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Dukes County Climate

Dukes County, Massachusetts

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec51.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

51.3°F

Annual Precip

44.9"

Annual Snowfall

25.3"

Extreme Heat Days

2

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.7"
3.1"
4.4"
3.9"
3.5"
3.3"
2.7"
3.6"
3.8"
4.5"
4.1"
4.3"
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

2,654

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/07
First fall frost (32°F): 11/03

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring38°56°11.8"Summer65°71°9.6"Fall46°64°12.4"Winter32°38°11.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 36% of US counties
Wetter than 57% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 31% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Dukes County

Climate Verdict

Dukes County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 51.3°F, moderately wet with 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 2.05 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 25.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 32.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.3°F. The 39°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Dukes County Weather

Martha’s Vineyard Maritime Trends

Dukes County features a 51.3°F average annual temperature, which is the warmest in the state but still below the national median. The island climate provides a buffered environment compared to the Massachusetts mainland.

Leading the State in Warmth

At 51.3°F, Dukes County sits 1.8 degrees above the state average of 49.5°F. This makes it the warmest county in Massachusetts, largely due to the insulating effect of the surrounding ocean.

Island vs. Mainland Comparison

Dukes County is slightly warmer than its neighbor Barnstable and much milder in winter than Bristol County. It enjoys a January average of 32.1°F, the highest among these eight counties.

Temperate Island Seasons

The island sees only 2 days of extreme heat annually, with summers averaging a cool 68.8°F. Residents experience a manageable 25.3 inches of snow per year, less than half of what falls in Essex County.

Maritime Home Planning

HVAC systems should be optimized for humidity control rather than extreme heat, as temperatures rarely hit 90°F. The 44.9 inches of annual rain require durable roofing and coastal-grade building materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Dukes County?
The average annual temperature in Dukes County, MA is 51.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Dukes County get?
Dukes County receives an average of 44.9 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 Dukes County?
Yes, Dukes County receives an average of 25.3 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Dukes County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Dukes County is 68.8°F. The county experiences an average of 2 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Dukes County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Dukes County is 34.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 32.1°F.

Track your own weather in Dukes 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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