Essex County Climate
Essex County, Massachusetts
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
49.2°F
Annual Precip
47.5"
Annual Snowfall
54.2"
Extreme Heat Days
12
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,617
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Essex County
Climate Verdict
Essex County has a cool, averaging 49.2°F annually, moderately wet with 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 11.875 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 54.2 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 26.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.8°F. The 45°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Essex County closely matches the Massachusetts statewide average temperature of 49.5°F.
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
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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.