Paterson, NJ Weather by Month and Climate Averages

Paterson, NJ gets 44.9 in of precipitation a year over about 132 rainy days. July is the warmest month (average high 86°F) and January the coldest (average low 23°F).

Paterson climate at a glance

Humid continental climate

Paterson, NJ has hot summers and chilly winters. Daytime highs range from about 38°F in January to 86°F in July. August is usually the wettest month. The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.

How much rain does Paterson get?

Paterson gets 44.9 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 132 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 87% of the US.

August is the wettest month, with 4.5 in. February is the driest, with 2.5 in. May has the most rainy days, about 13.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 41 days, to November 9, 2024.

See where Paterson ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in New Jersey.

Paterson weather by month

Paterson weather in January

In January, Paterson averages a high of 38°F and a low of 23°F. It gets 3.0 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The January record high is 71°F (2007) and the record low is -2°F (2025).

Paterson weather in February

In February, Paterson averages a high of 41°F and a low of 24°F. It gets 2.5 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The February record high is 79°F (2018) and the record low is -4°F (2015).

Paterson weather in March

In March, Paterson averages a high of 50°F and a low of 31°F. It gets 4.1 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The March record high is 84°F (2021) and the record low is 1°F (2003).

Paterson weather in April

In April, Paterson averages a high of 62°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 3.7 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The April record high is 95°F (2002) and the record low is 22°F (2002). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Paterson weather in May

In May, Paterson averages a high of 72°F and a low of 51°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 40% of daylight hours. The May record high is 96°F (2017) and the record low is 31°F (2008). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Paterson weather in June

In June, Paterson averages a high of 81°F and a low of 61°F. It gets 4.3 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 41% of daylight hours. The June record high is 101°F (2025) and the record low is 39°F (2001).

Paterson weather in July

In July, Paterson averages a high of 86°F and a low of 66°F. It gets 4.3 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The July record high is 103°F (2011) and the record low is 49°F (2001).

Paterson weather in August

In August, Paterson averages a high of 84°F and a low of 64°F. It gets 4.5 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 41% of daylight hours. The August record high is 101°F (2001) and the record low is 48°F (2000).

Paterson weather in September

In September, Paterson averages a high of 77°F and a low of 57°F. It gets 3.7 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The September record high is 96°F (2023) and the record low is 37°F (2000). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Paterson weather in October

In October, Paterson averages a high of 65°F and a low of 45°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 48% of daylight hours. The October record high is 94°F (2019) and the record low is 26°F (2001). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Paterson weather in November

In November, Paterson averages a high of 54°F and a low of 36°F. It gets 3.3 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 55% of daylight hours. The November record high is 82°F (2024) and the record low is 11°F (2018).

Paterson weather in December

In December, Paterson averages a high of 43°F and a low of 28°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 40% of daylight hours. The December record high is 72°F (2006) and the record low is 5°F (2005).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Paterson

November is the sunniest month in Paterson, with sunshine about 55% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 38%. Over the year the sun shines about 43% of daylight hours. Paterson is cloudier than 76% of the US.

Humidity peaks in September at 69% and is lowest in March at 55%.

Wind averages 5 mph over the year, and March is the windiest month at 6 mph.

Paterson has about 23 days a year above 90°F. Paterson is cooler than 57% of the US.

Thunderstorms occur on about 7 days a year.

See where Paterson ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.

First and last freeze in Paterson

The first fall freeze in Paterson typically comes around October 29, and the last spring freeze around April 11. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 201 days.

Paterson weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Paterson station is 103°F, on July 22, 2011. The coldest is -4°F, on February 24, 2015.

The wettest day on record brought 10.3 in of rain, on September 16, 1999.

The best time to visit Paterson

The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.

Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 41°F and lows near 25°F.

Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 62°F and lows near 41°F.

Summer (June–August) is hot, with average highs around 84°F and lows near 64°F.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 65°F and lows near 46°F.

Monthly climate

MonthPrecipRain daysWindHumiditySunshineRecord highRecord low
January3.0 in106 mph63%38%71°-2°
February2.5 in96 mph60%42%79°-4°
March4.1 in116 mph55%42%84°
April3.7 in116 mph55%39%95°22°
May3.4 in135 mph60%40%96°31°
June4.3 in134 mph63%41%101°39°
July4.3 in114 mph67%42%103°49°
August4.5 in123 mph68%41%101°48°
September3.7 in114 mph69%46%96°37°
October4.0 in124 mph69%48%94°26°
November3.3 in95 mph61%55%82°11°
December4.0 in115 mph66%40%72°

From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.

Paterson climate questions

How much rain does Paterson get?

Paterson gets 44.9 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 132 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Paterson?

August is the wettest month in Paterson, with 4.5 in. February is the driest, with 2.5 in.

How many rainy days does Paterson have a year?

Paterson has about 132 days with measurable rain in an average year. May has the most, about 13.

What is the hottest month in Paterson?

July is the warmest month in Paterson, with an average high of 86°F.

What is the coldest month in Paterson?

January is the coldest month in Paterson, with an average low of 23°F.

What is the record high temperature in Paterson?

The record high at the Paterson station is 103°F, set on July 22, 2011. The record low is -4°F, on February 24, 2015.

What is the sunniest month in Paterson?

November is the sunniest month in Paterson, with sunshine about 55% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Paterson?

The first fall freeze in Paterson typically comes around October 29. The last spring freeze is around April 11.

What is the best time to visit Paterson?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.

Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily station CALDWELL ESSEX CO AP (10 km away).

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Normals from NOAA GHCN-Daily station CALDWELL ESSEX CO AP.