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Dorchester County Climate

Dorchester County, Maryland

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec58.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

58.3°F

Annual Precip

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

43

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,375

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/08
First fall frost (32°F): 11/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring47°66°0.0"Summer74°79°0.0"Fall50°71°0.0"Winter38°41°0.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 65% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 44% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Dorchester County

Climate Verdict

Dorchester County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 58.3°F, occasional hot days — 42.9 per year above 90°F. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 37.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 79.4°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

Dorchester County closely matches the Maryland statewide average temperature of 55.9°F, the county experiences 15.991833333333332 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Dorchester County Weather

Warm Eastern Shore climate profile

Dorchester County averages 58.3°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. Its location on the Delmarva Peninsula creates a humid, maritime-influenced environment.

High ranking for state warmth

The county is 2.4 degrees warmer than the Maryland state average of 55.9°F. It is one of the warmest regions in Maryland, particularly during long, humid summers.

More extreme heat than Baltimore

Dorchester faces 43 extreme heat days, far more than the 31 days recorded in Baltimore city or Anne Arundel. Its July average of 79.4°F is characteristic of the warm Eastern Shore.

Intense heat and mild winters

The county endures 43 days of temperatures at or above 90°F each year. Conversely, its winter average of 39.4°F is very mild, with a January average well above freezing at 37.7°F.

Focus on extreme heat safety

With 43 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning and hydration are critical for residents. While precipitation and snow data are limited, the mild winter temperatures reduce the need for heavy heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Dorchester County?
The average annual temperature in Dorchester County, MD is 58.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How hot does Dorchester County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Dorchester County is 77.0°F. The county experiences an average of 43 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Dorchester County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Dorchester County is 39.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 37.7°F.

Track your own weather in Dorchester 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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