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:: Cape Cod Weather

Cape Cod Weather by town, courtesy of CapeCodToday

Upper Cape Cod Plymouth, Falmouth/Wood's Hole, Sandwich, Bourne and Mashpee Mid-Cape Cod Barnstable/Hyannis, Yarmouth and Dennis Lower Cape Cod Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown

• Weather-wise packing for your visit to Cape Cod
• Average annual temperatures and precipitation

:: Weather-wise packing for your visit to Cape Cod

"If you don't like the weather in New England, wait five minutes."

Take care to bring the right clothes for your visit to the Cape. Cape Cod's maritime climate is changeable from day to night and from day to day. Because it is a peninsula, it is more temperate than surrounding areas (cooler in summer, warmer in winter.) It is sometimes necessary to pack for 2 seasons. Remember--if you go out on the open ocean on a boat, whether it be for fishing, whale watching, etc. --always bring pants, a warm top, and a light jacket, even in July & August. The ever-present offshore breeze is significantly cooler than on land. Here are some general guidelines to help you:

January - March
Pack for snow, rain, and (hopefully) sunny days in the 40's to 50's. This includes a heavy coat, gloves, waterproof, insulated boots or shoes, turtlenecks, sweaters, and thermal underwear if you have it. This also includes a medium weight jacket to be worn over other layers for golfing, biking, or walking. Swimming for mammals other than seals or polar bears is limited to indoor pools.

April
Pack for late winter and spring. April is variable --a light snow in early April is common; towards the end of the month it can be in the 40's & 50's. Waterproof shoes or boots are a must; as are medium and heavy jackets. Swimming--see above.

May
...is still a bit chilly (50's to 60's) but bring one pair of shorts. Lightweight pants, cotton sweaters, and a medium to light jacket will suffice. It's a great time for outdoor activities like biking, birdwatching, golfing, or walking--you won't be hot. Don't forget sunscreen. Swimming --see above.

June
Count on beautiful early summer weather--not too cool, not too hot (60's to mid 70's). Bring lightweight pants, some shorts, lightweight shirts, and cotton sweaters. A light jacket is needed for the evenings. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and beach accoutrements--chairs, a cooler, bug spray, etc. When going to the beach this time of year, always bring some warm clothes in case it gets chilly. The salt water is still a little cold for swimming, although kids and some adults brave it. Fresh water ponds are a little warmer.

July-August
Classic Cape Cod summer days--70's to 80's, a light salty breeze, cool nights. Temperatures in the 90's or extreme humidity is uncommon on the Cape, and the reason why everyone flocks here during these months. Pack for summer, but bring 2 pairs of pants and 2 cotton sweaters or warmer tops for evening. The beaches are in full swing. The saltwater is comfortable for swimming; freshwater is warmer. Always bring a sweatshirt or warmer top to the beach--a cool breeze can kick up anytime.

September
A slightly cooler version of July & August. Beach weather possible early in the month. Bring a light jacket for late September.

October
Beautiful fall days--50's to 60's during the day with quite cool nights --30's to 40's. Bring heavier pants, turtlenecks, a couple of sweaters, and a medium jacket.

November
Pack for winter, with an emphasis on layering. Snow is uncommon in November, but bring gloves.

December
Snow happens sometimes in December--aside from that, pack for winter.

:: Average Temp./Precipitation