Last updated: January 18, 2025
Maryland, located on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, experiences a diverse temperate climate categorized primarily under the Köppen-Geiger classification as Cfa (humid subtropical) and Cfb (oceanic). This dynamic climate results in considerable seasonal temperature variations, with winter lows plunging to an extreme minimum of -27°C (-17°F) in January, while summer afternoons can soar to a striking maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July. The state's average annual temperature stands at a comfortable 14°C (58°F), highlighting Maryland's unique position on the climate spectrum, where the influences of both maritime and continental air masses converge, resulting in distinct weather patterns throughout the year.
Maryland's temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm marked by significant variation throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, experience frigid conditions with minimum temperatures plunging as low as -27°C (-17°F) and -24°C (-11°F), respectively, while average temperatures hover around just above freezing. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April showing a notable increase, culminating in a pleasant average of 13°C (56°F) by April. The transition into summer brings warmer days, peaking in July, where averages reach 26°C (80°F) and maximums can hit an impressive 39°C (102°F). August continues this trend before a gentle decline in temperatures begins in September, returning to milder conditions in fall. Notably, October and November see average temperatures dropping back to cooler levels, with November starting to approach winter's chill. This seasonal flow illustrates Maryland's climate as a dynamic interplay of warmth and cold, reflecting the state's geographical diversity.
In Maryland, the city of Baltimore experiences a wide temperature range, from a chilly -14°C (8°F) in February to a scorching 35°C (96°F) in July. For more details, you can check the monthly temperature in Baltimore. Similarly, Annapolis sees its lowest temperature at -13°C (10°F) in February and reaches up to 35°C (95°F) in July, highlighting its distinct seasonal variation; more information is available at monthly temperature in Annapolis. Meanwhile, Ocean City's climate varies from -11°C (13°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in July, offering a milder coastal experience which is further detailed in the monthly temperature in Ocean City.
Maryland experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with rainfall peaking in the summer months. The wettest month is July, receiving an average of 149 mm (5.9 in) over approximately 12 days, followed closely by August with 142 mm (5.6 in) across 14 days. Late spring also sees substantial rainfall, particularly in May when 132 mm (5.2 in) is recorded over 13 days. Such robust precipitation contributes to Maryland's lush landscapes and supports a diverse array of ecosystems, while also affecting agricultural practices during the growing season.
Conversely, the winter months bring lower precipitation levels, with January experiencing the least at 64 mm (2.5 in) spread over 8 days, and a slight increase in February to 102 mm (4.0 in) across 11 days. Precipitation remains moderate in the fall and early spring, fluctuating between 83 mm (3.3 in) in November and 90 mm (3.5 in) in March. This seasonal distribution of rainfall underscores Maryland's humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by wet summers and drier, colder winters, ultimately shaping the state's hydrology and weather patterns.
Sunshine duration in Maryland showcases a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. January begins the year with a modest 149 hours, which gradually climbs to 179 hours in February. As spring approaches, a more pronounced increase is observed, with March receiving 258 hours and April nearing 263 hours. This upward trajectory culminates in May, where residents can enjoy 288 hours of sunlight, signifying the transition to the warmer months.
Summer shines brightest in Maryland, particularly in July, which boasts a peak of 357 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. August follows closely with 323 hours but begins the gradual descent towards autumn. September continues to see substantial sunlight with 279 hours, while October and November witness a decline, closing the year at 224 hours and 188 hours, respectively. This variation highlights how Maryland’s climate offers a delightful mix of sun-drenched summers and shorter, grayer days in the colder months, contributing to the region’s distinct seasonal character.
The UV Index in Maryland reflects a marked seasonal variation, indicating the strength of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly January and December, the index remains relatively low at 3, signaling minimal risk for harmful effects from sun exposure. As the state transitions into spring, February sees a slight increase to 5, followed by a noticeable jump in March to 7 as residents begin to spend more time outdoors. This increase culminates in April and May, where the UV Index peaks at 10, signifying high levels of UV radiation that necessitate protective measures when spending extended periods in the sun.
The summer months continue to experience a high UV Index, with June, July, and August each maintaining a level of 10, reflecting an increased need for sun safety practices as outdoor activities peak during this season. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 in September, and then further to 7 in October. By the time November rolls around, it returns to 5, before dipping back to the winter levels of 3 in December. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection from late spring through summer while also highlighting milder UV exposure risks in winter and late autumn.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Maryland exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, reflecting the changing angle of the Earth's tilt throughout the year. Starting in January with just 9 hours of daylight, days gradually lengthen as spring approaches, reaching 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March. The transition into spring brings a significant increase, with daylight extending to 13 hours in April and peaking at 14 hours in both May and June, which offers an abundance of light for outdoor activities. This prolonged exposure to daylight during the late spring and early summer enhances the region's vibrant ecosystems.
As summer gives way to fall, daylight begins to wane, slowly decreasing from 14 hours in July to 13 hours in August. This reduction continues into September with 12 hours, and further diminishes to 11 hours in October, reflecting the shift towards shorter days. November sees the duration drop to 10 hours, before descending back to 9 hours by December, mirroring the cycle observed at the beginning of the year. This cyclical trend in daylight duration illustrates Maryland's rhythm of seasons, highlighting the varying lengths of day that influence both the natural environment and the lifestyle of its residents.
Annapolis, United States, experiences a varied climate with temperatures ranging from cold winters to hot summers. During the winter months, January typically sees average temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and experiences 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation. In contrast, summers are warm and humid, with July averaging 27°C (81°F) and receiving the highest rainfall of 174 mm (6.9 in). Annapolis enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 359 hours, contributing to its vibrant summer atmosphere. For more detailed information, visit the Annapolis climate page.
Baltimore experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters are chilly, with average temperatures around 2°C (36°F) in January, and relatively modest rainfall of 70 mm (2.8 in). Summers are warm, with temperatures often peaking in July at 35°C (96°F) and receiving substantial rainfall, such as 151 mm (6.0 in) in July. Sunshine is most abundant during the summer months, with July enjoying up to 359 hours, while winter months see fewer sunlight hours, dipping to 151 in January. For more details, consult the Baltimore climate.
Chesapeake Beach, United States, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters are cold, with January's average temperature around 3°C (38°F) and February slightly warmer at 5°C (41°F), accompanied by moderate precipitation averaging 69 mm (2.7 in) in January and 113 mm (4.5 in) in February. As spring arrives, temperatures rise, averaging 13°C (56°F) in April with increasing sunlight, reaching 262 hours by March. Summers are warm and humid, peaking in July with average temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and significant rainfall at 172 mm (6.8 in), complemented by ample sunlight of 360 hours. For more information, visit the Chesapeake Beach climate.
Mount Vernon, United States, experiences a varied climate throughout the year. Winters are cold with average temperatures ranging from -16°C (3°F) in January to -9°C (16°F) in December, while summers are warm, hitting a high around 37°C (98°F) in July. The region receives its most significant precipitation in the summer, peaking at 149 mm (5.8 in) in August, compared to the drier periods in winter with 71 mm (2.8 in) in January. Sunshine hours increase from 161 in January to a peak of 366 in July, providing ample daylight during summer months. For more detailed information on Mount Vernon's climate, visit the Mount Vernon climate page.
National Harbor, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with noticeable seasonal variations. Winters are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (38°F) in January to 5°C (42°F) in February, while summers are warm, peaking at an average of 27°C (81°F) in July. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months being July and August, receiving 132 mm (5.2 in) and 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, respectively. Meanwhile, sunshine is abundant during the summer months, with July boasting the highest amount at 357 hours. For more detailed information, visit the National Harbor climate page.
The climate at the Naval Academy climate in the United States experiences a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, with winter months like January reaching lows of -13°C (10°F) and summer peaks in July climbing to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is fairly distributed across the year, with July being the wettest month at 174 mm (6.9 in), while drier months, such as January, receive around 70 mm (2.7 in). Sunshine hours increase from about 151 hours in January to a peak of 359 hours in July, reflecting longer, sunnier summer days. This variability in temperature, precipitation, and sunlight results in a dynamic climate that characterizes the Naval Academy area.
Ocean City, United States, experiences a varied climate with distinctly warm summers and cold winters. January records the lowest temperatures, with averages around 5°C (41°F), while the temperature rises to an average of 25°C (78°F) in the warmest month of July. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, peaking slightly in October at 137 mm (5.4 in), contributing to its moist climate. The city enjoys generous sunshine, especially in July with 365 hours, which gradually diminishes towards the shorter days of winter, as seen in December with 192 hours. For more details, visit the Ocean City climate.
Potomac Park in the United States experiences a varied climate throughout the year with significant temperature fluctuations and varying precipitation. Winters are cold, with January average temperatures at 0°C (33°F), while summers are warm, with July averaging 25°C (78°F). Precipitation peaks in May and September, each receiving around 114 mm (4.5 in), while July is drier with 60 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall. The area enjoys substantial sunshine during the summer months, with July having the most at 348 hours. For more details about the climate in Potomac Park, please refer to Potomac Park climate.
Saint Michaels, located in Maryland, United States, experiences a diverse climate with temperature variations across seasons. Winters are relatively cold, with January seeing temperatures as low as -11°C (12°F), while summers are warmer, reaching up to 32°C (91°F) in July. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, peaking in July with 146 mm (5.8 in) and dropping in June to 82 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest amount of 360 hours in July, while December gets the least at 186 hours. For more detailed information, refer to the Saint Michaels climate page.
In summary, Maryland's climate is characterized by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. Winters are marked by cold temperatures and shorter days, with minimal sunlight and UV exposure, while summers provide an abundance of warmth, extended daylight, and high UV levels that necessitate sun protection. The interplay between these climatic elements not only shapes the state’s diverse ecosystems but also influences the lifestyle and recreational opportunities for its residents year-round. Understanding these patterns helps Marylanders better prepare for each season, ensuring they can fully enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities that their environment has to offer.