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New Castle County Climate

New Castle County, Delaware

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.9°F

Annual Precip

47.5"

Annual Snowfall

16.1"

Extreme Heat Days

24

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.4"
2.9"
4.4"
3.8"
3.7"
4.4"
4.8"
4.1"
4.8"
3.9"
3.2"
4.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,709

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/07
First fall frost (32°F): 11/02

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring43°63°11.8"Summer72°77°13.4"Fall46°68°11.9"Winter33°38°10.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 51% of US counties
Wetter than 67% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 56% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: New Castle County

Climate Verdict

New Castle County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, moderately wet with 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 24.100000000000005 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 16.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 32.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.9°F. The 44°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for New Castle County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

New Castle County closely matches the Delaware statewide average temperature of 56.4°F.

Climate Profile

About New Castle County Weather

Matching the national temperature median

At 54.9°F annually, New Castle County aligns closely with the national median temperature for U.S. counties. It offers a balanced four-season climate that avoids the extreme heat found further south.

Delaware’s coolest county

New Castle is Delaware’s coolest county, falling 1.5 degrees below the state average of 56.4°F. While the rest of the state leans warmer, this northern corridor maintains a more temperate profile year-round.

Chillier than southern neighbors

The county is significantly cooler than its southern neighbor Kent, which averages 57.1°F. It also receives 16.1 inches of snow, the highest volume in Delaware, distinguishing it from the sandier coastal regions.

The state's snowiest winters

Winter brings a chilly January average of 32.7°F, contributing to the state's most robust snowfall totals. Summers remain warm with 24 days over 90°F, though the July average of 76.9°F is the lowest in the state.

Prepare for freezing temperatures

Reliable heating and insulation are vital as winter temperatures frequently dip below freezing. Residents should also invest in snow shovels or blowers to manage the county's 16.1-inch annual snow accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in New Castle County?
The average annual temperature in New Castle County, DE is 54.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does New Castle County get?
New Castle County receives an average of 47.5 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in New Castle County?
Yes, New Castle County receives an average of 16.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does New Castle County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in New Castle County is 74.6°F. The county experiences an average of 24 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in New Castle County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in New Castle County is 35.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 32.7°F.

Track your own weather in New Castle County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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