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Paterson, NJ Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Paterson, NJ?
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).
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.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 25° | 41° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 41° | 62° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 64° | 84° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 46° | 65° |
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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Paterson got 44.5 in of rain, against a normal of 44.9 in for those months. July 2026 had the most, with 9.9 in.
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. Estimated sunshine is 38% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 39% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 40% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 41% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 41% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 46% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 48% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 55% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 40% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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 estimated sunshine of 55% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest, at 38%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 43% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. 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
These records cover CALDWELL ESSEX CO AP during 1999–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
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 in the available station history brought 10.3 in of precipitation, 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
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Wind | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23° | 38° | 3.0 in | 10 | 6 mph | 63% | 38% | 71° | -2° |
| February | 24° | 41° | 2.5 in | 9 | 6 mph | 60% | 42% | 79° | -4° |
| March | 31° | 50° | 4.1 in | 11 | 6 mph | 55% | 42% | 84° | 1° |
| April | 41° | 62° | 3.7 in | 11 | 6 mph | 55% | 39% | 95° | 22° |
| May | 51° | 72° | 3.4 in | 13 | 5 mph | 60% | 40% | 96° | 31° |
| June | 61° | 81° | 4.3 in | 13 | 4 mph | 63% | 41% | 101° | 39° |
| July | 66° | 86° | 4.3 in | 11 | 4 mph | 67% | 42% | 103° | 49° |
| August | 64° | 84° | 4.5 in | 12 | 3 mph | 68% | 41% | 101° | 48° |
| September | 57° | 77° | 3.7 in | 11 | 4 mph | 69% | 46% | 96° | 37° |
| October | 45° | 65° | 4.0 in | 12 | 4 mph | 69% | 48% | 94° | 26° |
| November | 36° | 54° | 3.3 in | 9 | 5 mph | 61% | 55% | 82° | 11° |
| December | 28° | 43° | 4.0 in | 11 | 5 mph | 66% | 40% | 72° | 5° |
Station: CALDWELL ESSEX CO AP, 10 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1999–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
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?
Within the available 1999–2026 station history, 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 estimated sunshine of 55% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. 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.