Last updated: February 24, 2025
October in Nantucket offers a delightful blend of crisp air and vibrant autumnal colors, with average temperatures hovering around 15°C (60°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F) during sunny spells. As the days gradually cool, the nights can bring a brisk chill, dipping to a minimum of 5°C (41°F). The island experiences a moist climate, recording approximately 162 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation over around 12 days, often accompanied by the characteristic 75% humidity. This combination of mild temperatures and refreshing breezes makes October an enchanting time to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Nantucket.
In October, Nantucket experiences a delightful transition as the summer warmth gives way to the crispness of fall. With minimum temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F) and averages settling at a comfortable 15°C (60°F), the island begins to dress itself in autumn hues, inviting both locals and tourists to enjoy its scenic beauty. The maximum temperatures can still reach a pleasant 22°C (71°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like coastal walks and leaf-peeping. As the month progresses, the island's charm transforms, setting the perfect backdrop for cozy gatherings and breathtaking sunsets.
October marks a notable shift in Nantucket's climate, with precipitation reaching 162 mm (6.4 in), making it the wettest month of the year. This uptick in rainfall is reflected in the 12 days of precipitation, which aligns closely with September's trends but significantly surpasses the more arid summer months of July and August. Throughout the year, precipitation steadily increases from the drier summer, peaking in the fall as the island prepares for winter. The spike in October rainfall not only emphasizes the changing seasons but also highlights the increased likelihood of storm activity, painting Nantucket in a cloak of dramatic autumn moods.
As October arrives in Nantucket, the coastal air remains pleasantly humid, with levels around 75%—similar to the preceding months of September and August. This consistency marks a slight decline from earlier spring months when humidity peaks at 84% in January and February, slowly tapering throughout the year. The drop in moisture is noticeable, making October a comfortable time for outdoor activities as summer's steamy embrace gives way to a crisp, refreshing fall atmosphere. Interestingly, humidity begins to rise again in November, suggesting that while October enjoys a reprieve, the dampness will soon return as winter approaches.
As October rolls into Nantucket, the UV Index reflects a notable shift towards cooler days, dropping to 6, classified as high exposure. This means that while you still need to be mindful of sun protection, your burn time increases to 25 minutes, allowing for more enjoyable outdoor activities without the immediate threat of sunburn. This pattern follows a peak summer season where the UV Index reached as high as 10 in July, emphasizing the benefits of being cautious during the height of summer. In contrast, as winter approaches, the UV levels will gradually decline, leading into November’s moderate conditions. Understanding these trends is vital for making informed decisions about sun safety while enjoying Nantucket's beautiful fall scenery. For more insights, check out the Nantucket UV Index.
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As the summer warmth begins to wane, October in Nantucket offers a delightful transition with its 238 hours of sunshine. This month showcases a noticeable dip from the sun-drenched peak of July, which boasts a striking 342 hours, yet still stands out with more sunlight than the colder months ahead. The season's golden hues linger as the days shorten, leaving behind a beautiful tapestry of fall colors. Following a trend of diminishing sunshine from the bustling summer, October invites visitors to enjoy the crisp air and vibrant foliage, making it an enchanting time to explore the island's charm before winter settles in.
In Nantucket, October brings a 45% chance of sunny weather, marking a slight uptick from the summer months. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sunshine sees a noticeable fluctuation, with March leading the charge at 56%. Following closely, the late summer and early fall months like September maintain a robust 55% chance, hinting at a lingering warmth before autumn takes full hold. However, October’s forecast is a gentle dip, echoing a transition towards the cooler, cloudier days ahead. As the sun begins to shy away, it still offers plenty of bright moments amidst the charm of fall, encouraging visitors to savor the crisp air and the vibrant foliage.
As October unfolds in Nantucket, daylight duration begins its gentle decline, offering around 11 hours of sunlight each day. This shift marks a transition from the brighter summer months, peaking in June with 15 hours of daylight, to the shorter days of winter. Following a gradual decrease from July's 14 hours and August's 13 hours, October signals the start of cozy evenings ahead. After a warm September, which retains 12 hours of daylight, the island's days grow noticeably shorter, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the crisp autumn air and the beautiful, changing landscape as nature prepares for the colder months.
As October settles in on Nantucket, the average wind speed begins to pick up, reaching 7.3 m/s (16 mph)—a refreshing change from the summer's calmer gusts. This increase in wind marks a noticeable trend as fall progresses, with speeds typical in September at 6.4 m/s (14 mph) giving way to the brisker conditions of October. Following this month, November's winds will ramp up even further to 7.7 m/s (17 mph), leading into a wintery chill that prevails through the end of the year. The gradual shift from the gentle breezes of summer to the more invigorating winds of fall captures the essence of Nantucket's seasonal transition, inviting locals and visitors alike to embrace the island's crisp autumn air.
The weather in Nantucket changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of October's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Nantucket and find detailed weather information for every month.
October and January present starkly different weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a mild 5°C (41°F) at night to a pleasant 22°C (71°F) during the day, with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 162 mm (6.4 in) over about 12 days, coupled with a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, January brings much colder conditions, with temperatures dipping down to a low of -13°C (9°F) and peaking at just 13°C (55°F), averaging around 3°C (38°F). Precipitation decreases to 96 mm (3.8 in) across 10 days, while humidity rises to 84%. This comparison illustrates the transition from the mild, wet autumn of October to the harsh, dry winter of January. For more detailed information, you can explore Nantucket weather in January.
October and February present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In October, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month experiences considerable rainfall, with 162 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, and humidity levels around 75%. In contrast, February is significantly colder, featuring temperatures that drop as low as -10°C (15°F) and only reaching a maximum of 13°C (55°F), averaging just 3°C (38°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 127 mm (5.0 in), occurring over 13 days, while humidity rises to 84%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Nantucket weather in February.
In October, temperatures are milder, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), reaching a maximum of 22°C (71°F), while precipitation totals are higher at 162 mm (6.4 in) over approximately 12 days and humidity is around 75%. In contrast, March experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), peaking at 12°C (53°F). Additionally, despite lower rainfall of 114 mm (4.5 in) spread over 11 days, the humidity rises to 82%, making it feel damp and chilly. For more details, check out Nantucket weather in March.
October generally features milder temperatures compared to April, with an average of 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching up to 22°C (71°F). In contrast, April sees cooler averages around 7°C (45°F) and a maximum temperature of only 13°C (56°F). While both months experience about 12 days of precipitation, October tends to be wetter with 162 mm (6.4 in) compared to April’s 127 mm (5.0 in). October's humidity is slightly lower at 75%, while April’s humidity is a bit higher at 79%. For more detailed information about April weather, you can visit Nantucket weather in April.
When comparing the weather in October and May, October tends to be warmer with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching up to 22°C (71°F). In contrast, May has a cooler average of 11°C (51°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at 16°C (62°F). Both months experience similar levels of humidity at 75% and have about 12 days of precipitation; however, October sees a slightly higher total rainfall of 162 mm (6.4 in) compared to May's 130 mm (5.1 in). For a detailed look at the weather patterns in May, you can explore this link: Nantucket weather in May.
October and June present distinct weather characteristics that influence the overall climate experience. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month also sees higher precipitation levels, totaling 162 mm (6.4 in) over approximately 12 days, while humidity hovers around 75%. In contrast, June offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), maintaining the same average of 15°C (60°F) as in October. June experiences significantly less rain, with 83 mm (3.2 in) across about 10 days, and a slightly higher humidity level of 78%. For more detailed insights into the weather, check out Nantucket weather in June.
When comparing the weather in October and July, notable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation. October typically experiences cooler temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (41°F) and averages reaching approximately 15°C (60°F), whereas July enjoys milder conditions, with minima around 15°C (59°F) and average highs of 20°C (67°F). Furthermore, October is significantly wetter, receiving about 162 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, compared to July's more benign 64 mm (2.5 in) across 8 days. While both months maintain similar humidity levels, October's cooler air presents a stark contrast to the warmth of July. For a closer look at the weather during July, check out Nantucket weather in July.
In comparing the weather of October to August, we see a notable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. October offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), while August enjoys milder conditions, characterized by a minimum of 16°C (62°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, October experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 162 mm (6.4 in) over 12 days, compared to August's 98 mm (3.9 in) over just 8 days. Despite its higher humidity at 75%, October's cooler temperatures contrast sharply with the warmth of August, which has a humidity level of 76%. For more detailed information, you can check Nantucket weather in August.
October weather exhibits a noticeable shift compared to September, with lower minimum temperatures, averaging at 5°C (41°F) compared to September's 13°C (56°F). While both months have similar humidity levels at 75%, October experiences slightly cooler average temperatures, with an average of 15°C (60°F) versus September's average of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, October sees an increase in precipitation, with 162 mm (6.4 in) over 12 days, whereas September brings 122 mm (4.8 in) across 10 days. For a more detailed comparison, you can explore Nantucket weather in September.
October and November exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. October features milder temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (41°F) and average highs reaching 22°C (71°F), while November sees cooler conditions, with lows plummeting to -5°C (24°F) and an average high of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation decreases from 162 mm (6.4 in) over 12 days in October to 115 mm (4.5 in) across 10 days in November. Additionally, November exhibits slightly higher humidity at 80% compared to 75% in October. For a more detailed look, visit Nantucket weather in November.
In October, the weather in Nantucket is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 162 mm (6.4 in) over approximately 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, December experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and peaking at 16°C (61°F), resulting in an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). Although precipitation slightly decreases to 132 mm (5.2 in), it still occurs over the same number of days, and humidity rises to 80%. For more details on the weather in December, you can visit Nantucket weather in December.
As October arrives in Nantucket, the weather begins to shift, offering a captivating blend of crisp air and lingering warmth. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 15°C (60°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, occasional rain showers and increased humidity can punctuate the month, with precipitation occurring on about half the days. This contrasts sharply with the warmer, sunnier summer months, ushering in a season where foliage transforms into vibrant hues and the island's charm takes on a peaceful, reflective quality. For more insights into what Nantucket weather awaits you throughout the year, check out Nantucket Climate.