What is the weather like in Baltimore throughout the year?

Baltimore’s weather is four-season and changeable: hot, humid summers; chilly, often damp winters; and short but pleasant spring and fall periods. You should expect summer highs in the 80s–90s, winter highs in the 30s–40s, and a mix of rain and occasional snow. Pack for humidity in summer and layers in winter.

What to expect from Baltimore weather, climate & time

Baltimore has a humid subtropical climate with some mid-Atlantic winter influence. That means:

• Hot, often muggy summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Cool to cold winters with some snow and ice, plus mid-winter thaws
• Mild, variable springs and falls that can swing quickly from warm to chilly

This Weather, Climate & Time pattern is typical for the mid-Atlantic, but proximity to the Chesapeake Bay can make Baltimore feel more humid and moderate some temperature extremes.

Seasonal breakdown of Baltimore weather

Here’s a general guide to what you can expect in each season. Exact temperatures and conditions vary by year, so always check a current forecast before planning activities.

These ranges summarize Baltimore Weather, Climate & Time patterns so you can plan clothing, events, and travel.

Winter: December through February

Baltimore winters are:

• Generally cold but not as severe as the upper Northeast
• A mix of rain, snow, and wintry mix events
• Prone to freeze–thaw cycles (icy mornings, slushy afternoons)

What you should plan for:

• Several light snow events most years, with the occasional heavier storm
• Ice on untreated sidewalks and side streets after overnight freezes
• Wind chills that can make it feel significantly colder than the thermometer reading

If you’re visiting:

• Bring a warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear
• Expect possible disruptions to driving and parking during bigger snow or ice events
• Check local news or the National Weather Service for storm watches and warnings

Spring: March through May

Spring in Baltimore can feel like three seasons in one:

• March can still be chilly, windy, and raw
• April often swings between cool and early-summer warm spells
• May tends to be mild to warm, with rising humidity

Key spring Weather, Climate & Time features:

• More frequent rain showers and some thunderstorms
• Rapid temperature swings from one day to the next
• High tree and grass pollen levels, especially April–May

If you have allergies, check air quality and pollen reports regularly. Layering is essential: you may need a jacket in the morning and short sleeves by afternoon.

Summer: June through August

Baltimore summers are:

• Hot to very hot, with common highs in the upper 80s and 90s °F
• Often humid due to the Chesapeake Bay and regional moisture
• Marked by afternoon and evening thunderstorms, especially after hot days

What to expect day to day:

• Heat and humidity building through late June, peaking in July and August
• Occasional heat advisories when temperatures and humidity combine into dangerous heat index values
• Short, intense thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, and localized street flooding

Summer safety tips:

1. Limit strenuous outdoor activity in the mid-afternoon on the hottest days.
2. Stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
3. Watch for fast-changing weather if you’re on the water, at outdoor festivals, or at ballgames.

Air quality can worsen on hot, stagnant days. Sensitive groups (children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions) should monitor regional air quality alerts.

Fall: September through November

Fall is often the most comfortable time in Baltimore:

• September can still feel summery, especially early in the month
• October typically brings cooler, drier, more stable weather
• November transitions to late fall, with bare trees and colder nights

Typical fall Weather, Climate & Time notes:

• Humidity gradually drops, making days feel more comfortable
• Foliage color usually peaks sometime in late October to early November in and around the city
• Occasional storms and remnants of tropical systems can bring heavy rain early in fall

For visitors, light layers and a medium-weight jacket usually cover most fall conditions. Evenings by the Inner Harbor or on the water can feel cooler than inland areas.

Rain, storms, and severe weather in Baltimore

Baltimore gets precipitation throughout the year, with:

• Frequent rain showers and thunderstorms in warm months
• Winter systems that can bring rain, snow, or mixed precipitation

Severe weather to be aware of:

• Strong thunderstorms: heavy rain, gusty winds, frequent lightning
• Occasional severe storms: damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes in the region
• Tropical remnant systems: periods of intense rain and wind, usually late summer to early fall

Check trusted sources like the National Weather Service or a major local TV station’s weather team for watches, warnings, and radar before outdoor plans.

Daylight, sunrise, and sunset times

Baltimore’s time zone is Eastern Time (ET), and it observes daylight saving time:

• Standard Time (EST): early November to mid-March
• Daylight Time (EDT): mid-March to early November

Daylight patterns you’ll notice:

• In mid-winter, days are short, with late sunrises and early sunsets
• In mid-summer, evenings stay light well into the late evening hours

For precise sunrise and sunset times on a given date, use a reputable weather app or time-and-date service and search for Baltimore, Maryland.

How to check current Baltimore Weather, Climate & Time information

For reliable, up-to-date details:

1. Use a major weather service or app and set your location to “Baltimore, MD.”
2. Check the hourly forecast if you’re planning outdoor events or travel.
3. Look at radar and alerts for approaching storms, especially in summer.
4. For climate averages and records, search for “Baltimore Maryland climate normals” through a national weather or climate data provider.

This combination gives you both the long-term Baltimore Weather, Climate & Time trends and the specific daily conditions you need.

Related Questions

When is the best time of year to visit Baltimore for good weather?

Many visitors prefer late April through early June and late September through October, when temperatures are moderate, humidity is lower than midsummer, and outdoor activities are more comfortable. These shoulder seasons balance decent weather with fewer extreme heat or cold days.

Does Baltimore get a lot of snow?

Baltimore usually gets some snow each winter, but amounts vary widely from year to year. Some winters see several plowable storms, while others are dominated by rain or mixed precipitation. If snow is critical to your plans, monitor seasonal outlooks and short-term forecasts.

How often does extreme heat occur in Baltimore?

Extreme heat days, with temperatures in the 90s or higher and high humidity, are common in July and August and can occur from June through early September. The city and local health agencies may issue heat advisories; check local alerts during heat waves and plan indoor breaks.