The Climate of Quincy, Massachusetts

Quincy is a city located just south of Boston on the Massachusetts coast. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Quincy has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Let’s take a closer look at Quincy’s climate and weather patterns throughout the year.

Spring in Quincy

Spring in Quincy is a transitional season, spanning March, April, and May. As winter loosens its grip, temperatures begin to rise, snow melts, and tree buds emerge.

March

March ushers in the beginning of spring in Quincy. Average high temperatures reach into the 40s Fahrenheit, while overnight lows are still cold in the 20s and 30s. Frost is common early in the month. Rain showers become more frequent, with March being one of the wetter months of the year in Quincy. The increased sunshine and warmer temperatures cause remaining snow to melt by the middle or end of March. Trees, shrubs, and flowers slowly come out of dormancy as spring arrives.

April

April is when spring really takes hold in Quincy. Temperatures continue to rise, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s and 40s. The last freeze typically occurs in early April, allowing flowering plants to begin blooming. Spring rainfalls continue, sometimes including April showers. Trees begin to leaf out and flower buds open.

May

May is often considered the peak of spring in Quincy. High temperatures now reach into the 60s, while lows stay above 50°F. Rain is frequent but irregular. Flowers are in full bloom, displaying vibrant colors and fragrances. Trees fill out with green leaves. The average last frost date is around May 10th in Quincy. Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start of summer.

Summer in Quincy

Quincy summers are hot, humid, and frequently wet. Summer includes the months of June, July, and August.

June

Early June continues the mild spring weather, with highs around 70°F. By mid-month, summertime heat arrives, with highs in the 80s. Humidity levels also ramp up. Overnight lows are in the 60s. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st, marking the longest day of sunlight. Quincy receives about 3.5 inches of rainfall in June.

July

July is typically the hottest month in Quincy. Average high temperatures peak at 84°F but it’s common for temperatures to rise into the 90s, especially with the humidity factored in. Low temperatures only drop to around 70°F, making for warm, muggy nights. Thunderstorms are more likely in July than other months, with heavy downpours and gusty winds. July sunshine averages over 10 hours per day.

August

August continues the hot, humid weather, though temperatures begin moderating slightly toward the end of the month. Highs average in the lower 80s, while lows are around 65°F. Rainfall increases in August to about 3.75 inches on average, continuing the threat of thunderstorms. Summer weather often lingers into early September in Quincy.

Fall in Quincy

Autumn brings comfortable temperatures, brilliant foliage, and a sense of transition. The fall months are September, October, and November.

September

September marks the beginning of fall in Quincy, though temperatures can still be quite warm early in the month. Highs reach the mid 70s to around 80°F, while lows drop into the 50s. Rainfall remains a factor. As summer wanes, tree leaves start changing color in late September, displaying vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. Fall festivals and apple picking usher in the new season.

October

October brings a mix of fall weather in Quincy. Temperatures cool off considerably, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Nighttime freezing becomes more common, and October typically has the year’s first snow flurries. Quincy averages over 3 inches of rain in October. Tree foliage peaks in mid-October, creating picture-perfect New England scenery. Halloween brings a close to the month.

November

November transitions into winter in Quincy. High temperatures drop into the 50s while lows dip below freezing overnight. Trees are now bare of leaves. Rain showers turn to light snow at times. Thanksgiving feasts welcome the coming winter season. Quincy’s first measurable snow usually falls in November, with people digging out coats, hats, and gloves for the cold weather ahead.

Winter in Quincy

Quincy winters are cold and snowy. The winter months of December, January, and February see freezing temperatures, major snowstorms, and short days.

December

December is the first calendar month of meteorological winter, though astronomical winter begins in late December. High temperatures average in the 30s, while lows fall to the 20s and teens. The winter solstice occurs around December 21st, marking the shortest daylight period. Snow becomes much more regular in December. Quincy averages about 10 inches of snow this month, including the possibility of Nor’easters. Holiday decorations provide some brightness to the dreary weather.

January

January is typically Quincy’s coldest month. Average high temperatures are only in the mid 30s, with lows dropping below 20°F on many nights. Several days each winter hit zero degrees or colder. Snowfall picks up, with January averaging over 12 inches in Quincy. Icy conditions and blustery winds make for bitter cold wind chills. The new year brings hope of warmer weather ahead.

February

February remains quite chilly in Quincy, though temperatures begin to moderate by the end of the month. Highs average in the mid 30s and lows in the lower 20s, but 50-degree days can occur on occasion. Snow is still common, with lighter accumulations than January. February precipitation sometimes falls as freezing rain, sleet, or a wintry mix. The sun starts to melt snow as the daylight lengthens toward spring.

Weather Events and Hazards in Quincy

Quincy’s climate also brings some adverse weather each year:

• Nor’easters – These intense coastal storms bring heavy rain, high winds, and blizzard conditions in winter. They are Quincy’s most impactful storms.
• Hurricanes – The remnants of hurricanes tracking up the Atlantic coast sometimes impact Quincy in the late summer and early fall.
• Heavy rainstorms – Summer thunderstorms and tropical rainfall can lead to flooding in poor drainage areas.
• Snow and ice storms – Winter precipitation can make roads dangerous and knock out power around Quincy.
• Heat waves – Spells of extreme heat and humidity in the summer pose health risks.
• Drought – Occasionally, if rainfall over an extended period is scarce, drought can parch the landscape.
• Tornadoes – Rarely, a tornado may strike in Quincy, however Massachusetts makes up a part of ‘Tornado Alley’.

Being aware of potential weather hazards and preparing appropriately helps keep Quincy residents safe throughout the year.

Quincy’s Climate Outlook

Looking to the future, Quincy’s climate will be impacted by ongoing global climate change. Northeastern states like Massachusetts are projected to see the following climate shifts in upcoming decades:

• Warmer winters with less snowfall
• More intense precipitation events and flooding
• More heat waves in summer
• Later first frost dates and longer growing seasons
• Increasing drought risk
• Sea level rise impacting coastal areas

Monitoring climate trends will be important for Quincy, given the city’s vulnerable coastal location. Adaptation measures may become necessary to respond to a changing environment.

Quincy’s climate gives it four distinct seasons, each with their own average weather patterns and potential hazards to prepare for. While subject to change in the years ahead, Quincy’s current climate provides for enjoyable summers, colorful autumns, cold winters, and pleasant springs. Taking a look at the typical conditions month-by-month and season-by-season offers insight into this coastal New England city’s local climate and weather.