September, temperatures average around 79°F (26°C), making it a warm and inviting time for outdoor activities. Spring, which spans from April to June, brings pleasant warm temperatures that awaken the natural beauty of the region. As Autumn arrives from September to November, Maryland is graced with warm weather lasting until mid-October, accompanied by vibrant fall colors that attract many visitors. Winter follows from December to early March, offering a colder climate with average temperatures below 52°F (11°C), and the state sees the potential for snow and blizzards that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland.
Humid subtropical climate.
Maryland's eastern and central regions exhibit a Humid Subtropical Climate, characterized by hot, humid summers with temperatures soaring to 107°F (42°C) and mild winters, with average temperatures in January around 35°F (2°C). This climate is strongly influenced by Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, which moderate the temperatures and increase humidity and precipitation levels. For more detailed information about Maryland's climate, you can visit the Britannica website.
Hot, humid summers.
Maryland's summers are distinguished by their hot, humid conditions, particularly pronounced in the eastern regions of the state. This part of Maryland experiences July temperatures that can average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), with humidity levels approaching nearly 100% due to the influences of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. These climatic effects are more intense in the Maryland area, where summer temperatures frequently rise into the 90s (degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, making the heat feel even more oppressive. For more detailed insights into these climatic patterns, you can explore Britannica's Website on the climate of Maryland, which offers comprehensive information on how these atmospheric conditions shape the region. The significant humidity and high temperatures are critical factors affecting local lifestyle, architecture, and even health during the summer months.
Cold, snowy winters.
Maryland experiences cold and snowy winters, with an average temperature of 31.4 degrees and average seasonal snowfall of 20.6 inches. The amount of snow varies by region, with Eastern Maryland receiving less snow than Western areas, and temperatures near the Atlantic Coast being colder than those near the Chesapeake Bay. For more detailed information about winter conditions in Maryland, you can visit the Bay to Beach Builders website.
Mild, wet springs.
In Maryland, spring is characterized as mild and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from 58-68°F (14-20°C) from April to June, and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit with average precipitation of around 3.9-4.0 inches (98-102 mm) per month. For more detailed information on Maryland's climate and seasonal changes, you can visit Seasons Year, which provides comprehensive insights into weather patterns throughout the year.
Colorful autumn foliage.
The 2024 fall foliage in Maryland is expected to be muted due to drought conditions, particularly affecting Western Maryland, resulting in earlier and less vibrant color changes. The peak colors are anticipated in late October to early November around Baltimore and by mid-October in Western areas. Ideal conditions for vibrant fall colors, such as plenty of summer moisture and dry, sunny fall days, were not met this year. For a more detailed outlook on the fall foliage, you can visit the Outlook for 2024 as provided by Fox Baltimore. This shift away from typical seasonal vibrancy underscores the impact of climatic changes on Maryland's natural beauty.
Coastal areas milder.
In Maryland, coastal areas experience milder temperatures due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. This results in higher winter temperatures and lower summer temperatures compared to inland areas, with coastal maximum temperatures often 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit lower than inland temperatures on hot summer days. For more detailed information, you can visit the Climate Info webpage which provides extensive details about Maryland's climate.
Frequent thunderstorms.
In Maryland, thunderstorms are frequent, occurring on average 30 days per year in eastern portions and 40 days per year in western portions. The peak thunderstorm season is from May to August, with July being the month with the highest frequency, accounting for about 25% of the annual total of thunderstorms. For more detailed insights about the state's weather patterns, you can visit the Maryland Climate Information website. This resource provides an extensive overview of the climatic conditions and variations experienced throughout the region.
Occasional hurricanes.
Maryland experiences the effects of hurricanes almost every year, typically in the form of tropical storms, tropical depressions, or extratropical storms, bringing high winds, heavy rains, and sometimes flash floods. However, direct hits from hurricanes are rare, with only three recorded instances since 1851, and none of these were major hurricanes (category 3 or higher). For more detailed insights, the University of Maryland's analysis on Hurricanes provides extensive information about the region's historical encounters with such powerful weather systems.
Variable regional conditions.
Maryland exhibits variable regional climate conditions, with the highland west in the Appalachian Mountains experiencing larger seasonal temperature variations, while the east is moderated by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This results in differences in the number of nights below freezing and very hot days across the state. For more detailed information, you can visit the State Summaries website.