The climate of Ocean City
Ocean City,
Maryland, USA features a Humid subtropical climate, classified as Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification. This geographical location is distinguished by a lack of dry season and a substantial concentration of moisture throughout the year. The weather patterns exhibit adaptations and shifts in response to each of the four seasons with diversity in temperature, humidity, and precipitation parameters.
Examination of the climatic components reveals a noticeable fluctuation in temperatures from 34.2°F (1.2°C) to a high of 79.7°F (26.5°C). Humidity oscillates slightly within relative margins, ranging from 74% to 82% over the year. Precipitation numerically registers an average value between 1.46" (37mm) and 2.56" (65mm). Those figures translate into variable weather conditions, from colder winter months with sporadic traces of snowfall to hot and humid summer months with consistent rainfall.
Several distinctive weather patterns stand out in Ocean City. In terms of rainfall,
July and
August typically see maximum precipitation around 2.56" (65mm) and 2.4" (61mm) accordingly. Conversely,
January records the least precipitation, approximately 1.46" (37mm). During the hottest month, which usually falls in July, the temperatures can rise to around 79.7°F (26.5°C). In contrast, the coldest month identified is January where the mercury may dip to a low of 34.2°F (1.2°C).
The best time to visit Ocean City
Considering the climatic parameters, the optimal period to arrange a visit to
Ocean City would arguably be from
May to
September. This span correlates to a remarkably consistent temperature spectrum, fluctuating between 65.1°F (18.4°C) and 79.3°F (26.3°C). This range of temperature favors a variety of outdoor activities and minimizes weather-related disruptions. Added to that, daylight hours are appreciably longer, extending from 14.3 hours in May to a maximum of 14.8 hours in
June. Moreover, the sea temperatures allow for comfortable swimming, peaking at 77.5°F (25.3°C) during
August.
The worst time to visit Ocean City
On the other end of the spectrum, the least favourable period to plan a visit to
Ocean City would be from
December to
February. These months are typical of the winter season and characterized by colder temperatures, reaching a low of 34.2°F (1.2°C) in
January. Snowfall is present yet minimal, accumulating around 0.35" (9mm) in December and 0.39" (10mm) in January. Daylight is at its shortest during these months, dropping to a minimum of 9.5 hours in December. Sea temperatures are relatively cold, plunging to 44.2°F (6.8°C) in January, which limits aquatic activities.
Spring weather in Ocean City
Spring in
Ocean City escorts in a gradual increase in temperatures, beginning with 47.7°F (8.7°C) in
March and climbing to a comfortable 65.1°F (18.4°C) in
May. Rainfall ranges between 1.81" (46mm) and 1.85" (47mm), with the number of rainy days increasing considerably from 8.9 days in March to 14.3 days in May. Sunshine hours enhance significantly from 6.8 hours in March to a peak of 9.5 hours in May.
Summer weather in Ocean City
Summer arrives in
Ocean City with heating temperatures, hovering between 74.1°F (23.4°C) and 79.3°F (26.3°C) from
June to
August. Rainfall is comparatively higher, reaching a peak of 2.56" (65mm) in
July. However, the number of rainy days is slightly less, ranging from 13.9 days in June to 15.3 days in August. The amount of sunshine remains consistent, varying from 10.7 hours in June to a slightly reduced 10.7 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Ocean City
Autumn brings cooler temperatures to
Ocean City, from a high of 74.3°F (23.5°C) in
September down to a much cooler 55.4°F (13°C) by
November. Rainfall decreases to around 1.81" (46mm) in September, escalating to 2.52" (64mm) in
October and then falling slightly to 1.54" (39mm) in November. Sunshine hours start to decline, dropping from 9.5 in September to 5.8 hours by November.
Winter weather in Ocean City
Winter in
Ocean City encompasses relatively cold weather conditions, with temperatures dropping from 48.4°F (9.1°C) in
December to 34.2°F (1.2°C) in
January. Snowfall is witnessed but is minimal, measuring 0.24" (6mm) in December and 0.35" (9mm) in January. Daylight hours also decrease during this period, fluctuating from 9.5 hours in December to 9.9 hours in
February, whilst sunshine hours oscillate around 5.3 to 5.5 hours.
Weather in January
Expect cooler temperatures in
Ocean City,
Maryland during
January with the average highs reaching up to 42.4°F (5.8°C) and lows dropping down to 34.2°F (1.2°C). The start of a new year brings a slight chill and a low sunlight duration compared to the following months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Ocean City ushers in slightly warmer weather with temperatures climbing a little higher than the preceding month. Snowfall lessens from 0.35" (9mm) in
January to 0.39" (10mm), indicating the close of the winter season.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March signifies the dynamic transition from winter to spring in
Ocean City,
Maryland. During March, rainfall rises to 1.85" (47mm) compared to
February's 1.69" (43mm). There is a lengthening of daylight hours and a significant decrease in snowfall, symbolizing the onset of a warmer, brighter period.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Ocean City brings warmth and noticeable change in the weather cycle. As spring fully sets in, there is no snowfall compared to
March which sees a minor 0.16" (4mm). Increased daylight illuminates the city for about 13.2 hours while the UV index rises, indicating more intense sunshine.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The euphoria of spring gives way to the early whispers of summer in
May in
Ocean City. During this month, the sea temperature warms significantly to 57.8°F (14.3°C) compared to
April's cooler 49.5°F (9.7°C). Prolonged daylight invites the urban populace into the beaches, local parks, and waterfront cafes.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The weather pattern of
June in
Ocean City,
Maryland, sculpts a delightful beginning of summer. Ocean City's weather characteristic starts warming up significantly, pushing the sea temperature to 69.4°F (20.8°C). From children playing in the surf to tourists sprawling in the sun, it's a beach party down in Ocean City.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, positioned in the heart of summer, locks
Ocean City in a banter of warmth with the highest average temperature of 79.7°F (26.5°C). Sunny skies, a high UV index, and extended daylight bring life to the city's bustling boardwalks and sandy beaches.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls around in
Ocean City, tourists can expect similar temperatures to
July hovering around 79.3°F (26.3°C). Despite this, the UV index drops slightly, signaling a subtle change in the weather cycle. August embodies the soul of the summer season, but the length of daylight begins to trim down.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Ocean City,
Maryland, signals a fine mix of warm weather and a gentle pre-fall ambiance. During this month, the sea surface temperature sees a minor decline to 73.5°F (23.1°C). Festivities follow the residents of Ocean City from summer into fall, with the weather lending a congenial atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a noticeable shift in
Ocean City's season, paving the way for cooler evenings and shorter days. Nevertheless, residual warmth from the summer months lingers, with the sea temperature still relatively warm at 66.9°F (19.4°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in
Ocean City in
November carries the solid imprint of fall with the temperature taking a significant dip down to 55.4°F (13°C) from 65.5°F (18.6°C) in
October. With the shortened daylight hours and the crisp autumn landscape, Ocean City dwells in the nostalgia of summer while prepping for imminent winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December, winter in
Ocean City sets in earnestly, encapsulating the city in a serene, icy spectacle. December sees a return of snow as temperatures dip lower, marking the month with 0.24" (6mm) of snowfall. With the sea temperature dropping down to 50.3°F (10.2°C), beach activities yield to indoor engagements.
Weather in December »