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Franklin County Climate

Franklin County, Massachusetts

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.1°F

Annual Precip

47.6"

Annual Snowfall

65.5"

Extreme Heat Days

10

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.3"
2.9"
3.8"
3.9"
3.7"
4.6"
4.0"
4.3"
4.5"
4.7"
3.7"
4.3"
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

2,580

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/04
First fall frost (32°F): 10/11

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°58°11.4"Summer66°72°12.9"Fall39°62°12.9"Winter24°30°10.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 24% of US counties
Wetter than 67% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 72% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Franklin County

Climate Verdict

Franklin County has a cool, averaging 48.1°F annually, moderately wet with 47.6 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 9.850000000000001 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 65.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 23.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.5°F. The 48°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

Franklin County closely matches the Massachusetts statewide average temperature of 49.5°F.

Climate Profile

About Franklin County Weather

Inland Valley and Highlands

Franklin County’s 48.1°F average temperature is notably cooler than the national median and the state average. This inland region experiences a more pronounced continental climate with sharp seasonal shifts.

Cooler than the Commonwealth

Franklin sits 1.4 degrees below the Massachusetts average of 49.5°F. Its January average of 23.9°F highlights its position as one of the state's colder interior regions.

Neighboring the Pioneer Valley

Franklin is warmer than Berkshire County but cooler than Hampden County. It receives significantly more snow than many coastal peers, totaling 65.5 inches per year.

Significant Snow and Interior Heat

Residents face 65.5 inches of snow annually, the highest among these eight counties. While July averages 71.5°F, the county still records 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Winter Readiness is Key

With over five feet of annual snow, heavy-duty winter gear and four-wheel-drive vehicles are local staples. The 47.6 inches of rain and 10 heat days require versatile home climate systems for all seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Franklin County?
The average annual temperature in Franklin County, MA is 48.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Franklin County get?
Franklin County receives an average of 47.6 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 Franklin County?
Yes, Franklin County receives an average of 65.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Franklin County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Franklin County is 69.2°F. The county experiences an average of 10 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Franklin County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Franklin County is 26.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 23.9°F.

Track your own weather in Franklin 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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