The climate of Somerville
Unlike some cities, the climate in
Somerville,
Massachusetts, USA is not always what you'd expect from its location in the northeastern United States. Instead of being humid but mild, the city actually experiences what is known as a humid continental climate (Köppen climate designation Dfa), characterized by its lack of a dry season and hot summers. This means that throughout the year, weather conditions vary significantly from month to month.
Analyzing the yearly climate data, the most notable variations occur in temperature and rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 33.8°F (1°C) in
January to a warm 81.9°F (27.7°C) in
July, while average low temperatures can dip as low as 22.5°F (-5.3°C) in January and rise to 64.8°F (18.2°C) come July. This wide temperature disparity creates various weather patterns that differ each season.
In terms of precipitation, Somerville sees a fair amount of rainfall and snowfall throughout the year. The city gets the most rainfall in
November, with the average reaching 0.55" (14mm) and the least in
September, at 0.12" (3mm). Further, snowfall in Somerville is more common than one might think, with the deepest snow, 0.71" (18mm) on average, happening in
December.
Humidity levels stay relatively constant hovering between 69% in
April and 78% in
February. Sunshine hours are greatest during summer and least during winter, with the annual average daylight reaching 15.2 hours in
June and as short as 9.1 hours in December.
The best time to visit Somerville
Taking into account the city's unique climate conditions, the best time to visit
Somerville may vary depending on what a visitor is after. If warm and comfortable weather is a priority,
June to
August offers the most appealing conditions. During this time, high temperatures average between 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 81.9°F (27.7°C) while average low temperatures range from 57.4°F (14.1°C) to 64.8°F (18.2°C). Additionally, summer sees the longest daylight periods reaching up to 15.2 hours in June, ensuring plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Somerville
On the other end of the spectrum,
January and
February may not be ideal for a visit to
Somerville, especially for those not accustomed to colder climates. Low temperatures during this time can drop to a chilly 22.5°F (-5.3°C) in January and 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in February. These months also see the least amount of daylight, averaging 9.5 hours in January and 10.6 hours in February, respectively. Furthermore, January sees the highest average snowfall, turning the city into a winter wonderland.
Spring weather in Somerville
Springtime in
Somerville sees a gradual rise in temperatures as the city shakes off winter's chill.
March to
May witnesses average high temperatures rise from 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C), while low temperatures increase from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to 49.8°F (9.9°C). Humidity levels also start to increase during spring, going up to 72% in May from 69% in
April. However, rainfall levels rise as well, peaking at 0.47" (12mm) in April.
Summer weather in Somerville
The transition from spring to summer brings warmer weather to
Somerville, with average high temperatures peaking at 81.9°F (27.7°C) in
July and average lows rising to 64.8°F (18.2°C). The summer months of
June to
August also witness the least cloud cover, encouraging maximum sunshine. Humidity remains relatively consistent, fluctuating between 73% - 74%. Rainfall also tends to be less during this period, averaging between 0.24" (6mm) to 0.35" (9mm).
Autumn weather in Somerville
As summer transitions into autumn, temperatures in
Somerville start to dip. The months from
September to
November see average highs decrease from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 49.5°F (9.7°C), while average lows fall from 56.8°F (13.8°C) to 37.4°F (3°C). Despite the decreasing temperatures, the amount of rainfall increases, reaching a high of 0.55" (14mm) in November.
Winter weather in Somerville
Winter reigns in
Somerville from
December to
February. During this period, the city experiences its coldest temperatures with average highs falling to 33.8°F (1°C) in
January and average lows plummeting to 22.5°F (-5.3°C). Additionally, snowfall is most common in winter, reaching its peak depth of 0.71" (18mm) in December. Despite the colder weather, the pressure tends to be the highest, averaging 30.03" (763mm) in February. While the winter may be cold, the crisp air, and snow-covered cityscape provides an entirely different charm to Somerville.
Weather in January
January brings to
Somerville Massachusetts the feel of a true winter atmosphere. Freezing cold temperatures are the norm, with an average low temperature touching 22.5°F (-5.3°C) and high peaking at 33.8°F (1°C). This period can be particularly challenging for outdoor activities with the peak winters and icy winds.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Somerville Massachusetts witnesses a gradual rise in temperature into the high of 36.5°F (2.5°C) from the previous month, though the chill of winter is very much still present. The city braces itself against the ongoing onslaught of winter breezes.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in April
April in
Somerville Massachusetts is characterized by a significant increase in temperature from
March, making it a relatively pleasant month. The city disturbs its winter slumber with rising temperatures as it ushers in the warmer months of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Somerville Massachusetts weather in
May is marked by a temperature high hitting 66.7°F (19.3°C), signaling the advent of the summer months. May presents itself as one of the ideal months for outdoor activities with extended daylight hours and warm weather.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June represents the onset of Summer in
Somerville Massachusetts with temperatures reaching a warm 74.5°F (23.6°C). The increase in humidity continues into this month from
May. Being the month of Summer Solstice, June has long, sunny days with maximum daylight hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Somerville Massachusetts, with temperatures soaring to a sizzling 81.9°F (27.7°C). The weather is significantly warmer compared to previous months. Long hot days with lower cloud cover create an environment ripe for various summer activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather in September
September in
Somerville Massachusetts sees the dawn of the fall season, with a noticeable drop in the highest temperature to 72.9°F (22.7°C) and the beginning of autumn colors. The winds start to pick up in frequency in comparison to the calm summer months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With a high-temperature drop to 61.2°F (16.2°C),
October ushers in the full effect of the fall season in
Somerville Massachusetts. The fall foliage starts to become more pronounced this month. The weather is significantly cooler compared to previous months, and the colorful autumn scenery envelops the city.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Weather in December