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Contents
- The climate of Salem
- The best time to visit Salem
- The worst time to visit Salem
- Spring weather in Salem
- Summer weather in Salem
- Autumn weather in Salem
- Winter weather in Salem
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The gray Witch House located in Salem Town, Massachusetts
The climate of Salem
Strategically located by the North Atlantic Ocean, the city of Salem in Massachusetts experiences a Humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. This climate is according to Köppen classification denoted as Dfb. A typical year witnesses considerable variation in temperatures, ranging from lows of 18°F (-7.8°C) in the off-peak winters to highs of 82°F (27.8°C) recorded generally during the sultry peak summers.
Rainfall registers almost similar values throughout the year. From a yearly perspective, the wettest month is November recording average rainfall of 4.6in, while the lowest precipitation occurs in July with 3in of rainfall. Rainfall days don’t show a significant difference either, ranging scarcely from 9 days in the summer to 12 days during December.
UV index varies noticeably throughout the year. The summer months from June to August have higher UV indices, reaching a peak of 8. These months advise for necessary precautions when outdoors. Contrarily, in the winter months of December, January, and February, the UV index drops down to 1. Sunlight hours fluctuate considerably, peaking at 15.3 hours per day in June and minimally illustrated by 9.1 hours per day in December.
Rainfall registers almost similar values throughout the year. From a yearly perspective, the wettest month is November recording average rainfall of 4.6in, while the lowest precipitation occurs in July with 3in of rainfall. Rainfall days don’t show a significant difference either, ranging scarcely from 9 days in the summer to 12 days during December.
UV index varies noticeably throughout the year. The summer months from June to August have higher UV indices, reaching a peak of 8. These months advise for necessary precautions when outdoors. Contrarily, in the winter months of December, January, and February, the UV index drops down to 1. Sunlight hours fluctuate considerably, peaking at 15.3 hours per day in June and minimally illustrated by 9.1 hours per day in December.
The best time to visit Salem
The ideal time to visit Salem largely depends upon individual preferences for weather conditions. However, as per the climatological parameters, the spring and early summer months from April to June present balanced conditions. These months register a commendable rise in temperatures with average highs ranging from 55°F (12.8°C) in April to 77°F (25°C) in June. Sea temperatures also begin to rise gradually starting from 41°F (5°C) in April, making it pleasant for coastal activities.
The worst time to visit Salem
Salem endures cold winters with the lowest temperature readings observed between December and February, recording as low as 18°F (-7.8°C) to 19°F (-7.2°C) respectively. These months also bear a high quantity of rainfall, specifically in December with 4.1in. An additional factor attributing to a less attractive period to visit is the minimal daylight hours, reaching as low as 9.1 in December.
Spring weather in Salem
Weather in Salem during the spring months from March to May is characterized by an upward temperature shift and moderate rainfall. The warmth significantly evolves from 45°F (7.2°C) in March to 66°F (18.9°C) by May. Sea temperatures in this period remain on the chilly side ranging from 37°F (2.8°C) to 46°F (7.8°C).
Summer weather in Salem
Summertime in Salem stretches from June to August. These months indicate the warmest with maximum temperature daytime highs ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 82°F (27.8°C). Rainfall in the summer months is moderate while the sea temperatures soar to the pleasant 60s°F, making it ideal for beach-related activities.
Autumn weather in Salem
Autumn in Salem sets from September to November. Average high temperatures during this time frame experience a gradual drop from 73°F (22.8°C) in September to 52°F (11.1°C) by November. Precipitation levels remain relatively steady, while in November there is a spike to 4.6in making it the wettest month of the year.
Winter weather in Salem
Winter in Salem witnesses markedly cold temperatures with average lows dropping to 23°F (-5°C) in December. Precipitation levels are considerably high and daylight hours are at their shortest, evidencing the minimal average daylight of 9.1 hours in December. Sea temperatures also dip down to lower 40s°F making them unsuitable for marine activities.
Weather in January
January is the kickoff of Salem's winter season with low average temperatures ranging from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). While rare, significant snowfall can occur, blanketing the city with a layers of ice and snow. The daylight is short, fading rapidly in the late afternoon. Weather in January »
Weather in February
With temperatures slightly higher than January, varying from 19°F (-7.2°C) to 37°F (2.8°C), February sees the continuation of the winter climate in Salem. The diminishingly short days of the previous month are replaced by longer daylight hours. Weather in February »
Weather in March
As winter relinquishes its hold on Salem, March sees a spring transformation with temperatures bringing warmth that ranges from 28°F (-2.2°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). The longer day hours allow for more sunshine, giving the city a much-needed break from cloudy conditions. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Temperatures in April witness a noticeable increase with values soaring from 37°F (2.8°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). This month marks the beginning of more comfortable weather conditions in Salem. The city experiences an upturn in outdoor activities with the warmer climate and the budding of flowers and trees, creating a scenic atmosphere. Weather in April »
Weather in May
Lifting average temperatures from 48°F (8.9°C) to 66°F (18.9°C), May sees the emergence of a full-scale spring in Salem. With the temperature becoming more warm and the city witnessing more sunlight than cloudy days, outdoor activities become more enjoyable. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June is the commencement of summer in Salem with temperatures strolling from 57°F (13.9°C) to 77°F (25°C). Longer days accompanied by maximum sunlight make way for an increase in outdoor activities and beach visits, with the sea temperature at 55°F (12.8°C). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Salem with temperatures reaching between 63°F (17.2°C) and 82°F (27.8°C). Even though the UV index hits 8, making sun protection measures essential, the sea temperature also climbs to 63°F (17.2°C) providing relief from the heat. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Though August temperatures in Salem are still hot, ranging from 61°F (16.1°C) to 81°F (27.2°C), the weather starts transitioning towards autumn. The sea remains warm providing ample opportunity to enjoy water-based activities. Weather in August »
Weather in September
Salem's summer transitions into fall during September, with temperatures falling between 54°F (12.2°C) and 73°F (22.8°C). With the departure of the summer crowds, the city maintains its beauty with the leaves beginning to change colors. Weather in September »
Weather in October
With temperatures reducing from 63°F (17.2°C) to 43°F (6.1°C), Salem in October witnesses a vibrant fall. The city is renowned for its Halloween celebrations as the milder weather and colorful foliage create an ideal setting for outdoor festivals. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November indicates the start of winter in Salem, with temperatures slipping from 52°F (11.1°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). Daylight hours decrease significantly, making outings limited to earlier parts of the day. With colder temperatures, the city wears a serene look with its famous tourist spots less crowded. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December is right back in the heart of winter with temperatures ranging from 23°F (-5°C) to 39°F (3.9°C) in Salem. With daylight hours shrinking to the shortest of the year and an average UV index of 1, outdoor activities are often limited. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Salem?
Salem's coldest month, January, registers temperatures that range from a high of 35.6°F (2°C) to a low of 17.6°F (-8°C).
How much does it rain?
In Salem, during the entire year, the rain falls for 124 days and collects up to 43.03" (1093mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
January, November and December, with an average of 5h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Salem.
What is the month with the coldest ocean?
March is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 37.4°F (3°C).
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 are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.
What are the months with the most sunshine?
June through August, with an average of 9h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.
What are the months with the highest UV index?
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 8, are months with the highest UV index.
What is the hottest time of year?
In Salem, the average temperatures in July are the highest, with a peak at 82.4°F (28°C) and a low of 62.6°F (17°C).
What is the driest month?
The month with the least rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 9 days and typically collects 2.99" (76mm) of precipitation.
What month is the ocean warmest?
The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average ocean temperature of 64.4°F (18°C).
What is the rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall in Salem is November, when the rain falls for 11 days and typically aggregates up to 4.57" (116mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Salem, MA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18°F).
Average rainfall
Salem, MA
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (4.6").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (3").
Average rainfall days
Salem, MA
- Average rainfall days in January:
11 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11 days - Average rainfall days in April:
11 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11 days - Average rainfall days in June:
11 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11 days - Average rainfall days in December:
12 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (12 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (8 days).
Average sea temperature
Salem, MA
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (64°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (37°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Salem, MA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).
The months with the most sunshine are June, July and August (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 5h).
Average UV index
Salem, MA
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
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