weatherbycounty

Sussex County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec57.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

57.2°F

Annual Precip

45.8"

Annual Snowfall

11.7"

Extreme Heat Days

27

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.3"
2.9"
4.0"
3.4"
3.6"
4.0"
4.4"
4.3"
4.6"
4.3"
3.3"
3.8"
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

4,134

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/04
First fall frost (32°F): 11/06

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring45°64°11.0"Summer73°78°12.6"Fall49°70°12.2"Winter37°41°10.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 61% of US counties
Wetter than 61% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 44% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Sussex County

Climate Verdict

Sussex County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 57.2°F, moderately wet with 45.8 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 27.233333333333334 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 11.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.2°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Sussex County Weather

Well above national temperature norms

Sussex County’s 57.2°F average annual temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. This southern Delaware enclave enjoys a mild, coastal-influenced climate for much of the year.

Delaware’s warmest region

This is Delaware’s warmest county, exceeding the state average of 56.4°F. Its position on the Delmarva Peninsula keeps it consistently warmer than New Castle County to the north.

Lighter snow than northern counties

Sussex averages 57.2°F, making it slightly warmer than Kent County and much warmer than New Castle. It also sees the least snow in the state, averaging only 11.7 inches compared to New Castle’s 16.1 inches.

Frequent heat and mild winters

Summer is intense with 27 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 78.2°F. Winters are the mildest in the state, featuring a December-through-February average of 38.6°F and minimal snow.

Manage the summer heat

Homeowners should prioritize air conditioning maintenance to combat the state's highest frequency of extreme heat days. Conversely, the light 11.7-inch snowfall means winter weather gear is rarely a primary concern for residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Sussex County?
The average annual temperature in Sussex County, DE is 57.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Sussex County get?
Sussex County receives an average of 45.8 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 Sussex County?
Yes, Sussex County receives an average of 11.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Sussex County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Sussex County is 75.9°F. The county experiences an average of 27 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Sussex County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Sussex County is 38.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.5°F.

Track your own weather in Sussex 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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