Climate and monthly weather forecast
New Jersey, USA

New Jersey State experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa, Cfb) in South Jersey, central and the northeast. The northwest portion has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa, Dfb) with cooler temperatures than the rest of the state. New Jersey lies on the eastern shore of the United States, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Delaware in the southwest, Pennsylvania in the west, New York in the north, and the Atlantic Ocean in the east and southeast share borders with the state. The distance from the Atlantic Ocean, and the prevailing westerly winds that flow from west to east influence the climate.

New Jersey, the Garden State, has an average elevation of 80 meters, with the highest elevation at High Point at 549 meters. There are five major geographical zones, with significant temperature differences between the south and the northwest. The Northern Zone covers one-fourth of the state and consists of highlands and valleys. The Central Zone runs from the Lower Hudson River to Trenton near the great bend of the Delaware River and experiences the heat island effect. Cold fronts in the highlands result in clouds when the rest of the state has clear skies. Pine Barrens with scrub pine and oak forests dominate the central south. The Southwest Zone has a maritime influence on the climate and lies between sea level and 30 meters above it. The Coastal Zone battles between continental and oceanic influences.

The best time to visit New Jersey is during late spring and early summer when the temperatures are mild. The period from April to June is warm, relatively dry, with a low likelihood of snow and storms. The humidity is bearable compared to the summer season. July is the height of summer, and the temperatures soar above 90°F (32.2°C) in many places. Early fall is another good time with a drop in temperatures and colorful landscapes. Summer coincides with the peak tourist season in New Jersey when everything from hotels to rentals becomes costly.

The worst time to visit New Jersey is from December to February in the winter season. The conditions are cold and damp under the gloomy skies. Northwest New Jersey is severely cold, with temperatures dipping below 0°F (-17.8°C) in the night. Snowfall is heavy, and occasional blizzards make the conditions challenging. The coastal regions in the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean are relatively warmer than the north. Winter is a treat for snow lovers with plenty of adventure and fun options available for selection. For the rest of the population, a vacation in the warm south of the United States is more appealing.

Spring in New Jersey is marked by a transition from the chilly winter months to a more temperate and pleasant climate. The average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), allowing outdoor activities and nature exploration. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with the precipitation enhancing the blooming of flowers and growth of foliage. Frost diminishes as spring progresses, and the days become longer and sunnier. Spring weather provides an opportunity to enjoy the state's parks and outdoor attractions.

Summer is characterized by hot and often humid conditions in New Jersey. Temperatures typically vary from 82°F (27.8°C) to 87°F (30.6°C). The central part may witness up to 20 days with temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C), while the south sees double the number of such days. The coastal zones offer a respite from the heat due to maritime influences. Beaches and water-related activities are popular, but the heat might be overwhelming for some, particularly in July when temperatures soar.

Autumn brings a decrease in temperatures and humidity, making it a comfortable time to visit. The temperature ranges from 45°F (7.2°C) to 65°F (18.3°C) across the state. Leaves turn vibrant colors, offering breathtaking views, particularly in the northern and central parts. Precipitation is relatively lower, and the fall season is considered the driest with an average of eight days per month of rain. It is a great time for hiking and enjoying the scenic landscapes.

Winter in New Jersey is a season of contrasts, with the northern highlands experiencing severe cold and the central and southern coastal areas remaining relatively mild. Average temperatures in winter range from high 34°F (1.1°C) to 43°F (6.1°C) and low 16°F (-8.9°C) to 28°F (-2.2°C). The northwest might register lows below 0°F (-17.8°C). Snowfall ranges from 40" (1016mm) to 50" (1270mm) in the north and 10" (254mm) to 15" (381mm) in the south. Winter sports enthusiasts find ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other cold-weather activities.

January is considered the coldest month of the year in New Jersey, characterized by freezing temperatures and substantial snowfall. The northwest region faces the most extreme cold, where temperatures can dip below 0°F (-17.8°C), while central and southern coastal areas are relatively warmer but still quite cold. In the northern highlands, the minimum temperature can reach 16°F (-8.9°C), while in the southern parts, the minimum temperature may be around 28°F (-2.2°C). Weather in January »

February continues the winter season in New Jersey, though temperatures tend to be slightly milder compared to January. While it still remains one of the coldest months, it does not typically reach the extreme lows of the previous month. The northern highlands, where the winter is most severe, experience minimum temperatures of about 18°F (-7.8°C), while the southern regions have minimum temperatures around 30°F (-1.1°C). Weather in February »

March in New Jersey marks the beginning of a transition from winter to spring, characterized by gradually rising temperatures and a decrease in snowfall. However, the climate continues to vary across the state due to its diverse geographical zones. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures may reach 24°F (-4.4°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they may be around 35°F (1.7°C). Weather in March »

April ushers in a more definitive spring weather in New Jersey, with a noticeable increase in temperatures and a further reduction in snowfall. The landscapes begin to thaw, and flowers start to bloom, reflecting the warming trend. In the northern parts of the state, minimum temperatures may reach 34°F (1.1°C), while in the southern regions, they may hover around 45°F (7.2°C). Weather in April »

May in New Jersey represents the heart of spring, with warming temperatures, blossoming landscapes, and a departure from the cooler weather of previous months. The climate is generally mild, but there can still be considerable variations across the state's different geographical zones. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures generally range from 44°F (6.7°C) to 48°F (8.9°C), while the southern coastal areas may experience lows around 55°F (12.8°C). Weather in May »

June in New Jersey heralds the onset of summer, characterized by higher temperatures and increased humidity. The landscapes are lush, and outdoor activities become increasingly popular as the weather warms up across the state's varied geographical zones. In the northern parts, minimum temperatures typically range from 54°F (12.2°C) to 58°F (14.4°C), while in the southern regions, they may be around 65°F (18.3°C). Weather in June »

July is the peak of summer in New Jersey, with temperatures soaring across the state. This month often experiences the hottest conditions of the year, with increased humidity contributing to the intense heat. Minimum temperatures in the northern highlands generally range from 59°F (15°C) to 64°F (17.8°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they can reach around 70°F (21.1°C). Weather in July »

August in New Jersey continues to ride the wave of summer heat, though signs of a gradual cooling trend begin to emerge towards the end of the month. The state remains lively with outdoor activities, but some areas may experience less intense heat compared to July. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures typically fall between 58°F (14.4°C) to 63°F (17.2°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they can still reach around 69°F (20.6°C). Weather in August »

September marks the beginning of the transition from summer to autumn in New Jersey. The weather becomes more temperate, and a decrease in humidity brings about more comfortable conditions across the state. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures typically range from 50°F (10°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they may linger around 60°F (15.6°C). Weather in September »

October ushers in a definitive autumnal feel across New Jersey, with temperatures continuing to decline and the landscape transforming into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures can fall between 40°F (4.4°C) to 45°F (7.2°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they may range from 48°F (8.9°C) to 53°F (11.7°C). Weather in October »

November in New Jersey signifies a more profound transition into the cold season, with temperatures falling further and the landscape becoming increasingly bare as leaves drop from the trees. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures typically range from 32°F (0°C) to 37°F (2.8°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they can remain between 40°F (4.4°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Weather in November »

December marks the arrival of winter in New Jersey, bringing with it colder temperatures, increased chances of snow, and the potential for winter storms. In the northern highlands, minimum temperatures can fall between 24°F (-4.4°C) to 29°F (-1.7°C), while in the southern coastal areas, they may range from 32°F (0°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). Weather in December »