Climate and monthly weather forecastLawrence, MA

The climate of Lawrence

Lawrence, Massachusetts lies in a Humid Continental zone, characterized by a Köppen Climate Classification of Dfb. This region experiences no dry season and has a warm summer.

A year in Lawrence sees a broad spectrum of weather conditions, from warm summers to cold winters. The temperatures vary significantly with the highest monthly average high temperature of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in July and the lowest monthly average low temperature of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in January. The city experiences relevant temperature swings within 24 hours, with an average 24-hour temperature range of around 12°F (-11.1°C) in the summer to nearly 20°F (-6.7°C) in the winter months, indicating an environment where both chilling winter nights and warm summer afternoons are a regular part of the year.

The city has a monthly average of 78% - 79% relative humidity. It experiences 2.2" (56mm) to 2.87" (73mm) of rainfall each month across the year. The months with the highest amount of precipitation in lawrence occur towards the end of spring and mid-autumn, with the highest average rainfall reported at 2.87" (73mm) in December. Notably, the city experiences sporadic snowfall from December to March with the highest snowfall occurring in February.

Increasing daylight hours can be observed from January (9.5 hours) to June (15.3 hours), after which daylight hours begin to shorten until December (9.1 hours). With an average of 44% - 50% cloud cover percentage throughout the year, Lawrence experiences a blend of sunny and overcast days.

The best time to visit Lawrence

The favorable time to visit Lawrence, Massachusetts, depends largely on preferred weather conditions and activities. However, with a warm, comfortable climate and long daylight hours, the period from June to September is often considered the ideal time for tourists. During these months, temperatures soar from 66.2°F (19°C) to 81.7°F (27.6°C), providing perfect weather conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Lawrence

Visitors might want to avoid the winter months from December to February in Lawrence, Massachusetts. During this period, the city witnesses the lowest temperatures (from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 37.9°F (3.3°C)) and considerable snowfall. The sting of below freezing temperatures, paired with up to 5.59" (142mm) of snowfall in February, may make travel difficult, especially for those not accustomed to the winter weather.

Spring weather in Lawrence

Spring in Lawrence is a combination of steadily increasing temperatures and adequate rainfall. It starts in March with a monthly average high temperature of 42.1°F (5.6°C), which steadily climbs to 54.7°F (12.6°C) in April and reaches 66.2°F (19°C) in May. Alongside the warming trend, the city sees an increase in rainfall, the number of rainy days decreases. With long daylight hours (averaging 15 hours per day) and average sunshine hours ranging from 9.3 to 10.6 hours per day in the summer, it offers plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.

Autumn weather in Lawrence

Autumn brings a notable change in Lawrence weather. The average high temperature markedly diminishes from 72.5°F (22.5°C) in September to 48.2°F (9°C) in November. Despite the drop in temperature, Lawrence experiences the highest rainfall during the year at 2.83" (72mm) in October. As the season changes, the daylight hours drop from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November marking the onset of short, crisp days.

Winter weather in Lawrence

In winter, Lawrence witnesses chilly conditions. Average high temperatures from December to February range between 37.9°F (3.3°C) and 32.5°F (0.3°C) with average lows from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 27.5°F (-2.5°C). These months mark the city’s snowfall season with an average of 13.7 snowfall days from December to February and snowfall just under 1 inch in December to over 5" (127mm) in February. With daylight hours dropping to just over 9 hours in the deepest winter months and temperatures often below freezing, it’s a cold but picturesque time of year.

Weather in January

Lawrence, Massachusetts begins the year with cold winter conditions, often accompanied by the highest snowfall of 3.35in over eight days. January sees the city enveloped in a relatively high humidity of 78%, augmented by frequent periods of overcast weather. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Continuing the winter trend from January, February in Lawrence remains chilly. A modest rise in temperature does not detract from the overall wintry feel, with significant snowfall of 5.59in occurring over roughly eight days. The sunshine duration marginally drops compared to January, while the relative humidity remains stable, indicating a consistent winter weather pattern. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As March approaches, Lawrence begins to witness a transition from winter to spring. Precipitation largely turns from snow, which sees a fall to 4.09in, to increased rainfall averaging 2.64in. Though temperatures start to climb, the relative humidity persists from February, keeping the air comfortably dry. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Lawrence signifies the heart of spring. With a significant temperature increase of up to 54.7°F (12.6°C), the snowfall diminishes to a near nonexistent 1.34in. The residents of Lawrence experience wetter days, marked by the increased rainfall and relatively lower pressure. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings the warmth of impending summer to Lawrence. The temperature shift from April is noticeable but it's the drop in snowfall to a mere 0.16in that really signals the transition into the warmer months. Natural life thrives in May, with areas abundant in verdant foliage and blooming flowers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the arrival of summer in Lawrence, eliminating snowfall entirely. The relative humidity spikes slightly to 75%, accentuating the warmth brought about by the higher temperatures. The month also ushers in a commendable 15.3 hours of daylight, with a generous nine hours open to absorb the sun's rays. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July reigns as the hottest month in Lawrence, Massachusetts, with the mercury potentially rising to 81.7°F (27.6°C). The absence of snowfall coincides with a slight decrease in rainfall compared to June, signifying typical summer weather. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August sees a mild decrease in temperature, notwithstanding retaining the blanket of humidity from July. Rainfall reduces further to 1.85in, further emphasizing the dry summer. The number of daylight hours experiences a decline from July, which is compensated for by a slight increase in the duration of sunshine. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The arrival of September signals the onset of fall in Lawrence. Temperatures drop significantly from August's highs, while there is zero snowfall. Despite the reduction in temperature, the relative humidity remains consistent with summer months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As October sets in, the fall foliage in Lawrence reaches its peak. The temperatures drop further, while rain sees an increase to 2.83in making it the wettest month. Coinciding with the arrival of shorter days and longer hours of darkness, the number of sunshine hours falls to six per day. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Lawrence translates to the late fall season and the first signs of winter. Temperatures continue to dip, and there's a return of snowfall, albeit at 0.94in. The reduced daylight hours and the drop in sunshine hours signify the concluding phase of fall. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December introduces winter again in Lawrence, marked by below-freezing temperatures and a significant increase in snowfall up to 4.53in. Despite the frosty conditions, Lawrence does not miss out on the festive atmosphere. The city witnesses less pronounced changes in humidity or rainfall, retaining similar levels from November. Weather in December »