Weather in Frederick, Maryland
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Overcast15%89°61°
- MondayMay 18Heavy Drizzle—97°64°
- TuesdayMay 19Thunderstorm—89°63°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle78%87°62°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast22%66°51°
- FridayMay 22Light Rain53%57°50°
- SaturdayMay 23Light Drizzle44%65°50°
- PM 2.5
- 3.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 3.6 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 74.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:59 AM
- Moonset
- 12:44 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Frederick at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 13 (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 Frederick's warmest temperatures at around 79°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 35°F. September sees peak rainfall at 5.8 inches, contrasting with January's driest conditions at 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| February | 38° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| March | 46° | 3.7″ | 9 |
| April | 57° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| May | 66° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| June | 74° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| July | 79° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| August | 77° | 2.9″ | 5 |
| September | 70° | 5.8″ | 7 |
| October | 58° | 3.3″ | 4 |
| November | 47° | 2.7″ | 5 |
| December | 39° | 4.0″ | 7 |
Regional context
Frederick belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Baltimore, MD, Hagerstown, MD, Waldorf, MD, Columbia, MD, Germantown, MD.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of wood thrushes echoing through Frederick's woodlands as these migrants establish breeding territories.
June marks peak blooming season for elderberry shrubs, their flat-topped white flower clusters attracting numerous pollinators throughout the area.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Frederick?
- Frederick's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Frederick?
- September ranks as the wettest month with approximately 5.8 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 44 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Frederick?
- July typically registers as the warmest month, averaging about 79°F.
- What is the coldest month in Frederick?
- January typically records the coldest temperatures, averaging about 35°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Frederick?
- 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 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Frederick get?
- Frederick experiences about 76 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Frederick?
- Frederick's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Frederick, Maryland experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 35°F while July averages 79°F, creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Frederick totals about 44 inches, distributed across roughly 76 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography shapes Frederick's weather patterns through its latitude of 39.4°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.