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Bristol County Climate

Bristol County, Massachusetts

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec50.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

50.8°F

Annual Precip

49.4"

Annual Snowfall

35.9"

Extreme Heat Days

11

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.9"
3.5"
5.2"
4.5"
3.4"
4.0"
3.3"
3.8"
4.0"
4.6"
4.3"
4.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,833

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/27
First fall frost (32°F): 10/15

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring38°58°13.1"Summer67°73°11.1"Fall43°64°13.0"Winter29°34°12.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 33% of US counties
Wetter than 73% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 55% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Bristol County

Climate Verdict

Bristol County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.8°F, moderately wet with 49.4 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 11.3 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 35.9 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 29.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.1°F. The 44°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Bristol County closely matches the Massachusetts statewide average temperature of 49.5°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Massachusetts.

Climate Profile

About Bristol County Weather

Bristol’s Warm Coastal Influence

Bristol County averages 50.8°F annually, which is slightly below the national median but higher than the 49.5°F state average. Its climate is characterized by warm summers and relatively wet conditions.

Above the State Average

This county ranks as one of the warmer regions in Massachusetts, consistently outperforming the state's average annual temperature. Its proximity to the coast keeps it over 4 degrees warmer than Berkshire County on average.

Regional Heat Comparisons

Bristol’s 50.8°F average is identical to Barnstable, though it experiences 11 extreme heat days compared to Barnstable’s one. It also receives 49.4 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than its neighbors to the east.

Scorching Summers and Steady Snow

July averages a warm 73.1°F, contributing to 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually. Winters bring 35.9 inches of snow and a January average of 29.0°F.

Preparing for Weather Extremes

Homeowners should invest in efficient air conditioning to handle the double-digit extreme heat days. With 49.4 inches of rain and significant snowfall, robust drainage and winter maintenance are high priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Bristol County?
The average annual temperature in Bristol County, MA is 50.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Bristol County get?
Bristol County receives an average of 49.4 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 Bristol County?
Yes, Bristol County receives an average of 35.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Bristol County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Bristol County is 70.5°F. The county experiences an average of 11 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Bristol County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Bristol County is 31.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 29.0°F.

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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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