CLIMATE

Generally moderate. Varies in summer from mild to hot, and in winter from moderate in the east and south to very cold in the western mountains. Duration of the freeze-free period averages 185 days, ranging from 130 days in Garrett County to 230 days in southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore.

Weather information is available from the State Climatology Office at the University of Maryland, College Park.
State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland, April 1999. Photo by Diane P. Frese.

Rain. Average annual rainfall: 40.76 inches. Peaks in July and August when thunderstorms average once every five days.

Snow. Average seasonal snowfall: 20.6 inches. Ranges from 10 inches on the lower Eastern Shore to 110 inches in Garrett County.

Temperature. Average annual temperature: 55.1 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures occur in July, the warmest month, averaging in the mid to upper 80s. Low temperatures in January, the coldest month, average in the low to mid 20s.

Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line

e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us