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Weather in Gloucester MA: What to Expect Each Season
By k8 · October 29, 2026
weather in gloucesterGloucester MA weatherGloucester MA forecastCape Ann weatherGloucester weather by seasonGloucester ocean temperaturenor'easter Gloucester MA
Weather in Gloucester, MA is set by the Atlantic: sea breezes keep summer afternoons cooler than inland towns, fog rolls over Cape Ann in the warm months, and winter brings raw wind and the occasional nor'easter. In 2026, check the National Weather Service point forecast before any outdoor plan, because coastal conditions change quickly.
Key Takeaways
Gloucester's position on Cape Ann moderates temperature extremes, but wind and humidity make winter feel colder and summer fog can cut visibility over the harbor.
A National Weather Service forecast window from late October 2026 showed highs between 53 and 66 degrees F within five days, so layers work better than one heavy coat.
Fog is most common in warm months when moist air crosses cold water, while nor'easters mostly arrive between fall and early spring.
For hourly detail, use the NWS point forecast for latitude 42.6161 and longitude -70.6689 (ZIP code 01930) and NOAA tide station 8443970 for tide times.
Ocean water near Gloucester stays cold for most of the year, so snorkelers should plan on a wetsuit and check marine conditions first.
Gloucester shares its name with places in New Jersey, England, Virginia, and Australia, so confirm the state and country before trusting a forecast.
Search results for weather in Gloucester mix at least four places with the same name. This guide covers Gloucester, MA on Cape Ann, along the North Shore of Massachusetts. It explains what each season usually brings, how to read a forecast, and how to plan around changes.
Most forecast pages show a current temperature and a 10-day table, then stop. They rarely explain why a mild forecast can feel raw on the waterfront. The sections below fill that gap with seasonal patterns, fog and storm guidance, and clothing advice.
One note on perspective: Coconut Grove Hideaways is a villa retreat in Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, Vietnam, not a Gloucester rental. Its guests arrive from many climates, and some are Gloucester travelers comparing a cold Atlantic coast with a tropical one. A short section near the end covers that comparison honestly.
How Do You Check the Weather in Gloucester, MA Today?
The National Weather Service point forecast is the most dependable way to check the weather in Gloucester today. It uses the city's coordinates, latitude 42.6161 and longitude -70.6689. It lists hourly and multi-day periods. Open the National Weather Service forecast for Gloucester, MA, then add a radar loop to time any rain.
A static article cannot show a live reading, so treat any temperature printed on a page like this as stale. The forecast page lists an issued time near the top. If that time is several hours old, refresh before you leave.
Which Weather Apps Work Best for Gloucester Forecasts?
Four sources cover most needs. Use the National Weather Service for decisions and one commercial radar app for rain timing. Each has a quirk worth knowing.
Source
Best for
Watch out for
National Weather Service point forecast
Official hourly and multi-day detail for Cape Ann
Plain layout with no polished app experience
Weather Underground
Readings from nearby personal weather stations
Readings depend on which neighborhood station you select
AccuWeather
Radar and RealFeel temperature
Searches can default to Gloucester, England, so confirm the state
Gloucester Times weather page
Quick local framing for Gloucester, MA
Check the forecast location label before relying on it
How Do You Read Rain Chances and the Weekend Outlook?
A 40 percent rain chance does not mean 40 percent of the day will be wet. It describes the likelihood of measurable rain at a given point in the forecast area. For a Gloucester rain check today, read the hourly precipitation row instead of the daily icon, since one shower can turn the whole day's icon gray.
For the weekend, look on Wednesday or Thursday to get the rough shape, then recheck Friday evening. Forecasts grow less reliable the further out you look. Also read the hourly wind direction: an easterly onshore wind usually means cooler, damper air. A west or northwest wind often brings clearer, drier conditions.
Early morning fog drifting over Gloucester Harbor with moored fishing boats and granite shoreline, soft gray light
Which Gloucester Is Your Forecast For?
Gloucester is a place name shared by at least five locations, and weather sources do not always label them clearly. This guide covers Gloucester, Massachusetts. If you land on a page showing metric units or a different state, confirm the location before you pack.
Gloucester
Where to check
Quick identifier
Gloucester, Massachusetts
National Weather Service point forecast
Cape Ann, Essex County, ZIP code 01930
Gloucester City, New Jersey
National Weather Service forecast by ZIP code
Across the river from Philadelphia, a different state entirely
Southern Hemisphere seasons, Mid North Coast region
What Is the Climate in Gloucester, MA Through the Year?
Gloucester's climate is a humid, ocean-moderated New England pattern with four distinct seasons: cold winters, mild to warm summers, and precipitation spread fairly evenly across the year. Because Cape Ann is surrounded by water, the coldest and hottest extremes you see inland are often softened at the shore.
Season
Months
Typical feel
Main weather risk
Plan around
Winter
December to February
Cold, windy, short daylight
Nor'easters, icy surfaces
Windproof layers, indoor backups
Spring
March to May
Cool and damp, slow to warm
Fog, muddy trails, cold water
Rain shell, waterproof footwear
Summer
June to August
Warm days tempered by sea breeze
Morning fog, humid spells, thunderstorms
Sun protection plus a light jacket
Fall
September to November
Crisp, clear, variable
Temperature swings, coastal storms
Layers, early dusk
Exact monthly averages vary by weather station and by the years being averaged. For specific normals, consult NOAA climate data for the station nearest your dates. January and February are typically the coldest months. July and August are the warmest.
How Does Cape Ann's Coast Shape Gloucester's Weather?
Cape Ann's coast shapes Gloucester's weather through three mechanisms: sea breezes, fog over cold water, and exposure to coastal storms. Gloucester juts into the Atlantic, so the ocean acts as a temperature buffer. Towns like Rockport and Ipswich share some of this effect, while inland communities do not.
Why Is Gloucester Often Cooler Than Inland Massachusetts in Summer?
A sea breeze forms when land heats faster than water, pulling cooler marine air ashore. On many summer afternoons, that breeze can leave Gloucester noticeably cooler than towns west of Cape Ann, including the Boston area. The effect varies day to day and fades when a strong west wind blows offshore.
When Does Fog Hit Gloucester?
Fog forms when warm, moist air passes over cold water and cools to its dew point. Gloucester Harbor sees this most often in late spring and summer, and it can lift by midday or linger. Skip lookout points and boat trips on a thick-fog morning. Visibility will be poor, and the view is the point.
What Is a Nor'easter, and How Often Does One Reach Gloucester?
A nor'easter is a coastal storm whose winds blow from the northeast, bringing heavy rain or snow, strong gusts, and elevated tides. They mostly occur between fall and early spring. Treat one in the forecast as a reason to adjust travel dates, since coastal flooding can coincide with high tide.
What Is Winter Weather in Gloucester, MA Like?
Winter weather in Gloucester runs from December through February and combines cold air and brisk wind off the water with a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. Snow often turns to rain at the shore while inland towns stay white. Daylight is short, and sunset arrives in the late afternoon.
Wind does most of the damage. A calm 30-degree day feels fine, but the same temperature with a northeast gust feels harsh on the waterfront. Docks and granite steps can ice over, and so can shaded sidewalks.
A clear winter morning is a good time for the walk to the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial, but keep it short. Many seasonal businesses reduce hours off-season, so confirm opening times before you drive over. Couples who want a break from January wind sometimes look at warmer destinations; the Hội An section below covers that option.
How Does Spring Weather Behave on Cape Ann?
Spring on Cape Ann is the slowest season to warm, because the surrounding ocean is still near its coldest from March through May. May can feel like April at the shore while inland Massachusetts is already warm. Easterly winds bring damp, gray stretches.
Trails shift from frozen to muddy in early spring. Wooded routes in Ravenswood Park and the Dogtown area offer shelter from shoreline wind, but waterproof footwear matters. Fog is common, and an easterly flow can keep beaches uncomfortable for sitting even on sunny days.
The honest downside: spring is a hard sell for a beach trip. It suits quiet harbor walks and museum visits better than swimming.
What Is Summer Weather in Gloucester, and How Much Does Fog Matter?
Summer weather in Gloucester spans June through August and delivers warm days softened by sea breeze. Humid spells and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm also show up. Fog is the wild card. Mornings can start gray at the harbor and clear by lunch, so check the hourly forecast before committing to a sunrise plan.
Beach days at Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach depend on wind more than temperature. Afternoon breezes can feel cool when you are wet. On hot weekends, parking can fill by mid-morning, so a separate guide to Good Harbor Beach parking, tides, and rules is worth reading first.
UV exposure stays high near water and bright granite, even on hazy days. Event weather matters too: the Gloucester Schooner Festival is typically held in late summer, and sailing programs depend on wind and visibility. For dates and costs this year, see this roundup of Gloucester festivals in 2026.
Good Harbor Beach at midday in summer with golden sand, a light sea breeze moving beach grass, and a few people walking at the tide line
What Does Fall Weather in Gloucester Look Like?
Fall weather in Gloucester, from September through November, is crisp, often clear, and highly variable from one day to the next. The ocean holds summer heat into September, which keeps early fall milder at the shore. By November, the cold is firmly back.
Temperature swings are the defining trait. A National Weather Service forecast window ran from late October into early November 2026. It listed highs near 65 and 66 degrees F on one Thursday and Friday. Then a sunny Saturday had a high near 53 with a low near 34. Friday carried west-wind gusts as high as 23 mph.
Fall is also when coastal storms become more likely, including nor'easters. Occasional tropical remnants arrive late in the Atlantic hurricane season. Daylight shrinks quickly, so plan hikes and harbor walks for the early afternoon. A guide to day trips from Gloucester helps when you want to pivot to a clear day elsewhere on Cape Ann.
How Warm Is the Ocean Near Gloucester Harbor?
Ocean temperature near Gloucester Harbor is cold by swimming standards for most of the year. It warms gradually through summer and peaks in late summer. Even then, most people who stay in the water for long want a wetsuit, especially snorkelers who float rather than move.
Check tide times at NOAA station 8443970 tide times and the marine forecast before any in-water plan. The City of Gloucester's [Gloucester Beaches detailed information page](https://gloucester-ma.gov/1215/Gloucester-Beaches: -Detailed-Informatio) covers lifeguard hours and beach-use rules. Rip currents can form near rocks and channels, so follow posted flags and lifeguard guidance.
Visibility in the North Atlantic varies with wind and swell and is rarely tropical-clear. Snorkelers who want warmer, calmer water sometimes pair a Cape Ann trip with a tropical stop. Cù Lao Chàm is roughly 30 minutes by drive from Hội An, as an estimate. The Room Garden View at Coconut Grove Hideaways offers a backyard for rinsing salty gear and a washer/dryer for drying it. See the Room Garden View if that comparison is on your list.
What Should You Wear in Gloucester, MA This Week?
The right clothing for Gloucester weather is a layering system built around wind protection. Start with a base layer and add a fleece. Carry a windproof, water-resistant shell as well. A separate guide to what to pack for Gloucester weather by season goes deeper on packing lists.
Base layer: synthetic or wool; cotton stays damp in humid, foggy air.
Middle layer: a fleece you can shed when the sun breaks through.
Outer shell: windproof and water-resistant, even in July.
Footwear: shoes with grip for wet granite and docks.
Sun kit: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, since glare off water is strong.
Skip the cotton hoodie as your only warm layer. It soaks up fog and sea spray and stays cold. Check the feels-like temperature and wind chill on your forecast, since both can sit well below the posted air temperature.
What Can You Do in Gloucester When the Weather Turns?
A weather backup in Gloucester means a short list of indoor or sheltered options you can switch to within an hour. Fog and rain cancel views, not the whole day. Pick one museum and one meal. Save one flexible outdoor window for the break in the clouds.
Cape Ann Museum: the Cape Ann Museum covers regional art, maritime history, and industrial history. Best for mixed-age groups on rain days.
Hammond Castle Museum: a major historic attraction; check Hammond Castle Museum for tour dates and admission.
Sargent House Museum: a Georgian house dating to 1782; confirm hours at Sargent House Museum.
Whale watching:Cape Ann Whale Watch sailings depend on sea conditions. Ask about its rain-date or refund policy before booking.
For multi-family groups with mixed energy levels, book the weather-dependent activity first and let everything else flex. Put the museum stop in the middle of the day, and keep the sunset walk as an optional extra for whoever still has energy.
Where Do You Get Weather Alerts for Gloucester, MA?
Weather alerts for Gloucester come from the National Weather Service office covering the area, listed as NWS Boston/Norton. It issues watches and warnings for storms and coastal flooding. Wind is covered too. Enable your phone's built-in government emergency alerts and keep the NWS point forecast bookmarked.
Boaters should also watch for small-craft advisories in the marine forecast. Beach closures and parking changes appear on the City of Gloucester's official website. City notices are posted there too. Always verify current rules there, since fees and restrictions change.
Coastal flooding can coincide with high tides during a storm, so compare the tide table with the storm timing. If a nor'easter is in the forecast, check airline and ferry policies at Boston Logan International Airport and your lodging, and decide a day early.
Is Hội An a Warm-Weather Alternative to a Gloucester Winter?
Hội An is a warm-weather alternative to a Gloucester winter, but it has its own seasons. Central Vietnam has a wetter stretch later in the year, and storms can affect the coast, so confirm current forecasts before booking. Coconut Grove Hideaways sits in Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, Vietnam, beside a stream.
All six rooms share a pool and Jacuzzi access. Free bikes, daily breakfast, WiFi, and air conditioning come with every stay. Cửa Đại Beach is about 1.7 miles away, roughly a 7 minute drive, and Hội An Ancient Town is about 2 miles, around 9 minutes. Stays of 7+ nights include a free one-way airport transfer, and booking direct saves 10%.
Best for special occasions: the VIP Suite with Texas-King Bed is a 50-square-meter suite with a Texas-king bed, 65-inch Smart TV, and a patio, for up to 2 guests. Downside: 24-hour check-in is not listed.
Best for a balcony over the pool:Chiều Hạ's Room with Balcony has a King bed, private balcony, and 24hr check-in for up to 2 guests.
Best for a short ride to Memories Land: the Superior Room at Chiều Hạ Village has a balcony and sits about 6 minutes by drive from Hội An Memories Land.
Best for a quiet garden stay: the Room Garden View has a King bed, backyard, and 24hr check-in, but no balcony is listed.
Best for three guests: the Chiều Hạ Villa Triple Room has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a balcony, and a backyard, with Thanh Hà Pottery Village about 8 minutes by drive.
Best for a bigger screen: the Triple Room at Chiều Hạ Villa has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a 65-inch Smart TV, and a balcony; a backyard is not listed.
No single room sleeps more than 3 guests, so larger groups book several rooms. A rainy afternoon in Hội An pairs well with the full kitchen in each room, and games and a workspace are there too. Early check-in and late check-out can be requested for $30.00 each, subject to availability.
What Is the Best Way to Plan Around Weather in Gloucester?
Weather in Gloucester rewards flexibility. The Atlantic keeps extremes softer than inland Massachusetts, yet fog, wind, and nor'easters can change a plan within hours. Check the National Weather Service point forecast, carry a windproof layer in every season, and keep one indoor backup ready.
As you plan for 2026 and beyond, treat the forecast as a daily conversation rather than a single check. If your travel plans include a warmer escape, Coconut Grove Hideaways in Hội An is one option to weigh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weather in Gloucester
What is the weather in Gloucester, MA today?
Open the National Weather Service point forecast for latitude 42.6161 and longitude -70.6689. It shows the current period, hourly detail, and rain chances for Gloucester, MA. A static article cannot show live conditions, so refresh the forecast before you leave and check the radar for rain timing.
What are the best weather apps for Gloucester Massachusetts forecasts?
The National Weather Service point forecast is the most authoritative source. Weather Underground and AccuWeather add radar and neighborhood readings. Confirm the state label, since searches can default to Gloucester, England. Use one official source and one radar app rather than switching between many.
What will the weather in Gloucester be like this weekend?
Check the forecast on Wednesday or Thursday for the rough pattern, then recheck Friday evening. Forecasts become less reliable further out. Read the hourly wind direction too, since easterly onshore wind usually means cooler, damper conditions on Cape Ann.
When is the best time to visit Gloucester, MA for weather?
Summer, from June through August, suits beach days. Early fall often brings clear, crisp days with milder water. Spring is cool and damp, and winter is windy and cold. Choose by activity: swimming in late summer, hiking and harbor walks in fall.
Does fog affect Gloucester weather in summer?
Yes, fog is common on Cape Ann in late spring and summer, when warm moist air crosses cold water. Mornings can start gray at the harbor and clear by midday. Check the hourly forecast before booking sunrise plans or boat trips.
How warm is the ocean water in Gloucester, MA?
The water is cold for most of the year and warms gradually through summer, peaking in late summer. Most snorkelers want a wetsuit even then. Check marine conditions and tide times at NOAA station 8443970 before any in-water plan.
Is there a nor'easter or storm forecast for Gloucester?
Check the NWS Boston/Norton forecast discussion and the marine forecast for storm details. Nor'easters mostly occur from fall to early spring. If one is predicted, decide on travel changes at least a day early.
Where can Gloucester travelers find warm weather in winter?
Coconut Grove Hideaways is a villa retreat in Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, Vietnam, with a pool, Jacuzzi access, free bikes, and daily breakfast. Stays of 7+ nights include a free one-way airport transfer, and booking direct saves 10%. Check current forecasts for central Vietnam before choosing dates.
By k8 · October 29, 2026
