Weather in Springfield, Massachusetts
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Foggy—79°45°
- SundayMay 17Overcast10%88°60°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—83°60°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle25%93°58°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers80%91°54°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast12%68°47°
- FridayMay 22Overcast10%68°44°
- PM 2.5
- 9.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 12.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 8.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 95.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:29 AM
- Moonset
- 12:33 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Springfield at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 29 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Springfield's warmest temperatures, averaging around 73°F, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 25°F. October sees peak rainfall at 4.7 inches, contrasting with February's lighter 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 2.8″ | 5 |
| February | 28° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| March | 36° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| April | 48° | 4.1″ | 7 |
| May | 59° | 3.7″ | 8 |
| June | 67° | 4.4″ | 8 |
| July | 73° | 4.2″ | 7 |
| August | 71° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| September | 63° | 4.6″ | 6 |
| October | 51° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| November | 41° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| December | 31° | 3.6″ | 7 |
Regional context
Springfield belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Boston, MA, Worcester, MA, New Bedford, MA, Cambridge, MA, Lowell, MA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the first ruby-throated hummingbirds to Springfield's gardens as spring migration reaches its peak.
Red maple buds begin swelling in early March, signaling winter's retreat across the Connecticut River valley.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Springfield?
- Springfield typically sees its last spring frost around mid-May, with the first fall frost returning around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Springfield?
- October stands as the wettest month, delivering about 4.7 inches of rain on average, while the city receives roughly 45 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Springfield?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, with temperatures averaging about 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Springfield?
- January registers as the coldest month, with temperatures averaging about 25°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Springfield?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Springfield get?
- Springfield experiences about 78 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Springfield?
- Springfield's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code for the current zone designation.
Climate
Springfield, Massachusetts experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winters bring January temperatures that hover near 25°F, while summers see July averages of 73°F, creating a 48°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 45 inches, distributed across roughly 78 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography shapes Springfield's weather patterns through its latitude of 42.1°N, nearby water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.