Cape Cod, MA: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Though many think Cape Cod is an island, it's technically a peninsula. The land mass sticks into the Cape Cod Bay, the Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds, and the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate is defined as 'temperate marine.' The Atlantic breezes keep the cape cool in summer, and the ocean stays cold year-round due to the Canadian Labrador Current from the north.

Summer: Cape Cod devotees love the area for its mild summers. The temperatures rarely rise into the upper 80s, so beach days are more than comfortable - if anything, you'll want a long-sleeved shirt to throw on when the sky clouds over. The average temperature is 78 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 2.8 inches.

Fall: Fall is gorgeous on Cape Cod. You'll experience sunny, crisp afternoons in the upper 50s and 60s, and the temperatures will fall at night - the perfect time to start a fire. The average temperature is 43 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 4 inches.

Winter: Cape Cod weather can be bitterly cold and snowy in winter. Once in a while, the sun shines and the temperatures climb into the 40s or even 50s, but usually the days are short and almost freezing. The average temperature is 31 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.7 inches.

Spring: April showers characterize Cape Cod weather at the start of spring. Come May, the temperatures are still down in the 50s and 60s, though the sun is bright and the climate ideal for biking and bird watching. The average temperature is 45 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.6 inches.

Looking for local weather reports? Try www.capecodweather.net. or pick up a copy of the Cape Cod Times.

When to Go: Peak Season

It goes without saying that summertime is peak season on Cape Cod. Though the water isn't always warm enough to splash around in, the region is famous for boats, clam bakes, and outdoor festivals. Rental cottages, resorts, hotels, and B&Bs all see steady business at this time of year, and you'll encounter crowds at every cafe around town in June, July, and August, so be sure to make your hotel (and dinner) reservations well ahead of time. The temperatures will hover in the 70s and 80s during the day, ideal for the beach, with breezy evenings - you'll need a sweater.

When to Go: Off Season

Christmas and the winter holidays are quaint in Cape Cod - they also signify the start of the off season. Plenty of businesses close their doors for the chilly months of January and February, but if you're willing to pack a down jacket and can withstand a few snow showers, you'll find Cape Cod cozy and relaxed in winter. As you'd expect, rates are way down for accommodations at this time, but you also have fewer places to choose from. Just make sure that your rental cottage has a working fireplace - you'll need it, and it will complete the winter-in-New-England fantasy.

When to Go: Shoulder Season

During fall and spring, Cape Cod is generally lively on weekends and mellow on weekdays. Comfortable temperatures and outdoor festivals bring families and vacationing couples onto the cape for weekend getaways, so you'll have to compete for rooms at the most coveted B&Bs, but you don't have to plan so far ahead as you would if your vacation was in summer. Accommodation rates are often discounted at this time, and though the weather can be fickle and spring is colder than you'd expect, you'll probably have a sunny afternoon or two for a beachside stroll.