Paterson, New Jersey – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: A Comprehensive Overview

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.

Paterson, New Jersey, experiences a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers in Paterson are typically hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit.

Winters, on the other hand, are cold but manageable, with temperatures generally hovering between the low 20s and mid-40s Fahrenheit.

The city enjoys four distinct seasons, making it a great place to experience different weather patterns. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, offering mild temperatures around 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Paterson receives moderate annual rainfall, with precipitation spread fairly evenly throughout the year, totaling about 48 inches.

Located just 14 miles from New York City, Paterson shares many similar weather patterns with its larger neighbor. This proximity means residents and visitors can expect a mix of sunny days, cloudy spells, and occasional showers.

For detailed information and monthly averages, you can visit this climate guide for Paterson.

Average Temperature In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year. The temperatures during winter can be quite cold, while summers can be hot.

In January, the coldest month, the average low temperature is around 24°F. The average high temperature in January is 39°F.

February is slightly warmer, with an average high of 42°F and a low of 27°F.

By May, temperatures start to rise, reaching an average high of 70°F and a low around 50°F.

The hottest month is July, with an average high reaching 85°F. Even the nights remain warm in July, with an average low of 66°F.

This period from May to September is generally considered the hot season, with daily high temperatures above 76°F.

Moving into the autumn, temperatures begin to cool. October has an average high of 64°F and a low of 47°F. By December, the average temperature drops significantly, with an average high of 42°F and a low of 27°F.

Here’s a quick look at the temperature range throughout the year:

Month Average High (°F) Average Low (°F)
January 39 24
February 42 27
May 70 50
July 85 66
October 64 47
December 42 27

The average temperature data helps understand how Paterson transitions from the cold winter months to the warmest periods in summer.

Average Precipitation In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey, receives a mix of rain and snow throughout the year. The city experiences different seasons, each bringing its own pattern of rainfall and snowfall.

Average Rainfall In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson gets about 49 inches of rain a year. This makes it quite wet compared to many other places in the United States. Rain is pretty common in all months, but some months are wetter than others.

July often sees the highest rainfall of the year, with heavy showers and thunderstorms. On the other hand, February usually has the least rain, making it a drier month.

The spring and summer seasons experience frequent rains, contributing to overall high precipitation.

The heaviest rains usually happen in late spring and early summer. With high humidity, these showers can be intense but are often short-lived.

The rainfall pattern helps keep the region green and lush, supporting local agriculture and plant life.

Average Snow In Paterson, New Jersey

During the winter months, Paterson experiences significant snowfall, totaling about 25 inches of snow each year. The coldest period, from December to March, is when most of the snow falls.

January is typically the snowiest month in Paterson, where snow can pile up considerably.

Snow events range from light flurries to heavy snowstorms, sometimes causing disruptions in daily life but also bringing picturesque winter scenes.

February also sees substantial snow, though it’s slightly less than in January.

Snow days are common in this period, often interspersed with cold, clear days. The snow cover can last for several days, affecting transportation and outdoor activities.

Significant snow and ice events can also occur, leading to hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks. Residents often need to shovel snow and prepare for icy conditions during this time.

Average Sun In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson experiences various daylight hours throughout the year, with peak sunlight in summer. The longest days occur in June and the shortest in December. The sun’s energy and daylight hours may significantly impact daily activities and weather patterns.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey receives maximum shortwave solar energy during summer months.

June and July witness the most sunshine, peaking at around 6.5 kWh per square meter per day. This period aligns with extended daylight hours, reaching up to 15.1 hours in June.

In contrast, December and January receive the least solar energy, with measurements dropping to about 2.5 kWh per square meter per day.

During these months, daylight extends for only 9.3 hours.

Clear skies contribute to more sunny days in summer, while winter often sees partly cloudy conditions.

Sunset times vary, with the latest occurring around 8:30 PM in June and the earliest around 4:30 PM in December. Moon phases do not significantly impact solar energy but can affect nighttime visibility.

Average Humidity In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey experiences changes in humidity throughout the year. The average relative humidity varies by month.

  • Winter months, from December to February, tend to have higher humidity levels, often ranging between 70% to 75%.
  • Summer months, particularly July and August, see lower humidity, ranging between 60% to 65%.
Month Average Relative Humidity
January 74%
February 71%
March 68%
April 63%
May 60%
June 58%
July 60%
August 65%
September 67%
October 69%
November 71%
December 74%

The dew point, which indicates the temperature at which air becomes fully saturated, also changes. It is higher in the summer and lower in the winter.

This can make summer days feel muggy when the dew point is above 60°F.

Humidity plays a significant role in the comfort levels of residents and visitors.

Relative humidity and dew points are important factors to consider when planning outdoor activities, as high humidity can make temperatures feel warmer and low humidity can make them feel cooler.

For more detailed monthly averages, visit the page on average humidity in Paterson.

Average Wind In Paterson, New Jersey

The wind in Paterson, New Jersey, varies throughout the year.

Average Wind Speed:

  • The average wind speed is about 8 mph.
  • The wind speeds tend to be moderate, providing a comfortable environment most of the time.

Windiest Month:

  • March is generally the windiest month.
  • During March, wind speeds can reach higher averages, making it the most blustery month of the year.

Seasonal Wind Patterns:

  • Winter and early spring experience stronger winds.
  • Summer months typically have gentler breezes, with average wind speeds dropping compared to the rest of the year.

Impact on Weather:

  • Wind patterns can affect local weather conditions.
  • Higher wind speeds in winter can make temperatures feel colder due to the wind chill effect, while summer breezes can provide a cooling effect.

Average Air Quality in Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey, generally enjoys good air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls within the “Good” category, which means air pollution poses little or no risk.

Typical AQI Levels:

  • Spring: 20-40
  • Summer: 30-50
  • Fall: 20-45
  • Winter: 30-55

Real-time air quality data for Paterson is provided by services like IQAir. This helps residents make better lifestyle decisions and plan their outdoor activities.

Factors Affecting Air Quality:

  • Temperature: Influences pollution dispersion.
  • Warmer months see higher dispersion rates.
  • Wind Speed: Typically around 10-14 mph.
  • Higher speeds improve air quality.
  • Visibility: Clear days often indicate lower pollution levels.
  • Pressure: Affects atmospheric stability and pollution concentration.

Monthly Temperature and AQI Overview:

Month Average Temp (°F) Average AQI
January 32 40
April 55 35
July 85 45
October 60 40

Paterson’s air quality reflects the region’s commitment to monitoring and controlling air pollution. For up-to-date information about air quality in Paterson, AccuWeather offers localized forecasts that are useful for daily planning.

Topography Of Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, located in Passaic County, New Jersey, features varied terrain and elevation.

The city spans roughly from 40.75677 to 41.07677 degrees latitude, and from -74.33181 to -74.01181 degrees longitude. It’s known for its diverse landscape and elevations.

The average elevation in Paterson is about 243 feet above sea level. Some areas dip as low as -10 feet, while others rise much higher.

Important Locations:

  • Garrett Mountain provides scenic views and hiking opportunities. It’s one of the highest points in Paterson.
  • Great Falls is a historic and natural landmark. The waterfall is part of the Passaic River.

The varied altitude influences local weather patterns and contributes to the unique character of Paterson. For more detailed maps, visit Paterson topographic map.

Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey, experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can cause significant disruption and damage to the area.

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Paterson often deals with heavy rain, which can lead to severe flooding.

For example, recent storms brought up to two inches of rain, combining with melting snow to exacerbate flood conditions.

Snowstorms

The city also faces intense snowstorms, particularly in winter.

Paterson residents recently had to brace for snow just days after severe flooding from a storm.

Hail

Hail can occur during the spring and summer months.

These hailstorms, while short in duration, can cause damage to property and vehicles.

High Winds

Paterson sometimes experiences high winds, which can accompany both rainstorms and snowstorms.

These winds can knock down trees and power lines, causing outages and other hazards.

State of Emergency

When severe weather is imminent, Paterson may declare a State of Emergency to ensure public safety and mobilize resources promptly.

Temperature Extremes

Summers in Paterson can reach high temperatures, sometimes exceeding 90°F, while winter temperatures can fall below 20°F.

These temperature extremes can be uncomfortable and dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations.

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Paterson, New Jersey

The best time to visit Paterson, New Jersey varies depending on what kind of weather and activities you prefer. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, while summer is warm and winter is cold.

What Is Paterson, New Jersey Like In Spring

Spring in Paterson is mild and pleasant.

Temperatures range from around 40°F in March to 61°F in April. This makes it a great time to explore Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, where you can enjoy the scenic views and walking paths.

Rain can fall on 6 to 9 days each month, so visitors should bring rain gear. The blooming flowers and lush greenery add to the park’s beauty.

What Is Paterson, New Jersey Like In Summer

Summer in Paterson is warm with temperatures peaking in July.

The average high in July is around 85°F and drops to about 66°F at night. While visiting in summer, you can explore outdoor attractions comfortably.

Though the weather is generally sunny, be prepared for occasional rain. The warm nights and long days make it a popular season for visitors.

What Is Paterson, New Jersey Like In Fall

Fall brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 80°F in September to 40°F to 60°F by November.

The changing leaves create a picturesque landscape, perfect for photography. Visitors often take advantage of the comfortable weather to enjoy outdoor activities.

Light jackets are advisable, especially in the later part of the season when the temperatures drop further.

What Is Paterson, New Jersey Like In Winter

Winter in Paterson is cold. The coldest month is January, where temperatures range from 24°F to 38°F. Snow is common, making it ideal for those who enjoy winter activities. The cold season lasts from December to early March.

Indoor attractions may be limited as some facilities lack indoor amenities, but the winter scenery can be quite beautiful.

Scroll to Top