Weather in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—70°43°
- SundayMay 17Light Drizzle14%83°57°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle—71°54°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—76°54°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle33%75°60°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast33%70°47°
- FridayMay 22Overcast11%63°44°
- PM 2.5
- 15.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 22.4 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 108.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:24 AM
- Moonset
- 12:25 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
New Bedford at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 13°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 26 (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
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings New Bedford's warmest temperatures at around 72°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 30°F. March sees peak rainfall with 4.8 inches, and July records the driest conditions at 3.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| February | 31° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| March | 38° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| April | 47° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| May | 57° | 3.3″ | 7 |
| June | 66° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| July | 72° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| August | 71° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| September | 63° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| October | 53° | 4.6″ | 7 |
| November | 43° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| December | 35° | 4.1″ | 7 |
Regional context
As part of the warm-summer humid continental climate region, New Bedford shares temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Boston, MA, Worcester, MA, Springfield, MA, Cambridge, MA, Lowell, MA.
Naturalist notes
Late May typically brings the peak migration of warblers through New Bedford, with yellow warblers and American redstarts arriving as oak leaves reach full size.
Cherry trees complete their bloom cycle by early May, dropping petals just as dandelions reach their flowering peak across local lawns and fields.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in New Bedford?
- New Bedford's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in New Bedford?
- March records the highest rainfall with approximately 4.8 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 46 inches.
- What is the warmest month in New Bedford?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 72°F.
- What is the coldest month in New Bedford?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 30°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in New Bedford?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does New Bedford get?
- New Bedford experiences about 78 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is New Bedford?
- New Bedford's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool provides the current zone designation when you enter the city ZIP code.
Climate
New Bedford, Massachusetts experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 30°F while July averages reach 72°F, creating a 42°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 46 inches, distributed across roughly 78 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here follow the city's latitude of 41.7°N, along with influences from nearby water bodies and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.