The Climate of Connecticut

The state of Connecticut (CT) is located in the northeastern United States and belongs to the New England region. Connecticut is one of the smallest states in America in terms of area, but in terms of population density, Connecticut ranks fourth in the ranking. Connecticut lies on the dividing line between a warm maritime climate along the southern coastal areas and a warm continental climate inland. The differences are especially noticeable in the winter months, when temperatures in the interior often drop a lot further than directly along the coast, where the seawater of the Atlantic Ocean almost always moderates the extreme cold. This does not apply if there is a clear northerly current, with cold arctic air descending towards this area.

The temperatures in the summer months are on average around thirty degrees. Outliers towards 35 to 40 degrees are very possible, while on rainy days the thermometer sometimes only just exceeds twenty degrees. In the winter it is not that cold on average, but during periods when the arctic air sees a chance to reach Connecticut, temperatures can reach freezing levels. Most precipitation in the winter months therefore falls in the form of snow.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

The climate of Bridgeport

Bridgeport is located in southwestern Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound. Bridgeport is the largest city in this American state and is located at the mouth of the Pequannock River. Off the coast of the city (in the Long Island Sound) are two more islands that belong to the city, namely Fayerweather Island and Steeplechase Island (Pleasure Beach). The latter of these two in particular is known for its beaches.

Bridgeport has a warm maritime climate, influenced by its location on the Long Island Sound. The summers are pleasantly warm and on some days even hot. Winters, on the other hand, are cold and very harsh from time to time. The temperature is on average below freezing in the coldest winter months. The precipitation is almost the same throughout the year and it will often fall as snow in the winter months.

The climate of Hartford

Hartford is the capital of the US state of Connecticut and is centrally located in the interior of the state. The city itself has more than a hundred thousand inhabitants, but the metropolitan area has more than a million people who live and work here. According to the Köppen climate classification, Hartford has a warm continental climate, with warm to sometimes hot summers and cool winters, with frequent severe frosts, especially during the night. Hartford does not have a clear dry period or rainy season, but has a fairly even rainfall pattern throughout the year. Occasionally, however, there can be large peaks in the amount of rain or snow measured within a given month.

The climate of New Haven

New Haven is located in southwestern Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound. New Haven therefore has an important port function for the immediate vicinity. New Haven is best known for its university, the famous Yale University. Today, this university has more than 11,000 students, which together are a major economic force in New Haven and New Haven County. The Yale campus is world famous, especially for the many films that have been filmed here.

New Haven has a warm maritime climate, with an equivalent amount of precipitation throughout the year. Summers are warm, but due to its location on the Long Island Sound, the climate remains pleasant in the summer months. Winters can be very cold and in some periods the mercury will rarely rise above zero.

The climate of New London

New London is located in the south of the state of Connecticut, on the Atlantic Ocean. New London is located at the mouth of the Thames River. Due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, the city has an important seaport. From this harbor there is a ferry to Fishers Island, which is located a few kilometers off the coast. In the metropolitan area around New London, New London County, there are still a large number of smaller cities that together account for almost 250,000 inhabitants.

New London has a warm maritime climate, which is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are warm here, but usually very pleasant due to the sea breeze. The winters are cold and then the same sea breeze makes it sometimes feel a little colder than it is. Precipitation is the same all year round and will often come down as snow in the winter months.

The climate of Stamford

Stamford is located in the southwestern tip of the state of Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound. In this strait, also called an estuary, there are four more islands that belong to Stamford. These are Grass Island, Greenway Island, Jack Island and Vincent Island. Stamford is a modern American city with the associated high-rise buildings. The city has three universities.

Stamford has a warm maritime climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The rainfall is about the same throughout the year, with the usual peak here and there, but you don’t see that in the statistics. Summers are warm and usually very pleasant due to its location on the Long Island Sound. Winters are cold, with long periods of frost.

The climate of Waterbury

Waterbury is located west of central Connecticut on the Naugatuck River. The city is also called Brass City. In the city there are several buildings from the beginning of the last century that are still very well preserved. The most beautiful and eye-catching is the Union Station clock tower at the station.

Waterbury has a warm maritime climate, with cold winters and pleasant summers. The rainfall is more or less the same throughout the year and can therefore be called constant. In the winter period, the precipitation will often come down as snow. Winters are cold to very cold, with temperatures only occasionally exceeding zero in the coldest months.