Honestly, if you’re planning to spend any time in the Silk City, you’ve gotta prepare for a bit of a meteorological roller coaster. It’s not just "east coast weather." Temperature in Paterson New Jersey has this weird way of swinging from "I need three parkas" to "Why is it 90 degrees in May?" practically overnight.
Right now, as of January 15, 2026, we’re sitting in the thick of a classic northern Jersey winter. It’s a crisp $36^\circ\text{F}$ outside today, though the west wind at 14 mph makes it feel more like $27^\circ\text{F}$. Typical. You think you’re fine because the sun is out, then a gust hits you near the Passaic River and suddenly your face is numb.
The Seasonal Reality Check
Basically, Paterson lives in a humid continental climate ($Dfa$ for the weather nerds out there). This means we get four very distinct seasons, but none of them like to play by the rules.
January is officially the coldest month. We usually see highs around $38^\circ\text{F}$ and lows dipping to $23^\circ\text{F}$ or $24^\circ\text{F}$. But look at the forecast for the next week—we’re expecting a high of $43^\circ\text{F}$ by next Saturday followed by a plummet back to a high of only $23^\circ\text{F}$ the following Sunday. That’s a 20-degree drop in 24 hours. Your sinuses will definitely let you know they're unhappy about it.
July is the other extreme. It’s the hottest month, averaging a high of $85^\circ\text{F}$. But that’s a lie. Or at least, it’s not the whole story. Between the humidity and the urban heat island effect—all that asphalt and brick in the downtown area—it frequently feels like $95^\circ\text{F}$ or higher. Honestly, the humidity is the real villain here. It gets "muggy," as we say, about 48% of the time in mid-summer.
What's Changing? (It's Not Just Your Imagination)
You might have noticed that winters feel a bit "off" lately. You're right. According to the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers, our state’s temperature has risen by about $4^\circ\text{F}$ since 1900. That is double the global average.
It’s a big deal. For Paterson, this doesn't just mean fewer snow days. It means more "extreme heat" days. Around 1990, we’d see maybe 7 days a year over $93^\circ\text{F}$. By 2050? Experts like David Robinson, the state climatologist, project we could be looking at 28 days of that level of heat.
This shifting temperature in Paterson New Jersey affects everything from when the Great Falls looks its best to how much you’re going to pay for AC in August.
The Best (and Worst) Times to Be Here
If you’re coming for the views, timing is everything.
- Spring (April - May): This is the sweet spot. April temperatures usually hover between $40^\circ\text{F}$ and $61^\circ\text{F}$. It’s the best time to see the Great Falls because the snowmelt from the mountains up north makes the water volume insane.
- Summer (July - August): Be ready to sweat. August is actually the wettest month on average ($4.42$ inches of rain), often coming in the form of nasty afternoon thunderstorms that roll in from Pennsylvania.
- Fall (September - October): Probably the most reliable weather. Highs in the 60s and 70s, low humidity, and the "clearest" skies of the year.
- Winter (December - March): It’s a gamble. You might get a mild $50^\circ\text{F}$ day in January (like we did back on January 9th this year), or you might get stuck in a Nor'easter.
Record Breakers
Paterson hasn't hit the crazy $110^\circ\text{F}$ mark like Lakehurst did back in 2013, but we’ve had our moments. Most of the all-time records in this part of the state were set during legendary heatwaves in 1918, 1936, and 2011. While the "official" record high for the area is often cited in the triple digits, it's the consistent warmth that's the new trend. Eight of the ten warmest Augusts since 1895 have happened since 2001. That's a wild stat if you think about it.
Survival Tips for the Paterson Climate
If you’re living here or just visiting, you’ve gotta be smarter than the forecast.
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First, the "Feels Like" factor is the only number that matters. In the winter, the wind tunneling through the streets can make a $35^\circ\text{F}$ day feel like $20^\circ\text{F}$. In the summer, the dew point is your best friend (or worst enemy). If the dew point is over $65^\circ\text{F}$, give up on your hair looking good.
Second, if you're visiting the Great Falls, remember it’s almost entirely outdoors. There isn't much shade when you're standing on the bridge. If the temperature in Paterson New Jersey is hitting the 90s, go early in the morning. Honestly, the mist from the falls helps, but it only goes so far.
Lastly, watch the freezing line. Paterson sits right on a transition zone. Often, it’ll be raining in Newark but snowing by the time you get up to the hills in Paterson. Check the "wet bulb" temperature if you're worried about ice on the roads—it’s a better indicator of whether that rain is going to turn into a skating rink.
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Next Steps for You:
If you're planning a trip this week, keep a close eye on the Saturday snow chance. With a $40%$ chance of light snow and a high of $39^\circ\text{F}$, it's likely to be that slushy, messy mix that makes driving a headache. Make sure your car's coolant is rated for the $11^\circ\text{F}$ low we're expecting next Tuesday.