Cape Cod Weather by Month
Cape Cod has a classic coastal New England climate, with cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns. Snowfall is concentrated from December through March, while July and August are the warmest months of the year. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with autumn and winter generally receiving some of the highest monthly totals.
Cape Cod Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Cape Cod.
January – Cold, Snowy and Short Days
Average high: 39°F (4°C)
Average low: 23°F (-5°C)
Rainfall: 4.11 inches (104.5 mm)
Snowfall: 7.35 inches (186.6 mm)
Daylight: 9.5 hours
January is one of the coldest months on Cape Cod. Average daytime temperatures reach around 39°F (4°C), while nighttime temperatures fall to about 23°F (-5°C).
Rainfall averages 4.11 inches (104.5 mm), while snowfall is significant at around 7.35 inches (186.6 mm). With only about 9.5 hours of daylight, January has short winter days and a distinctly cold coastal atmosphere.
Best for:
- Experiencing a quiet Cape Cod winter
- Winter photography and coastal scenery
- Enjoying fewer visitors
- Snowy beach and village landscapes
February – Cold with Frequent Snow
Average high: 39°F (4°C)
Average low: 23°F (-5°C)
Rainfall: 3.35 inches (85.1 mm)
Snowfall: 5.90 inches (149.9 mm)
Daylight: 10.5 hours
February remains cold across Cape Cod, with average highs of around 39°F (4°C) and lows near 23°F (-5°C). Temperatures are similar to January, but daylight begins to increase noticeably.
Rainfall averages 3.35 inches (85.1 mm), and snowfall remains substantial at approximately 5.90 inches (149.9 mm). The combination of cold temperatures, snow, and coastal winds makes February feel firmly wintry.
Best for:
- Quiet winter getaways
- Snowy coastal scenery
- Photography without summer crowds
- Exploring Cape Cod’s towns at a slower pace
March – Cool with Lingering Winter Conditions
Average high: 45°F (7°C)
Average low: 30°F (-1°C)
Rainfall: 4.29 inches (104.9 mm)
Snowfall: 2.35 inches (59.8 mm)
Daylight: 12 hours
March brings the first signs of spring, although Cape Cod can still experience winter-like conditions. Average highs reach 45°F (7°C), while lows average around 30°F (-1°C).
Rainfall increases to about 4.29 inches (104.9 mm), while snowfall drops considerably to 2.35 inches (59.8 mm). Daylight reaches around 12 hours, giving visitors more time to explore the coast.
Best for:
- Early spring coastal walks
- Avoiding peak-season crowds
- Photography and sightseeing
- Watching the transition from winter to spring
April – Mild and Increasingly Springlike
Average high: 54°F (12°C)
Average low: 39°F (4°C)
Rainfall: 3.83 inches (97.4 mm)
Snowfall: 0.15 inches (3.9 mm)
Daylight: 13.5 hours
April is noticeably milder on Cape Cod, with average highs around 54°F (12°C) and lows near 39°F (4°C). Winter is largely behind the region, although a small amount of snowfall can still occur.
Rainfall averages 3.83 inches (97.4 mm), while snowfall is almost negligible. With approximately 13.5 hours of daylight, April offers increasingly comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Spring walks along the coast
- Exploring Cape Cod’s villages
- Birdwatching and nature trips
- Enjoying mild weather before summer crowds
May – Mild, Pleasant and Greener
Average high: 64°F (18°C)
Average low: 48°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 3.34 inches (84.9 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 14.5 hours
May brings pleasant spring weather to Cape Cod. Average daytime temperatures climb to around 64°F (18°C), while nighttime temperatures remain comfortable at about 48°F (9°C).
Rainfall averages 3.34 inches (84.9 mm), and snowfall is absent. With around 14.5 hours of daylight, May is an excellent month for exploring beaches, trails, and coastal communities.
Best for:
- Hiking and outdoor sightseeing
- Beach walks
- Exploring coastal towns
- Enjoying spring landscapes before summer crowds
June – Warm and Sunny with Long Days
Average high: 73°F (23°C)
Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Rainfall: 3.40 inches (86.4 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 15 hours
June marks the beginning of warm summer weather on Cape Cod. Average highs reach around 73°F (23°C), while lows stay comfortable at about 57°F (14°C).
Rainfall is moderate at 3.40 inches (86.4 mm), and there is no snowfall. With approximately 15 hours of daylight, June provides plenty of time for beaches, boating, hiking, and sightseeing.
Best for:
- Beach vacations
- Boating and water activities
- Hiking and cycling
- Long days of outdoor exploration
July – Warmest and Ideal for the Beach
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 64°F (18°C)
Rainfall: 2.91 inches (73.8 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 15 hours
July is one of the best months for a Cape Cod beach vacation and is tied with August as the warmest month. Average highs reach around 79°F (26°C), while nighttime temperatures average 64°F (18°C).
Rainfall is relatively low at 2.91 inches (73.8 mm), and there is no snowfall. With about 15 hours of daylight, July offers excellent conditions for spending long days outdoors.
Best for:
- Beach vacations
- Swimming and boating
- Outdoor dining
- Long summer days and coastal activities
August – Warm, Comfortable and Coastal
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 64°F (18°C)
Rainfall: 3.29 inches (83.7 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 14 hours
August remains warm and comfortable on Cape Cod, with average highs of about 79°F (26°C) and lows around 64°F (18°C).
Rainfall averages 3.29 inches (83.7 mm), and snowfall is nonexistent. Daylight decreases slightly to around 14 hours, but there is still plenty of time for beaches, boating, and sightseeing.
Best for:
- Classic Cape Cod summer vacations
- Swimming and beach activities
- Sailing and boating
- Exploring coastal towns
September – Warm Days and Cooler Nights
Average high: 72°F (22°C)
Average low: 55°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 3.75 inches (95.2 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 12.5 hours
September brings a pleasant transition from summer to autumn. Average highs reach around 72°F (22°C), while nighttime temperatures become cooler at about 55°F (13°C).
Rainfall averages 3.75 inches (95.2 mm), with no snowfall. Around 12.5 hours of daylight remain, making September a comfortable month for outdoor exploration and coastal activities.
Best for:
- Beach visits with fewer crowds
- Hiking and cycling
- Exploring Cape Cod villages
- Enjoying mild early-fall weather
October – Cool, Wet and Colorful
Average high: 63°F (17°C)
Average low: 46°F (8°C)
Rainfall: 4.28 inches (108.7 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 11 hours
October brings cooler autumn weather to Cape Cod. Average daytime temperatures reach around 63°F (17°C), while nighttime temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Rainfall increases to 4.28 inches (108.7 mm), making October one of the wetter months. Snowfall is normally absent, and daylight decreases to around 11 hours as autumn progresses.
Best for:
- Fall foliage and scenic drives
- Hiking in cooler weather
- Photography
- Exploring Cape Cod without summer crowds
November – Cool, Damp and Quiet
Average high: 54°F (12°C)
Average low: 37°F (3°C)
Rainfall: 3.93 inches (99.7 mm)
Snowfall: 0.09 inches (2.2 mm)
Daylight: 10 hours
November is a cool and increasingly wintry month on Cape Cod. Average highs reach around 54°F (12°C), while lows fall to about 37°F (3°C).
Rainfall averages 3.93 inches (99.7 mm), while snowfall is still very limited at just 0.09 inches (2.2 mm). With around 10 hours of daylight, November feels considerably quieter and darker than the summer months.
Best for:
- Peaceful coastal escapes
- Photography
- Exploring towns without crowds
- Early winter scenery
December – Cold, Snowy and Short Days
Average high: 45°F (7°C)
Average low: 28°F (-2°C)
Rainfall: 4.41 inches (111.9 mm)
Snowfall: 2.28 inches (58 mm)
Daylight: 9.5 hours
December marks the return of colder winter conditions. Average highs are around 45°F (7°C), while nighttime temperatures fall to about 28°F (-2°C).
Cape Cod receives about 4.41 inches (111.9 mm) of rainfall, the highest monthly total in the data, along with around 2.28 inches (58 mm) of snowfall. Daylight is limited to approximately 9.5 hours, creating short and chilly winter days.
Best for:
- Quiet winter vacations
- Holiday-season visits
- Coastal photography
- Experiencing Cape Cod in the off-season
Cape Cod Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Rainfall (inches) | Snowfall (inches) | Daylight (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F (4°C) | 23°F (-5°C) | 4.11 | 7.35 | 9.5 |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 23°F (-5°C) | 3.35 | 5.90 | 10.5 |
| March | 45°F (7°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 4.29 | 2.35 | 12 |
| April | 54°F (12°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.83 | 0.15 | 13.5 |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.34 | 0 | 14.5 |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.40 | 0 | 15 |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.91 | 0 | 15 |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.29 | 0 | 14 |
| September | 72°F (22°C) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.75 | 0 | 12.5 |
| October | 63°F (17°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 4.28 | 0 | 11 |
| November | 54°F (12°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 3.93 | 0.09 | 10 |
| December | 45°F (7°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 4.41 | 2.28 | 9.5 |
FAQs about Cape Cod Weather
1. What is the best month to visit Cape Cod for warm weather?
July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 79°F (26°C) and lows around 64°F (18°C). These months are ideal for beaches, swimming, boating, and other summer activities.
2. What is the coldest month in Cape Cod?
January and February are the coldest months. Average highs are around 39°F (4°C), while average lows are about 23°F (-5°C).
3. Does it snow in Cape Cod?
Yes, Cape Cod receives snowfall mainly from December through March. January averages about 7.35 inches (186.6 mm) of snow, while February averages around 5.90 inches (149.9 mm).
4. How much snow does Cape Cod get in January?
Cape Cod averages about 7.35 inches (186.6 mm) of snowfall in January, making it one of the snowiest months of the year.
5. Does Cape Cod get snow in December?
Yes. December averages around 2.28 inches (58 mm) of snowfall. Snow is generally much more common in December than during late spring and summer.
6. What is Cape Cod like in winter?
Winter is cold, relatively wet, and sometimes snowy. January and February have average highs around 39°F (4°C), with short daylight hours and significantly fewer visitors than summer.
7. What is the weather like in Cape Cod in spring?
Spring gradually becomes milder. Average highs increase from about 45°F (7°C) in March to 64°F (18°C) in May. Snow becomes rare by April and disappears completely in May.
8. Is May a good time to visit Cape Cod?
Yes. May is a pleasant time to visit, with average highs around 64°F (18°C), approximately 14.5 hours of daylight, and no measurable snowfall.
9. What is Cape Cod weather like in June?
June is warm and comfortable, with an average high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 57°F (14°C). There are around 15 hours of daylight, making it excellent for outdoor activities.
10. Is Cape Cod hot in July?
July is warm rather than extremely hot. The average high is about 79°F (26°C), while the average low is around 64°F (18°C), making it well suited to beach activities.
11. What is Cape Cod like in August?
August remains warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 64°F (18°C) to 79°F (26°C). It is one of the most popular months for beaches, boating, and summer vacations.
12. Is September a good month to visit Cape Cod?
Yes. September offers warm days and cooler nights, with an average high of 72°F (22°C) and low of 55°F (13°C). It is also generally quieter than the peak summer months.
13. What is Cape Cod weather like in October?
October is cool and increasingly autumnal. Average highs are around 63°F (17°C), while lows fall to about 46°F (8°C). Rainfall averages 4.28 inches (108.7 mm).
14. Does it rain a lot in Cape Cod?
Rain occurs throughout the year. Monthly rainfall generally ranges from about 2.91 to 4.41 inches, with December, March, January, and October among the wetter months in the provided data.
15. What is the rainiest month in Cape Cod?
December is the wettest month in the provided data, with about 4.41 inches (111.9 mm) of rainfall. March follows with approximately 4.29 inches (104.9 mm).
16. What month has the longest daylight in Cape Cod?
June and July have the longest daylight, with approximately 15 hours of daylight per day.
17. What month has the shortest daylight in Cape Cod?
January and December have the shortest daylight, at about 9.5 hours per day.
18. Is Cape Cod windy?
Cape Cod is a coastal destination, so winds can be noticeable, particularly during the colder months and along exposed beaches. Coastal winds can also make winter temperatures feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
19. What is the best time to visit Cape Cod for fewer crowds?
Late spring and early fall are good choices for fewer crowds while still having relatively comfortable weather. May and September offer a good balance between mild temperatures and outdoor conditions.
20. What is the best month to visit Cape Cod for beach activities?
July and August are the best months for traditional beach activities because they have the warmest temperatures, with average highs around 79°F (26°C). June and September can also be good options with somewhat cooler conditions.
Read more:
