The climate of Cape May
Located on the southern tip of
New Jersey in the United States, Cape
May has a temperate climate, classified under the Köppen climate classification as humid subtropical. In this locale, temperatures show a marked variation throughout the year, averaging from the lowest at 32.2°F (0.1°C) in
January to the highest peaking at 79.3°F (26.3°C) in
July.
Humidity levels also display some variance, increasing from 74% in January to 82% in the month of May. Thereafter, a slight decrease is observed, leading to relatively low humidity months that last from July to
October. This weather trend is accompanied by rainfall spans which fluctuate in an irregular pattern, notching the highest levels reaching up to 3.86" (98mm) in
August from the dry spells of 2.13" (54mm) in January.
Cape May is known for given snowfall occurrences, predominantly restricted to the bleak winter months of January and
March, with an average snowfall of 0.67" (17mm) and 0.75" (19mm) respectively. The days are relatively longer in summer, reaching up to 14.9 hours of daylight in
June, while sunshine hours touching a high of 10.9 hours in July. These unique weather patterns make Cape May a place of varied climatic conditions throughout the year.
The climate of Cape May »The best time to visit Cape May
Considering the climate trends, the best time to visit Cape
May extends from late May until early
September. During this period, the town experiences the longest daylight hours with a comfortable temperature range of 64°F (17.8°C) to 79.3°F (26.3°C). With significant amounts of sunshine, balmy sea temperatures ranging from 64°F (17.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C) and relatively low humidity levels, these months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities, beachside relaxation and open-air dining.
The best time to visit Cape May »The worst time to visit Cape May
The coldest months are
May, New Jersey, USA - Weather January' itemprop='relatedLink'>January and
February, with low temperatures averaging between 32.2°F (0.1°C) and 33.6°F (0.9°C) respectively. It's not uncommon to see snowfall during these months, with January experiencing an average of 0.67" (17mm). Additionally, daylight hours shrink significantly during this period, resulting in less time to explore the outdoor offerings of
Cape May. Combined with high levels of humidity, these factors make this timeframe potentially uncomfortable for visitors.
The worst time to visit Cape May »Spring weather in Cape May
Spring weather in Cape
May typically occurs between
March and May. The temperature average rises gradually from 46°F (7.8°C) in March to 64°F (17.8°C) in May. Longer daylight hours commencing from 12 hours in March to a pleasant 14.3 hours in May, along with a decreased cloud cover, characterize this season. However, spring in
Cape May records increased humidity levels, reaching up to 82% by the end of May.
Spring weather in Cape May »Summer weather in Cape May
Summer, from
June to
August, brings the warmest weather in Cape
May. During these months, the temperature can reach an average high of 79.3°F (26.3°C) in
July and an average low of 67.6°F (19.8°C) in June. This period also boasts the longest daylight hours and the largest sunshine duration per day. Add to this, the comfortably warm sea temperatures that range from 64°F (17.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C) offer fantastic swimming opportunities.
Summer weather in Cape May »Autumn weather in Cape May
Autumn arrives in Cape
May in
September and lasts until
November. Average temperatures begin to drop from 73.4°F (23°C) in September to 54.5°F (12.5°C) in November. However, daylight hours gradually recede from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November. Meanwhile, the sea temperatures also start to cool down, averaging between 72°F (22.2°C) and 57°F (13.9°C).
Autumn weather in Cape May »Winter weather in Cape May
Winter weather in Cape
May is typically witnessed from
December until
February. The average temperature falls to 32.2°F (0.1°C) in
January, the coldest month, while the average high in these months typically hovers around 41.4°F (5.2°C). Snowfall is primarily seen during this season with an average accumulation reaching 1.06" (27mm) in December and lesser amounts in January and February. Furthermore, the daylight hours reduce to their annual lows during winter, ranging from 9.8 hours in December to 10.8 hours in February.
Winter weather in Cape May »
Weather in January
The weather in Cape
May sets a chilly tone, indicative of a quintessential midwinter.
January is characterized by frosty days, often manifesting in the month's coldest temperature: a high of 40.5°F (4.7°C) and a plummeting low of 32.2°F (0.1°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
May, New Jersey, USA - Weather February' itemprop='relatedLink'>February, weather in
Cape May,
New Jersey, harbors a pattern similar to
January. February retains the coldness of winter but experiences a marginal increase in average temperatures, rising from 40.5°F (4.7°C) to 41.4°F (5.2°C) and from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 33.6°F (0.9°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
May, New Jersey, USA - Weather March' itemprop='relatedLink'>March is a month of transition in
Cape May, as subtle signs of the changing season become noticeable. With further increase in temperature from
February, March moves away from the frigid grip of winter. An increase in daylight hours is noticed, promoting brighter and longer days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
May, New Jersey, USA - Weather April' itemprop='relatedLink'>April transitions the weather of
Cape May more evidently into Spring. The smallest amounts of snowfall are on record, and it is replaced by an increasing likelihood of rainfall. Rapidly warming temperatures from those observed in
March, coupled with longer daylight hours define this April ambiance.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Cape May experiences a noticeable climb in average temperatures. The highest sea temperature for the year is recorded, advancing from 48°F (8.9°C) in
April to 55°F (12.8°C). With the warmth, daylight hours also extend, reaching one of the highest values for the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the start of the summer season in Cape
May. The absence of snowfall that started from
April continues, and rainfall sees a slight decrease from May. The warm weather is complimented by longer hours of sunshine reaching 10.5 hours per day on average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the midsummer month in Cape
May, characterized by the highest temperatures of the year, reaching up to 79.3°F (26.3°C). The humidity does not lessen, making for some muggy and potentially uncomfortable days. Despite the high heat levels, rainfall remains significant, with a slight increase from
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in Cape
May mostly replicates that of
July. Despite a marginal decline in temperature from the July records, August remains a time of high warmness. The warmth of the sea reaches its peak in August, making sea activities highly favorable.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in Cape
May marks the transition from summer to fall, with temperatures progressively dropping from the summer peaks. A reduction in sea temperature from
August is noted, indicating less favorable conditions for sea related activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October solidifies the autumnal feel in Cape
May, with noticeable changes in weather elements. The drop in temperature from
September is significant, and comes along with changes in foliage and a noticeable reduction in daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers the transition from autumn to winter in Cape
May. Further cooling from the
October temperatures is observed, with a notable decline in sea temperature. Rainfall becomes less frequent from October levels, and the daylight hours decrease considerably.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the final month of the year,
December in Cape
May is characterized by the lowest temperatures. The coldest sea temperatures for the year are recorded, diving from 57°F (13.9°C) in
November to 52°F (11.1°C). Shorter daylight hours and lesser sunshine define December's shorter winter days.
Weather in December »