Climate and monthly weather forecast
Provincetown, MA

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Residential homes along the scenic shores of Provincetown in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Residential homes along the scenic shores of Provincetown in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

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

In August, Provincetown, Massachusetts experiences a slight dip in temperatures from the July peak to a more manageable 71.8°F (22.1°C). The humidity, while still high, sees a small decrease, making the weather a tad more comfortable. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Provincetown, Massachusetts marks the beginning of a cool shift as the summer warmth starts to dissipate, with temperatures falling to 66.4°F (19.1°C). Rainfall frequency declines from August, keeping the city relatively drier. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October witnesses noticeable change as autumn sets in fully in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Temperatures cool down to 58.8°F (14.9°C) from September highs. This month experiences higher rainfall than September, rendering the city wetter. 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

December in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is marked by the arrival of winter, with temperatures dropping to 43.2°F (6.2°C). Cold winds combined with shorter days give a proper start to the winter season. The rainfall amount increases from November, turning the city damp and cold. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 22, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

Temperature records mark January as the coldest month, with highs averaging 37.6°F (3.1°C) and lows at 29.8°F (-1.2°C).

How many days does it rain?

In Provincetown, during the entire year, the rain falls for 157.1 days and collects up to 32.17" (817mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

How much does it snow?

In Provincetown, during the entire year, snow falls for 20.3 days and aggregates up to 5.39" (137mm) of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.3 days and accumulates 1.85" (47mm) of snow.

What are the months with the coldest ocean?

February and March, with an average ocean temperature of 39°F (3.9°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow?

In Provincetown, snow does not fall in May through October.

What is the most humid month in Provincetown?

The months with the highest humidity are June and July, with an average relative humidity of 84%.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What month is the hottest?

During the warmest month in Provincetown, August, temperatures average a high of 71.8°F (22.1°C) and a low of 66.7°F (19.3°C).

What month is the ocean warmest?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 67.6°F (19.8°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Provincetown?

With an average of 10.7h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the driest month in Provincetown?

September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 12.7 days and accumulates 2.17" (55mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is November, with an average relative humidity of 74%.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 12.1 days and typically aggregates up to 3.39" (86mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Provincetown?

The month with the least sunshine in Provincetown is December, with an average of 4.4h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Provincetown, MA

Average temperature - Provincetown, MA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (71.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (66.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (29.8°F).

Average pressure
Provincetown, MA

Average pressure - Provincetown, MA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
Provincetown, MA

Average wind speed - Provincetown, MA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (17.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (10.9mph).

Average humidity
Provincetown, MA

Average humidity - Provincetown, MA

The months with the highest relative humidity are June and July (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (74%).

Average rainfall
Provincetown, MA

Average rainfall - Provincetown, MA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (3.39").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.17").

Average rainfall days
Provincetown, MA

Average rainfall days - Provincetown, MA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (8.6 days).

Average snowfall
Provincetown, MA

Average snowfall - Provincetown, MA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (1.85").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Provincetown, MA

Average snowfall days - Provincetown, MA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Provincetown, MA

Average sea temperature - Provincetown, MA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (67.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (39°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Provincetown, MA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Provincetown, MA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Provincetown, MA

Average sunshine days - Provincetown, MA

The month with the most sunshine days is November (16.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (12.6 days).

Average UV index
Provincetown, MA

Average UV index - Provincetown, MA

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Provincetown, MA

Average visibility - Provincetown, MA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA

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