Barnstable County Climate
Barnstable County, Massachusetts
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
50.8°F
Annual Precip
45.4"
Annual Snowfall
23.0"
Extreme Heat Days
1
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,557
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Barnstable County
Climate Verdict
Barnstable County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.8°F, moderately wet with 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.35 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 23.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 31.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.2°F. The 40°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Barnstable County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Barnstable County closely matches the Massachusetts statewide average temperature of 49.5°F.
Climate Profile
About Barnstable County Weather
Barnstable’s Coastal Maritime Climate
Barnstable’s 50.8°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median but warmer than the state average. This coastal region enjoys a humid continental climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.
Warmest in the Commonwealth
Barnstable ranks among the warmest counties in Massachusetts, exceeding the state average of 49.5°F. Its coastal location keeps it significantly milder than inland peers during the winter months.
A Milder Coastal Neighbor
Barnstable shares a similar maritime profile with Dukes County, which is slightly warmer at 51.3°F. It remains notably warmer than Bristol County’s inland sections during the peak of winter.
Mild Summers and Snowy Winters
The county experiences only one extreme heat day per year, with July averages staying a comfortable 71.2°F. Residents see about 23.0 inches of annual snowfall, which is lower than many of its mainland neighbors.
Planning for Island Life
Because the ocean regulates temperatures, residents can focus less on extreme heat cooling and more on moisture control from the 45.4 inches of annual rain. Winter gear is essential, but the 31.6°F January average is gentler than the state's interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.