Weather in Worcester, Massachusetts
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Clear—77°44°
- SundayMay 17Light Drizzle10%86°62°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—80°58°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers17%92°59°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers71%89°53°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast22%67°49°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—68°44°
- PM 2.5
- 9.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 10.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 104.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:25 AM
- Moonset
- 12:31 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Worcester at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 7°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 30 (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 Worcester's warmest temperatures at around 71°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 25°F. October sees peak rainfall with 4.8 inches, and February marks the driest period with 3.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| February | 27° | 3.3″ | 7 |
| March | 35° | 4.2″ | 7 |
| April | 46° | 4.1″ | 8 |
| May | 57° | 3.6″ | 8 |
| June | 65° | 4.2″ | 8 |
| July | 71° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| August | 69° | 4.1″ | 6 |
| September | 62° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| October | 51° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| November | 40° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| December | 31° | 4.3″ | 8 |
Regional context
Worcester belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Boston, MA, Springfield, MA, New Bedford, MA, Cambridge, MA, Lowell, MA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of wood warblers to Worcester's forests as these migrants complete their spring journey north.
Apple trees across the region finish blooming by mid-May, their petals carpeting orchard floors as young fruit begins to set.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Worcester?
- Mid-May typically marks Worcester's last spring frost, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Worcester?
- October stands as the wettest month, bringing about 4.8 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 48 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Worcester?
- July typically delivers the warmest weather, with temperatures averaging about 71°F.
- What is the coldest month in Worcester?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 25°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Worcester?
- 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 that date.
- How many rainy days does Worcester get?
- Worcester experiences about 84 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Worcester?
- Worcester's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code for the current zone designation.
Climate
Worcester, Massachusetts experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 25°F while July averages 71°F, creating a 46°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 48 inches, distributed across roughly 84 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography drives Worcester's weather patterns through its latitude of 42.3°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine frost timing, growing conditions, and daily weather variations.