Weather in Provincetown

Planning your day or a trip to Provincetown? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you prepare for any of nature's whims.

Provincetown, located in the USA, is characterized by a temperate climate with four clearly defined seasons. Visitors to the town can expect a noticeable shift in weather conditions throughout the year: from cool, and at times frosty winters, to warm and pleasant summers. Spring and autumn act as picturesque transitional periods, each with its own unique charm.

Winters in Provincetown are generally cold, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 1-4°C, with January being the coldest month when the average temperature is about 1.8°C. Summer, on the other hand, delights with comfortable warmth, ideal for exploring the town and the coast – in July and August, the average temperature rises to 20-21°C. Spring brings a gradual awakening of nature and warming, although April can be quite generous with rainfall, having the highest number of wet days. In autumn, nature is painted in bright colours, and the temperature gradually drops, preparing the town for the winter lull.

Precipitation in Provincetown is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season, although the amount varies slightly from 2 mm in May and August to 6 mm in October. While the number of wet days may vary, it is worth being prepared for precipitation in almost any season. The fewest number of rainy days falls on the summer months, especially August, making it a popular time to visit. Nevertheless, every season in Provincetown is attractive in its own way and offers unique weather experiences.

The climate in Provincetown demonstrates a distinct change of seasons with a noticeable annual temperature range. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature stays around the 1.8°C mark, and nightly lows can drop to an average of -0.7°C. Conversely, the peak heat falls on August, with an average temperature of 20.9°C and maximum daytime values reaching an average of 21.8°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 20.3°C, making it one of the most comfortable months to visit.

The summer months in Provincetown, especially July and August, are characterized by pleasantly warm weather, ideal for beach holidays and walks. Average daily highs during this period fluctuate around 21-22°C, while nights remain quite mild, with temperatures around 19-20°C. June is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 15.7°C (maximum up to 16.9°C), offering comfortable conditions for those who prefer moderate warmth. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are small, usually within 2-3°C, creating a sense of stable warmth without sharp changes between day and night.

Winter in Provincetown brings cool and occasionally frosty weather. From December to February, average temperatures range from 1.8°C to 3.6°C. In January, the coldest month, average minimum temperatures drop below zero (-0.7°C), and daily highs rarely exceed 4-5°C. December and February are slightly warmer, but nights remain cold, with temperatures close to zero or slightly above. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter is somewhat larger than in summer, amounting to about 4-5°C, which means a more perceptible cooling as the sun sets. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, demonstrate a smooth change in temperatures, connecting the cold and warm periods of the year and offering their own unique weather conditions for exploring the town.

In Provincetown, precipitation falls throughout the year, but its intensity and frequency vary noticeably from month to month without forming a clearly pronounced rainy season or prolonged drought. The town receives a moderate amount of precipitation, making it comfortable to visit at different times, provided one is ready for possible weather changes.

The highest amount of precipitation, on average 6 mm, is usually recorded in October, making this autumn month the wettest in terms of moisture volume. However, in terms of the number of days with precipitation, April stands out, when there are on average about 15 wet days, although the total amount of precipitation in this month is 5 mm. The driest months in terms of total rainfall volume are May and August, when only 2 mm falls. August can also boast the fewest number of days with precipitation – on average just 7 days, making it attractive for those seeking drier weather.

The nature of precipitation in Provincetown depends on the season. In the winter months, especially from December to February, when average temperatures hover around the freezing point (for example, the average minimum in January is -0.7°C), precipitation often falls as snow. In the other seasons – spring, summer, and autumn – it is predominantly rain. In summer, despite the lower total amount of precipitation, it may come in the form of short showers. In spring and autumn, rains can be more prolonged but are generally not too intense, given the moderate monthly averages.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Provincetown, it is important to consider its coastal location and the characteristic change of seasons. The key principle is layering, as the weather can be changeable, especially due to the influence of the ocean. Regardless of the time of year, you will find comfortable walking shoes useful for cobblestone streets and coastal walks, as well as a light waterproof jacket or umbrella, since precipitation is possible year-round, though not always heavy. Sunscreen and a hat are relevant not only in summer but in other seasons as well, as the sun near the water can be intense.

If your trip falls during the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature stays around 15-21°C, pack light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, do not forget to bring a light sweater or cardigan for evening walks or windy days. For a winter visit (December-February), when average temperatures range from 1.8°C to 3.6°C and frosts are possible, you will need warm items: sweaters, fleece tops, a warm windproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Footwear should be warm and waterproof, especially if snow is likely.

In the off-season (spring and autumn), the weather in Provincetown can be particularly unpredictable. In spring (March-May), temperatures gradually rise from 3.6°C to 10.8°C, and in autumn (September-October), they decrease from 18°C to 14°C. During these periods, it is worth bringing clothes that are easy to combine: jeans or thick trousers, long-sleeved t-shirts, sweaters, as well as a mid-season jacket. April and October can be quite wet, so waterproof clothing and shoes will be especially handy. Remember that even on warm days, the wind from the ocean can bring a chill, so an extra layer of clothing will always be useful.