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Berkshire County Climate

Berkshire County, Massachusetts

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.4°F

Annual Precip

45.2"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

5

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
2.9"
2.5"
3.3"
3.4"
3.9"
4.6"
4.3"
4.2"
4.4"
4.5"
3.5"
3.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,237

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/07
First fall frost (32°F): 10/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°56°10.6"Summer64°69°13.0"Fall38°60°12.4"Winter22°29°9.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 58% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 68% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Berkshire County

Climate Verdict

Berkshire County has a cool, averaging 46.4°F annually, moderately wet with 45.2 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 4.766666666666667 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 22.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.1°F. The 47°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Berkshire County is 3.2°F cooler than the Massachusetts statewide average of 49.5°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Massachusetts.

Climate Profile

About Berkshire County Weather

Mountain Air and Cooler Averages

Berkshire County’s 46.4°F average temperature sits well below the national median and reflects its high-elevation terrain. This region represents the cooler end of the humid continental climate spectrum.

Massachusetts' Cold Western Corner

With an average temperature 3.1 degrees below the state average, Berkshire is one of the coldest counties in the Commonwealth. Its January average of 22.5°F highlights a much harsher winter environment than the coast.

The High Elevation Gap

Berkshire is significantly cooler than its neighbor Franklin County, which averages 48.1°F. While Franklin sees 10 days of extreme heat, Berkshire only hits 90°F about 5 times per year.

True New England Winters

The county faces a cold winter average of 25.2°F, though specific annual snowfall totals are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction. Summers remain pleasant, with July temperatures averaging just 69.1°F.

Gear Up for the Cold

Residents should prioritize heavy-duty heating systems and cold-weather gear to manage the sub-freezing January lows. While summers are mild, preparing for 45.2 inches of annual precipitation is necessary year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Berkshire County?
The average annual temperature in Berkshire County, MA is 46.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Berkshire County get?
Berkshire County receives an average of 45.2 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Berkshire County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Berkshire County is 67.0°F. The county experiences an average of 5 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Berkshire County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Berkshire County is 25.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 22.5°F.

Track your own weather in Berkshire 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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