Weather in Baltimore, Maryland
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—84°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast21%87°63°
- MondayMay 18Light Showers—97°66°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—95°68°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers78%92°67°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast37%68°57°
- FridayMay 22Heavy Drizzle52%60°51°
- PM 2.5
- 11.5 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 11.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 88.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:56 AM
- Moonset
- 12:40 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Baltimore at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 71°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 12 (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 Baltimore's warmest weather (~82°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~37°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in July (4.7 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.8 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| February | 39° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| March | 47° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| April | 58° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| May | 67° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| June | 77° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| July | 82° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| August | 79° | 4.3″ | 6 |
| September | 73° | 4.5″ | 5 |
| October | 61° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| November | 50° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| December | 41° | 3.7″ | 7 |
Regional context
Baltimore belongs to a warm-summer humid continental climate region. This classification groups the city with nearby areas that share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Hagerstown, MD, Frederick, MD, Waldorf, MD, Columbia, MD, Germantown, MD.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of Baltimore orioles to the region, their orange and black plumage appearing in backyard trees as they build hanging nests.
Dogwood trees typically reach full bloom across Baltimore in mid-April, their white and pink flowers opening just as the last frost threat passes.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Baltimore?
- Baltimore's last spring frost typically falls around mid-April, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Baltimore?
- July is the wettest month with about 4.7 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 44 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Baltimore?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Baltimore?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 37°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Baltimore?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Baltimore get?
- Baltimore averages about 72 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Baltimore?
- Baltimore's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Baltimore, Maryland experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 37°F while July averages 82°F — a 45°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Baltimore receives about 44 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 72 rainy days.
Several factors determine the rhythm of the year: latitude (39.3°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements shape what grows here, when frost is likely, and what the weather story looks like day to day.