Ah, Maryland: the beautiful Chesapeake Bay state with its lush forests, winding trails, and quaint countryside towns – what could be better for a fun vacation away from home?
Unfortunately, when it comes to deciding when to visit Maryland, there is more than meets the eye.
Depending on what time of year you travel can either make or break your trip. That’s why today we’re going to delve into the best (and worst) times to take a trip down south.
From avoiding hurricane season to figuring out which months boast ideal weather for outdoor activities; join us as we uncover what really makes (or breaks) a Maryland getaway.
The worst time to visit Maryland:
Visiting Maryland during the winter can be a real challenge.
It gets very cold in the state, and the wind can make it feel even more intense. The snowfall is also more common during this season, so getting around can be difficult due to icy roads and sidewalks.
Any outdoor activities are much less enjoyable in freezing temperatures, making it a miserable trip for anyone trying to enjoy nature’s beauty or take part in favorite recreational pursuits.
Worse yet, there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, leaving visitors with less time to get things done during their stay.
For these reasons and more, visiting Maryland during winter months should be avoided if at all possible.
Why winter is the worst time to visit Maryland?
The winter months can be beautiful in Maryland, with snowfall transforming the landscape into a wonderland of opportunity for outdoor activities.
However, with bitterly cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, winter in Maryland can also make visiting the state a less-than-ideal experience.
Let’s take a look at why it’s best to avoid visiting Maryland during the winter season.
Cold Temperatures
The average temperature in Maryland during January is around 38°F (3°C).
This is already pretty chilly, but temperatures often drop below freezing at night. Even worse, the wind chill factor can make it feel much colder than it actually is.
This means that if you plan on doing any outdoor activities, you’ll need to dress very warmly and be prepared for some uncomfortable weather.
Snow and Ice
Maryland can get quite a bit of snowfall during the winter months.
While this can certainly create some stunning scenery, it can also make getting around difficult due to icy roads and sidewalks.
Even if you have four-wheel drive or all-season tires on your car, driving in snowy conditions can be dangerous due to reduced visibility and other hazards.
In addition, many public transportation services may slow down or even stop running altogether due to icy conditions or heavy snowfall.
Closed Attractions
Many popular attractions in Maryland close or reduce their hours during the winter season due to cold weather or lack of visitors.
This means that if you are planning on visiting certain spots like national parks, museums, or amusement parks, you may find them closed when you arrive.
Be sure to check ahead of time so that you don’t end up disappointed when you get there.
Why is it so cold in Maryland?
Maryland is subject to very cold winters due to its unique location.
During the winter months, Maryland lies in the pathway of arctic and polar air masses that travel through the atmosphere bringing cooler temperatures and often snow.
Combined with colder air aloft over the state, this allows snow to stick and accumulate throughout Maryland during the winter months, leading to frigid temperatures when compared to other parts of the nation.
The lower temperatures can be further exaggerated by coastal areas, where sea breezes and ocean influences keep coastal counties much colder than more inland areas.
Thankfully, with modern heating systems, thankfully most people in Maryland can stay comfortably insulated from these cold outdoor temperatures.
What month does it snow in Maryland?
Maryland typically sees snow beginning in November and stretching into March, depending on the region.
Throughout the winter months, accumulations of anywhere from a few inches to several feet of snow can be seen across parts of the state.
Snowfall is usually heaviest in mountainous areas such as Garrett County and smaller towns located at higher altitudes, where ski resorts also attract visitors looking for a winter getaway.
While sometimes unpredictable, Maryland generally experiences snow on average between late November and early March, although winters with heavy snow or light snow can occur.