Weather and climate in New Jersey: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers. Cold, snowy winters. Mild, wet springs. Cool, colorful autumns. Coastal regions mild. Higher elevations colder. Occasional hurricanes. Flash flooding possible. Average snowfall varies.
Four distinct seasons.
New Jersey experiences four distinct seasons, characterized by highly variable weather due to its location between the Equator and the North Pole. The seasons include a cold winter with significant snowfall, a cool and rainy spring, a hot and humid summer, and a warm but rainy autumn, with marked climate differences between the northern and southern parts of the state. For more detailed information on these climatic conditions, you can visit the New Jersey Climate Overview.
Hot, humid summers.
New Jersey experiences hot and humid summers, with statewide average high temperatures ranging from 82-87°F (28-31°C) and lows of 60-69°F (16-21°C). Temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) on average 25 days each summer and occasionally reach over 100°F (38°C), especially when high humidity makes the temperature feel even hotter. For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to the Climate of New Jersey page on Wikipedia.
Cold, snowy winters.
New Jersey experiences cold and snowy winters, with the winter of 1961 being the coldest on record, where temperatures stayed below freezing for 17 days from January 19 to February 3. Typically, winter temperatures average in the low to mid 30s, but can drop significantly, and the state receives an average of about 30 inches of snow, with January and February being the worst months for snowfall. For more on these extreme winter conditions, visit the record cold [New Jersey Coldest Winter](https://wpst.com/nj-coldest-winter/) page for a comprehensive overview of historical weather patterns and data.
Mild, wet springs.
In New Jersey, springs can be mild and wet, with May 2024 being a prime example, featuring a statewide average temperature of 63.9°F, 2.7°F above the 1991-2020 normal, and significant rainfall, with May 2024 ranking as the 23rd wettest May on record. The spring season often sees fluctuating temperatures and frequent light to moderate showers, ensuring good water supplies and a green landscape by the end of the month.
Cool, colorful autumns.
Autumn in New Jersey is characterized by cool temperatures and vibrant foliage, with peak leaf viewing typically occurring from mid-October to early November, especially in the Northwest region. The quality of the foliage depends on factors such as moisture, the first frost, and sunlight, resulting in a diverse display of colors from various tree species like oaks, hickories, and maples. For more information on this seasonal spectacle, explore the stunning experiences offered by the NJ Skylands, highlighting the beauty of New Jersey's autumnal landscapes.
Coastal regions mild.
In New Jersey's Coastal Zone, the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, leading to milder temperatures with less extreme fluctuations. During autumn and early winter, the coast experiences warmer temperatures than interior regions, and in spring, ocean breezes keep coastal temperatures cooler. For further details on this topic, you can visit the New Jersey Climate Overview provided by Rutgers University.
Higher elevations colder.
In New Jersey, the higher elevations, particularly in the northern zone, exhibit colder temperatures due to their location in the Appalachian Uplands, with average winter temperatures more than ten degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the Coastal Zone and annual snowfall averaging 40 to 50 inches compared to 10-15 inches in the south. For more detailed information on New Jersey's climate, you can visit the New Jersey Climate Overview page.
Occasional hurricanes.
New Jersey is occasionally affected by hurricanes, though direct hits are rare, occurring about once every 200 years. The state often experiences the remnants of hurricanes, which can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant coastal damage, with notable events including the 1944 hurricane, Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and the 1991 Perfect Storm. For more detailed information on the history and impact of these storms, refer to the List of New Jersey Hurricanes on Wikipedia.
Flash flooding possible.
Flash flooding in New Jersey is increasingly likely due to climate change, which causes a hotter atmosphere to hold more moisture. This leads to intense rainfall events like those seen during Hurricane Ida, where up to 11 inches of rain fell in a short period, resulting in devastating floods and significant loss of life and property. For a deeper insight into these changing weather patterns and their impact, you can explore more on the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website.
Average snowfall varies.
The average snowfall in New Jersey varies significantly by region, with the northern zone receiving 40 to 50 inches annually, while the southern areas receive only 10-15 inches. For example, Newark in North Jersey averages 31.5 inches of snow, whereas Atlantic City Marina in South Jersey averages 17.4 inches. Discover more about the Average Snowfall in New Jersey to understand the climatic differences across the state.