The climate of Provincetown
Provincetown,
Massachusetts sits in a predominately Humid subtropical climate, with no dry season according to the Köppen climate classification, which is identified as Cfa. Positioned near the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year influenced by its coastal location.
The area sees temperatures that rise from the chilly 37.6°F (3.1°C) in
January to a warm 71.8°F (22.1°C) in
August. Contrastingly, low temperatures range from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in the colder months to 66.7°F (19.3°C) during the hottest season. Relative humidity remains fairly constant, ranging from 74% in
November to 84% from
June to
July. Rainfall amounts vary moderately, with the most precipitation falling in
December with 3.39" (86mm), and the least in
September, measuring only 2.17" (55mm). Snowfall is limited to the winter months with January and
February seeing the most snowfall reaching up to 1.3" (33mm) and 1.85" (47mm) respectively.
Particularly unique is the fluctuation in daylight hours. Daylight hours peak at 15.2 hours in June, before dropping to as low as 9.2 hours in December. Coupled with changes in humidity and temperature, these diverse weather patterns underline the uniqueness of Provincetown's climate.
The best time to visit Provincetown
For weather-oriented visitors, the best time to visit
Provincetown is between
June and
August. During this period, average high temperatures hover between 63.3°F (17.4°C) to 71.8°F (22.1°C) are coupled with the longest daylight hours, reaching up to 15.2 hours in June, allowing tourists ample time to explore the coastal town. With relative humidity at its peak, the air will be warm and may offer a tropical feel.
Furthermore, the sea's temperature soars to 66.4°F (19.1°C) in
July and 67.6°F (19.8°C) in August, making these summer months perfect for coastal activities such as swimming and watersports. Sunseekers would also be pleased to note that the summer months offer the most sunshine hours, peaking at 10.7 hours in August.
The worst time to visit Provincetown
The least inviting time to visit
Provincetown falls between
December and
February. During these winter months, high temperatures hoverjust above freezing, in the range of 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 40.6°F (4.8°C), while low temperature averages dip to near freezing, between 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C). The chilly air is compounded by the shortest daylight hours of the year, averaging only 9.2 to 10.6 hours, limiting the amount of time tourists can spend in outdoor activities.
These months also signify the period with the highest snowfall.
January sees the highest snowfall at 1.3" (33mm) and February follows closely with snowfall measuring at 1.85" (47mm), potentially disrupting plans and travels.
Spring weather in Provincetown
Spring in
Provincetown, from
March to
May, is characterized by gradually rising temperatures, longer days, and increased rainfall. High temperatures average from 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 55°F (12.8°C) while lows vary from 34.3°F (1.3°C) to 49.6°F (9.8°C). Rainfall escalates throughout the season, increasing from 2.91" (74mm) in March to 2.36" (60mm) in May. Daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May.
Summer weather in Provincetown
Summer in
Provincetown, spanning
June through
August, offers warm weather, extended daylight hours, and modest rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 63.3°F (17.4°C) to 71.8°F (22.1°C), while lows rest between 58.3°F (14.6°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C). Rainfall is moderate, with precipitation totals ranging between 2.72" (69mm) to 3.03" (77mm). These months offer the longest daylight hours of the year, averaging from 14.9 to 15.2 hours, providing plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Provincetown
Autumn in
Provincetown,
September through
November, features decreasing temperatures, shortening daylight hours, and variable rainfall. During this season, average high temperatures decrease from 66.4°F (19.1°C) in September to 50.4°F (10.2°C) in November, while low temperatures shift between 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 44.2°F (6.8°C). Rainfall varies, ramping up to 3.03" (77mm) in
October, before getting down to 2.44" (62mm) in November. Daylight hours gradually decrease, from approximately 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Provincetown
Winter months in
Provincetown,
December through
February, bear low temperatures, limited daylight hours, and occasional snowfall. High temperatures fluctuate between 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 40.6°F (4.8°C), while lows range from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C), marking the coldest season. Winds are more intense during this time, amplifying the perceived cold, having an average speed between 17.1mph (27.5km/h) to 17.8mph (28.6km/h). Snowfall is minimal but present, averaging 0.71" (18mm) in December and 1.3" (33mm) in
January. Daylight hours are restricted, averaging from 9.2 to 10.6 hours.
Weather in January
January in
Provincetown,
Massachusetts typically has relatively cold temperatures and decent humidity levels, making it a typical winter month. It is colder than
December, with chilly sea temperatures as well. The month features mild wind conditions compared to other winter months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter trend established in
January with cold temperatures, though there's a slight improvement with temperatures reaching up to 37.9°F (3.3°C). The frequency of rainfall and snowfall remains constant as in January with moderate amounts falling through the month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March,
Provincetown,
Massachusetts starts to witness a change in the weather as winter gradually gives way to spring. With temperatures rising to an average high of 40.6°F (4.8°C), the weather remains cold while becoming slightly more bearable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April jumps head-on into spring with remarkably warmer conditions compared to
March, reaching up to 46.9°F (8.3°C). It is one of the wettest months in
Provincetown, with a considerable number of rainy days. The wind speed and the sea temperature also see an upward trend, with gusty winds and slightly warmer sea waters.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May provides a welcome relief from the cold months, with temperatures soaring to 55°F (12.8°C), making it much warmer than
April.
Provincetown,
Massachusetts enjoys long, sunny days as spring is in full bloom. Rainfall reduces from April's high, balancing between sun and rain to keep the city green and blooming.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the arrival of
June, the summer officially begins in
Provincetown,
Massachusetts. Temperatures feel delightful as they rise to 63.3°F (17.4°C), a significant leap compared to
May. The rains continue to hover around the same number as in May, ensuring the city remains lush and vibrant.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the pinnacle of summer in
Provincetown,
Massachusetts with temperatures peaking at 71.2°F (21.8°C). It is the hottest month of the year with long, sunny days and occasional thunderstorms. Humidity is high due to the rise in temperatures and seaside location.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather in September
Weather in October
Weather in November
November turns colder with
Provincetown,
Massachusetts, preparing for the approaching winter season. Temperatures drop to 50.4°F (10.2°C), making it significantly cooler than
October. Less rainfall and reduced daylight hours characterize this month as the transition from autumn to winter continues.
Weather in November » Weather in December