Right now, if you step outside in Quincy, it’s about 27°F. Pretty standard for a January night in the "City of Presidents," but the humidity is sitting at 51%, and with a 6 mph wind coming from the south, it actually feels closer to 21°F. Honestly, that’s the thing about Quincy; the numbers on the thermometer rarely tell the whole story.
You’ve probably noticed that Quincy often feels a bit "off" compared to the weather reports coming out of Boston. It’s basically because we’re wrapped in 27 miles of coastline. Whether you're grabbing a coffee in Quincy Center or walking the dog at Wollaston Beach, the Atlantic Ocean is the real boss of the local climate.
The Wollaston Effect: Why Quincy MA Temperature Defies the Forecast
Most people assume that because we’re only a few miles south of Boston, the temperature should be identical. Not even close. In the spring, you might see a beautiful 65°F forecast for the region, but if you’re standing in Squantum or Houghs Neck, you’re shivering in 48-degree dampness. That’s the sea breeze. It’s a literal wall of cold air that rolls off the harbor and stops at the Blue Hills.
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Historically, January is the month that tests everyone’s patience here. The average high is around 37°F, while the lows hover near 24°F. But these are just averages. In reality, we get these wild swings where one day it’s 45°F and raining—like the forecast for today, Saturday, January 17—and the next day it’s a snowy 37°F.
Breaking Down the Seasons
Summer in Quincy isn't just "hot." It’s heavy. July is usually the peak, with average highs of 82°F, but the "muggy days" index spikes significantly during this time.
Water has a high heat capacity. This means it takes forever to warm up in the spring and forever to cool down in the fall. Because of this, Quincy often stays a few degrees warmer than inland towns like Milton or Braintree during those first few frosts of October. We get a little extra time with our tomatoes before the freeze sets in.
- Winter: Very cold and snowy. We see about 8 inches of snow in January alone.
- Spring: A total gamble. March ushers in highs in the 40s, but "April showers" are a real thing here, with about 8.1 days of rain.
- Summer: Highs of 82°F. It’s the best time for Marina Bay, but keep an eye on the humidity.
- Fall: The sweet spot. Comfortable 60s in October and the foliage is killer.
The Flooding Factor Nobody Talks About
You can't talk about Quincy MA temperature without talking about the tides. It's not just about how hot it is; it's about where the water goes when the temperature drops and the wind picks up. Nor'easters are our local specialty. These aren't just snowstorms; they are atmospheric engines that push the Atlantic into people's basements in Adams Shore.
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The city's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan recently highlighted that we’ve had over 20 coastal flooding events in a single year. When a storm hits during a high tide, the "feels like" temperature becomes irrelevant because you're more worried about the sea wall.
Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Outlook
If you're planning your week, keep the boots handy. Tomorrow, Sunday, looks like a snow day with a high of 37°F and a 40% chance of accumulation overnight. Monday and Tuesday will see the temperature drop significantly, bottoming out at 13°F Tuesday night.
Basically, we’re heading into a deep freeze. By Wednesday, January 21, the highs won’t even crack the freezing mark.
Actionable Survival Tips for Quincy Weather
If you’re new to the area or just tired of being cold, here’s the move. Stop looking at the "High" and start looking at the "Wind Direction." If it’s coming from the East or Northeast, add a layer. No matter what the thermometer says, that wind is coming off 40-degree water.
- Check the Tides: If a storm is coming and the temperature is near 32°F, check the tide chart. High tide plus a storm surge is the real danger in Quincy, not just the cold.
- Seal the Windows: Older homes in North Quincy and Quincy Point are notorious for drafts. A bit of plastic film goes a long way when the wind hits 15 mph from the Northwest.
- Wollaston Beach Rule: If it's sunny and 60°F in April, it's still 45°F at the beach. Pack a sweatshirt even if you think you don't need it.
The city is getting warmer on average, with later first-frost dates and more frequent heat waves in the summer. We're seeing fewer "zero-degree" days than we did thirty years ago, but the intensity of the rain and the height of the tides are moving in the opposite direction. It's a trade-off.
Make sure your sump pump is tested before the rain and snow mix hits this Saturday. When the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 31°F like it's doing right now, the freeze-thaw cycle can wreak havoc on your pipes and your driveway. Stay dry out there.