The climate of Nantucket
Nantucket,
Massachusetts, sits within the realm of a humid subtropical climate, as defined by the Köppen climate classification. This means that it receives no dry season and experiences substantial moisture throughout the year. Geographically, Nantucket is located off the eastern coast of the United States, exposing it to a range of climatic conditions affected by the Atlantic Ocean.
Upon scrutinizing the climate details, it becomes apparent that Nantucket's weather demonstrates a moderate variation. The annual temperatures range from a chilly 32.5°F (0.3°C) up to a warm 72.1°F (22.3°C). The coldest month of the year is
February with the minimum temperature dipping to 32.5°F (0.3°C) while the warmest month turns out to be
August, when the maximum temperature goes up to 72.1°F (22.3°C).
Rainfall in Nantucket is reasonably consistent throughout the year, hovering between 1.77" (45mm) and 3.27" (83mm) per month. The island gets the maximum rainfall in
October, marking it as the wettest month. On the contrary,
July witnesses the least rainfall, thus making it the driest month.
Nantucket experiences snowy conditions from
December to
March, with the majority of it falling in
January and December. Despite the minimal snowfall, these months demand the attention due to the presence of snow, unlike the rest of the year.
The best time to visit Nantucket
Considering the weather parameters, the ideal time to plan a visit to
Nantucket would be between
June and
September. During this period, the island enjoys the sunniest and warmest conditions. The maximum temperature during these months stays between 62.6°F (17°C) and 72.1°F (22.3°C), while the minimum temperature stays between 58.6°F (14.8°C) and 68.7°F (20.4°C). These favourable conditions ensure enjoyable outdoor activities and sight-seeing.
The worst time to visit Nantucket
While each season possesses a particular charm, the period from
November to
March could be less appealing for visitors. During this interval, temperatures can remarkably dip going down from 45.5°F (7.5°C) to a chilly 32.5°F (0.3°C). The frigid temperatures coupled with sporadic snowfall might discourage outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Nantucket
Spring in
Nantucket begins with a chilly start, with
March boasting a temperature range from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C) progressing to warmer conditions by
May, with temperatures varying from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 54.3°F (12.4°C). The rainfall maintains a steady pattern throughout spring, ranging from 2.05" (52mm) to 2.52" (64mm).
Summer weather in Nantucket
With the commencement of summer,
Nantucket comes alive with warm weather and sunshine.
June sees the temperature oscillating from 58.6°F (14.8°C) to 62.6°F (17°C), advancing to hotter conditions by
August that experiences temperatures from 68.7°F (20.4°C) to 72.1°F (22.3°C). Rainfall is at its lowest during the summer timespan, shifting between 1.81" (46mm) to 1.93" (49mm).
Autumn weather in Nantucket
Autumn in
Nantucket exhibits a gradual cooling trend. The temperatures in
September typically reside between 63.9°F (17.7°C) to 67.6°F (19.8°C), decreasing as we move into
November with ranges from 46.9°F (8.3°C) to 52.7°F (11.5°C). The island encounters the highest rainfall during
October at 3.27" (83mm).
Winter weather in Nantucket
Winter takes hold of
Nantucket with the temperatures notably dipping.
December marks the beginning with temperatures staying from 38.7°F (3.7°C) to 45.5°F (7.5°C) closing up to a chilling 32.5°F (0.3°C) to 39.7°F (4.3°C) by
February. During this season, snowfall becomes a common occurrence with the island witnessing up to 1.06" (27mm) of snow in
January.
Weather in January
Nantucket,
Massachusetts, kicks off the year with chilly temperatures.
January's weather is emblematic of the New England winter, with the average low of 32.9°F (0.5°C). It's the time of the year when Nantucket experiences a larger amount of snowfall with 1.06" (27mm) in comparison to the rest of the year, making it a real winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the last full month of winter,
February continues to be a season of cold temperatures in
Nantucket. The average high remains below 40°F (4.4°C), only slightly warmer than its predecessor. However, February showcases a decrease in snowfall, with measurements falling to 0.67" (17mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Nantucket embarks into the transitional period of spring with warmer temperatures. The average high jumps to 41.9°F (5.5°C), making it a tad warmer than the previous month. However, March has the highest rainfall days with an average of 13.2 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April heralds the arrival of Spring in earnest in
Nantucket,
Massachusetts. A noticeable increase in the average high temperature can be observed, reaching 47.5°F (8.6°C). Rainfall continues at a steady pace, transitioning into the lush vibrancy of springtime.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
Nantucket undergoes a significant change in
May. Average high temperatures transition into the 50s, currently reaching 54.3°F (12.4°C). As the gateway month to the summer season, May sees grasslands turning greener and longer daylight hours that ring in a sense of warmth and renewal.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the official advent of the summer season in
Nantucket,
Massachusetts. The average high temperature now climbs gently into the 60s, specifically at 62.6°F (17°C). Flowers are in full bloom in June, providing a colourful spectacle for the island's residents and visitors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the pinnacle of the summer season in
Nantucket, witnessing the highest average temperature of the year, which reaches 70.5°F (21.4°C). Swimming and sunbathing dominate popular activities with the temperature of the sea reaching a welcoming warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees
Nantucket,
Massachusetts, continue its summer indulgence. While the average high temperature is comparable to
July, the lowest level reaches a high of 68.7°F (20.4°C). Despite the residual heat, August sees the beginning of a gentle cool down in evening temperatures, signaling the onset of autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the onset of fall in
Nantucket, demonstrating a decrease in the average high temperature down to 67.6°F (19.8°C). However, the drop in temperature does not dampen local spirits or curtail outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October significantly marks the fall season in
Nantucket,
Massachusetts. Temperatures take a deeper dive, with the average high now standing at 60.8°F (16°C). The fall foliage is in its full glory this month, making it an ideal time for nature walk and photography.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Winter arrives on the heels of
November in
Nantucket with an average high dropping down to 52.7°F (11.5°C). An increase in humidity and lower sunshine hours hints at the imminent arrival of winter. As the chill in the air deepens, the environment gradually transitions into a serene and quiet landscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Nantucket,
Massachusetts, welcomes the full swing of winter, sporting temperatures dropping as low as an average of 38.7°F (3.7°C). With the arrival of the season, snowfall marks its entry, albeit at a minor 0.47" (12mm).
Weather in December »