Essex County Climate

Essex County, Massachusetts

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.2°F

Annual Precip

47.5"

Annual Snowfall

54.2"

Extreme Heat Days

11.875

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.6"
3.4"
4.5"
4.2"
3.7"
4.1"
3.5"
3.4"
3.8"
4.8"
3.9"
4.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring36°57°12.4"Summer66°72°11.1"Fall42°63°12.6"Winter27°33°11.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 28% of US counties
Wetter than 65% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 55% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Essex County Weather

North Shore Climate Profile

Essex County’s 49.2°F average annual temperature almost matches the state average but remains below the national median. Its position on the coast creates a mix of maritime and continental weather patterns.

Aligning with State Averages

Essex stays close to the Massachusetts norm of 49.5°F, trailing by only 0.3 degrees. However, its winter average of 29.3°F is significantly colder than the islands or the South Shore.

Comparing the Coastline

Essex (49.2°F) is cooler than Bristol County (50.8°F) and faces much harsher winter precipitation. While Bristol sees 35.9 inches of snow, Essex gets hit with a heavy 54.2 inches annually.

Heavy Snow and Summer Heat

July brings an average of 71.8°F and 12 days of extreme heat over 90°F. The winter months are defined by 54.2 inches of snowfall, making it one of the snowier coastal regions.

Plan for Heavy Snowfall

Residents must own reliable snow removal equipment to handle the 54-inch annual average. High-efficiency cooling is also recommended to navigate the 12 days of extreme summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Essex County?
The average annual temperature in Essex County, MA is 49.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Essex County get?
Essex County receives an average of 47.5 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 Essex County?
Yes, Essex County receives an average of 54.2 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Essex County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Essex County is 69.3°F. The county experiences an average of 11.875 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Essex County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Essex County is 29.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 26.8°F.

Track your own weather in Essex County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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