The climate of Annapolis
The year-round climatic conditions of
Annapolis,
Maryland, relate to a subtropical classification under the Köppen Climate System: Cfa. It indicates the city's exposure to a robust seasonal shift, known for its humid subtropical climate and lack of a dry season. Reviewing the data highlights several distinctions in weather-related parameters across different months.
Surveying temperature trends, one observes significant seasonal fluctuation. During winter months, low temperatures hover near freezing, with the coldest months being
January and
February at 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and 32°F (0°C) respectively. High temperatures in these same months do not exceed the mid-40s°F. From there, a steady increase culminates in the heat of
July with a maximum temperature of 84.7°F (29.3°C) and a minimum of a balmy 72°F (22.2°C). Early fall sees this heat decline steadily, wrapping up the year with
December temperatures back in the mid-40s°F.
There exists a continuous presence of humidity, with monthly averages between 72% and 78% throughout the year. Rainfall maintains a steady pattern, recording a minimum of 0.47" (12mm) in January, and peaking at 1.69" (43mm) in
August. These measurements coincide with the number of rainfall days, which see a high of 14.3 in July and August, and a low of 5.3 in
November. Snowfall, though not a frequent occurrence, finds slight prominence between January and
March with only a small variation.
Annapolis lays claim to generally favorable winds and sea temperatures. Wind attributes reach a consistent high in January with speeds of up to 10.7mph (17.2km/h) and occasional gusts at 16mph (25.7km/h), before diminishing gradually. Sea temperatures bask in a high of 77.8°F (25.4°C) in August prior to cooling towards the year's end. Sunshine hours and daylight indicate an obvious rise and fall in adherence with the progression of seasons.
The best time to visit Annapolis
Planning a trip to
Annapolis leaves ample room for weather-specific preferences. However, given parameters indicating favorable temperature and sunlight, one might lean towards the period from
May to
September. These months present an encouraging temperature range, fluctuating between 62.2°F (16.8°C) and 84.7°F (29.3°C) alongside an escalation in sea temperatures from 57.4°F (14.1°C) to 77.8°F (25.4°C). Additionally, sunlight hours peak with values reaching 10.8 in
July.
The worst time to visit Annapolis
Potential visitors may want to avoid
Annapolis during the winter season when temperatures dip, daylight hours recede, and the possibility of snowfall becomes apparent.
January and
February demonstrate the most challenging conditions, with low temperatures recorded at 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and 32°F (0°C) respectively and a reduction in sunlight hours to 5.3.
Spring weather in Annapolis
The transition period of Spring, spanning from
March to
May, paints a picture of mild temperatures and increasing daylight. With high temperatures gradually rising from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 71.2°F (21.8°C), and lows from 38.5°F (3.6°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C), Spring ushers in warmer days. An increase in rainfall accompanies this warmth, culminating in 0.87" (22mm) in May. Wind speeds begin a steady decline during this period, providing a calm atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Summer weather in Annapolis
June to
August in
Annapolis signifies a period of high temperatures, extended hours of sunlight, and favorable sea temperatures. Marked by temperatures that oscillate between 79.3°F (26.3°C) and 84.7°F (29.3°C), and lows from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 72°F (22.2°C), summer brings warmth in abundance. Rainfall increases to its yearly peaks during this period, with a high of 1.69" (43mm) in August. Sunshine hours consistently reach their zenith, ensuring plenty of daylight for summer activities.
Autumn weather in Annapolis
The Autumn months of
September to
November reflect a gradual decrease in temperatures, sunset hours, and rainfall. High temperatures drop steadily from 77°F (25°C) to 54.5°F (12.5°C). Rainfall and numbers of rainfall days lessen considerably, reaching a mere 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation in November. Wind speeds pick up slightly, adding a chill to the diminishing sunlight and reducing sea temperatures.
Winter weather in Annapolis
December through
February in
Annapolis sees a wintry mix of cold temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and increased wind speeds. These colder months chart minimum temperatures descending towards freezing. With high temperatures lingering between 40.3°F (4.6°C) and 50.5°F (10.3°C), and lows from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 38.5°F (3.6°C), caution is advised for outdoor activities. A decrease in precipitation counters slightly with the potential for minimal snowfall. Winter months also highlight the shortest daylight durations and sunrise times of the year.
Weather in January
The year kicks off with typical winter weather in
Annapolis. The chilly sensation is in part due to a maximum daytime temperature barely exceeding 40.3°F (4.6°C), along with nighttime lows often dipping just below freezing. This month is marked by an almost constant cloud cover and robust winds.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, temperatures in
Annapolis gradually start creeping upwards. With the arrival and departure of the snow blanket, conditions vary from wintry chill to early hints of spring. It is an atmospheric tug of war between different seasons.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring arrives in the city of
Annapolis, the climate begins to shift. Despite the month's characteristic increase in rainfall to an average of 0.67" (17mm) from 0.55" (14mm) in
February, the city takes on a cheerier disposition.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Annapolis is marked by a visible leap from the lingering chill of early spring to a more comfortable climate. The harbinger of this weather transformation is the significant jump in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees the city of
Annapolis in full spring mode. The noticeable jump in temperature signals the close proximity of summer. Longer days and warmer weather make May the ideal time for outdoor activities and events. However, prospective visitors should prepare for the wettest month of the year in Annapolis.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Annapolis announces the arrival of summer. With the increasing sunlight and lengthening of days, the city blossoms into the vibrant summer life. By June, water enthusiasts can relish in the rising sea temperatures, ideal for aquatic activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Annapolis,
July owns the title of the hottest month. The heat of the mid-Atlantic summer is felt in full force, with top temperatures reaching as high as 84.7°F (29.3°C). Beaches and pools take center stage as residents and visitors seek relief from the heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Annapolis continues the summer trend. The heat persists, though slightly less intense than in
July. The sea temperature reaches its peak, providing ideal beach conditions. While the city remains bathed in ample sunshine, it is alleviated by an ambient breeze.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees
Annapolis transitioning from summer into fall. The cooling trend starts, presenting an ideal scenario for those seeking milder temperatures. Autumnal colors begin to paint the cityscape against a backdrop of reduced rainfall, now averaging at 0.63" (16mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the full arrival of autumn in
Annapolis. The climatic shift is clearly visible with the landscape assuming a palette of vibrant fall colors. As temperatures continue to dip, the crisp autumn air enhances the city’s beauty.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Annapolis characteristically brings the first hints of the approaching winter. The climate experiences a definite chill as temperatures fall consistently. It serves as a prelude to the winter season with the wind speed experiencing another increase.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the full arrival of winter, with colder days and longer nights. The temperature drops further with the noticeable chill in the air signaling the arrival of the holiday season. A notable feature of December is its first snowfall, with an average thickness of 0.12" (3mm).
Weather in December »