What is the climate of Hartford? A look at the weather in the capital of CT
“One of the brightest jewels of New England weather is its dazzling uncertainty,” the Hartford resident said in the letter. “One thing’s for sure about it, you’re sure there’s going to be a lot of weather.”
While the Connecticut author’s quote is an exaggeration, it is not unusual for conditions in Connecticut to be snowy overnight and sunny in the morning. So, if you’re traveling to the Nutmeg State, specifically the Hartford metropolitan area, it would be smart to bring layers of food.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration describes the general climate in Connecticut as characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The average annual temperature in Hartford is 51 degrees, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data collected from 1991 to 2020, and conditions tend to be colder and snowier in the northern part of the state than near the coast. .
For those planning to travel to Hartford, here’s a summary of the typical weather for each season.
Located in Hartford
Autumn is the perfect travel season for foliage lovers. Peak foliage in Connecticut’s central counties typically occurs during the second half of October, when people can see red, yellow and green hills, according to the CT DEEP Fall Follage Report. There are also plenty of places you can go apple and pumpkin picking in the state.
The weather tends to be volatile during the fall months, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), temperatures average 53 degrees. Aside from the “April showers”, autumn usually has heavy rains. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows that September and October are the wettest months of the year with average rainfall of 4.39 and 4.52 inches, respectively. Peak hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean also occurs between mid-August and late October.
By the end of fall, trees are leafless and the state may see some snow, with Hartford’s first snowfall, on average, occurring on Nov. 28, according to WTNH.
Winter in Hartford
Winters in Hartford are usually brisk and snowy. The average winter temperature in Hartford is 29.7 degrees and the average snowfall is 39.1 inches, which is higher than Bridgeport’s 24.7 inches, according to NOAA.
Occasionally, northern residents dump heavy snow and bring strong winds to the state, causing temporary power outages.
NOAA’s winter forecast predicts a 40-50 percent chance of a warmer-than-normal winter in Connecticut this year. It also indicates that there is a 33-40 percent chance that the phase will see more rain than usual this winter.
Spring in Hartford
The weather in Connecticut is particularly unpredictable during this season, according to the Connecticut Tourism Office. There will likely be snow or frost on the ground during March before temperatures begin to rise. In 2023, fruit growers in Connecticut were hit hard by a May frost.
On average, temperatures are 49.1 degrees Celsius and nine inches of snow falls in March, according to NOAA. People traveling to Connecticut during these months should bring plenty of layers.
The spring months are also known as allergy season in Connecticut. Pollination of many spring trees and weeds can trigger allergies in residents who are sensitive to the pollen.
Summer in Hartford
Summer in Hartford is full of warm temperatures and sunny skies, with the average temperature reaching 71.9 degrees, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data says. This season is mild compared to summer in the southern United States, but Connecticut also gets its fair share of heat waves.
It is also the rainiest season of the year. During these months, Hartford gets an average rainfall of 12.66 inches.
In July 2023, much of the northeastern United States experienced unusually large amounts of rainfall and multiple areas in Connecticut experienced flash flooding. Hartford had its wettest July on record that month with 13.93 inches of rainfall. However, the summer of 2022 was on the other side of extremes and the state experienced severe drought.
