Weather in Paterson, New Jersey
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—82°50°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—90°62°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle—87°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast12%96°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Heavy Drizzle58%93°61°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast31%73°53°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle22%65°49°
- PM 2.5
- 12.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 14.0 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 29.4 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 91.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:41 AM
- Moonset
- 12:36 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
Paterson at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 73°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 21 (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 Paterson's warmest temperatures (~76°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~31°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in August (4.5 inches) and hits its lowest point in February (2.5 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| February | 33° | 2.5″ | 5 |
| March | 40° | 4.1″ | 6 |
| April | 51° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| May | 62° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| June | 70° | 4.3″ | 8 |
| July | 76° | 4.3″ | 6 |
| August | 74° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| September | 66° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| October | 55° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| November | 44° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| December | 35° | 4.0″ | 7 |
Regional context
Paterson falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities.
Similar climates: Trenton, NJ, Newark, NJ, Jersey City, NJ, Elizabeth, NJ, Clifton, NJ.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak migration of warblers through Paterson's parks and wooded areas.
Apple trees typically finish blooming by early May in the city's gardens and yards.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Paterson?
- Paterson's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, with the first fall frost arriving around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Paterson?
- August brings the most rainfall with about 4.5 inches on average; the city receives roughly 45 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Paterson?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 76°F.
- What is the coldest month in Paterson?
- January typically brings the coldest weather, averaging about 31°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Paterson?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Paterson get?
- Paterson averages about 77 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Paterson?
- Paterson's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Paterson, New Jersey experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 31°F while July averages 76°F, creating a 45°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Paterson receives about 45 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 77 rainy days.
Local weather patterns follow the rhythm of latitude (40.9°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows here, when frost arrives, and the daily weather story.