New Jersey weather and outdoor projects
New Jersey has humid summers, cold winters and rain spread through the year. Newark and the north are colder in winter than Atlantic City and the shore, where the ocean moderates temperatures but adds wind and salt air.
May, June and September are the best months for exterior painting and deck staining. Hot, humid stretches in July and August often bring thunderstorms and heavy dew at night. Nor’easters can bring multi-day rain in spring and fall. Freeze-thaw cycles are frequent in winter, so cure and seal new concrete well.
Frost dates in New Jersey
In Newark, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 2 and the median first fall freeze is around November 10, a frost-free season of about 222 days.
In Atlantic City, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 18 and the median first fall freeze is around October 29, a frost-free season of about 190 days.
How New Jersey compares with other states
Newark is tied for the 5th-longest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (6 good months). Newark is tied for the 13th-least humid summer afternoons of the 47 state main stations (48% humidity at 3 PM, June–August). Newark is tied for the 17th-longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (222 days).
| Measure (Newark) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 6 good months | 5th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 222 days | 17th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 80 a year | 29th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 76 a year with 0.1 in or more | 19th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 28 a year | 27th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 48% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 31st of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in New Jersey
In Newark, the most reliable months are May–October. April can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 63°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. In April, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Atlantic City, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 63°F, Oct 68°F). December–March is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. In November, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to paint outside in New Jersey
In Newark, the most reliable months are May–October. March–April and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 51°F, Apr 63°F, Nov 55°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 53°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In April, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Atlantic City, the most reliable months are May–October. April and November can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 63°F, Nov 57°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. In March, nights average about 33°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. November is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to pour concrete in New Jersey
In Newark, the most reliable months are April–October. November can also work on the right days (average highs Nov 55°F). December–March averages about 18 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. November brings about 6 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Atlantic City, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 63°F, Oct 68°F). November–March averages about 19 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in New Jersey
In Newark, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 63°F, Oct 66°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. April and October are cool, with highs around 64°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Atlantic City, the most reliable months are June–September. May and October can also work on the right days (average highs May 73°F, Oct 68°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In April, nights average about 42°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May, nights average about 51°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. October is cool, with highs around 68°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in New Jersey
In Newark, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. March, July and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 51°F, Jul 87°F, Nov 55°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 53°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July is hot, with highs near 87°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Atlantic City, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. March, July and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 53°F, Jul 87°F, Nov 57°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July is hot, with highs near 87°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across New Jersey
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 87°F | 26°F | 47 in | April 2 | November 10 |
| Atlantic City | 87°F | 25°F | 46 in | April 18 | October 29 |
Of the places above, Newark has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (19 job-months), and Atlantic City has the fewest (16).
Monthly weather in Newark
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 26°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 50% | 23 |
| February | 43°F | 27°F | 6 | 3.0 in | 46% | 20 |
| March | 51°F | 34°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 42% | 12 |
| April | 63°F | 44°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 40% | 1 |
| May | 73°F | 54°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 45% | 0 |
| June | 82°F | 64°F | 7 | 4.3 in | 48% | 0 |
| July | 87°F | 69°F | 7 | 4.7 in | 47% | 0 |
| August | 85°F | 68°F | 7 | 4.2 in | 50% | 0 |
| September | 78°F | 61°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 50% | 0 |
| October | 66°F | 49°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 49% | 0 |
| November | 55°F | 39°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 48% | 6 |
| December | 45°F | 31°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 52% | 18 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Atlantic City
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F | 25°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 54% | 24 |
| February | 46°F | 26°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 50% | 22 |
| March | 53°F | 33°F | 7 | 4.5 in | 48% | 17 |
| April | 63°F | 42°F | 6 | 3.3 in | 47% | 5 |
| May | 73°F | 51°F | 6 | 3.3 in | 52% | 0 |
| June | 82°F | 61°F | 6 | 3.6 in | 54% | 0 |
| July | 87°F | 67°F | 6 | 4.5 in | 55% | 0 |
| August | 85°F | 65°F | 6 | 4.6 in | 57% | 0 |
| September | 79°F | 58°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 58% | 0 |
| October | 68°F | 46°F | 6 | 4.1 in | 55% | 2 |
| November | 57°F | 37°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 53% | 11 |
| December | 48°F | 29°F | 7 | 4.5 in | 56% | 21 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for NEWARK INTL AP, ATLANTIC CITY INTL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in New Jersey?
In Newark, May–October. In Atlantic City, May–September.
When is the last frost in New Jersey?
Newark: around April 2; Atlantic City: around April 18.
Can you pour concrete in winter in New Jersey?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Newark averages about 60 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in New Jersey?
In Newark, May–September. In Atlantic City, June–September.