If you’re moving to Bergen County or just planning a day trip to hit the shops on East Ridgewood Avenue, you’ve probably checked the forecast. But here’s the thing: Ridgewood New Jersey weather is a bit of a shapeshifter. It’s not just "four seasons." It’s more like twelve mini-seasons that can catch you off guard if you aren't local.
You’ve got the humid "is this a swamp?" July days. Then there's the January mornings where the air literally hurts your face.
Honestly, the weather here is a massive part of the town's identity. It dictates when the Graydon Pool opens, when the high school football stands are packed, and exactly how much salt you need to buy for your driveway at the first sign of a flake.
The Four Seasons (And the Reality Check)
Most people expect a classic Northeastern climate. They aren't wrong, but the nuances matter. Ridgewood sits in a humid continental zone, meaning we get the full spectrum of Mother Nature's moods.
The "Fool’s Spring" and Actual Spring
March in Ridgewood is a liar. You might get a 65-degree day that makes you want to plant pansies, only for a Nor'easter to dump six inches of slush forty-eight hours later.
True spring usually hits its stride in late April. This is when the cherry blossoms and tulips—which the village is pretty famous for—actually start to look like the postcards. Temperatures typically hover between 50°F and 70°F. It's prime walking weather. You’ll see the sidewalk cafes starting to fill up, even if everyone is still wearing a light Patagonia vest.
Summer Humidity is Real
July is the hottest month, with highs averaging around 85°F. That sounds manageable until you factor in the humidity. It gets thick.
💡 You might also like: Finding the most affordable way to live when everything feels too expensive
If you're spending time outdoors, you basically live at Graydon Pool or find a friend with a heavy-duty HVAC system. Afternoon thunderstorms are a staple. They roll in fast, turn the sky a weird bruised purple, dump a bucket of water on the roof, and then vanish, leaving everything even steamier than before.
Fall: The Uncontested Winner
Ask any local; September and October are the gold standard for Ridgewood New Jersey weather.
The humidity breaks. The air gets that crisp, "new notebook" smell. Highs sit in the 60s and 70s. It’s perfect for the annual fall sidewalk sales and hiking the nearby trails. The foliage in the village is stunning because of the high density of old-growth trees, but keep in mind that "peak" color usually happens later than you'd think—often late October or even early November.
Winter and the Snow Factor
January and February are the "stay inside" months. Lows average around 24°F, but the wind chill can make it feel like single digits.
Snow is a bit of a wildcard lately. Some years we get "snow-mageddon" where the village turns into a literal snow globe and kids are sledding down the hills at Citizens Park for a week. Other years, it’s just a cycle of gray sleet and ice. On average, Ridgewood sees about 30 inches of snow a year, but it rarely falls in polite, manageable increments.
Microclimates and Ridgewood Weirdness
Does it feel colder in Ridgewood than it does in Manhattan? Usually, yes.
📖 Related: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
Even though we’re only about 20 miles from the city, the "urban heat island" effect doesn't reach us quite the same way. We’re often 3 to 5 degrees cooler than NYC. This means if it’s a cold rain in the city, it might actually be sticking snow in Ridgewood.
Also, the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and the Saddle River run through and around the village. If you live right near the water, you might notice a bit more fog and slightly cooler evening temperatures than your friends living "up the hill" toward the high school.
Ridgewood New Jersey Weather by the Numbers
Let's look at what the stats actually say for a typical year.
- Hottest Month: July (Avg High 85°F)
- Coldest Month: January (Avg High 38°F / Low 24°F)
- Wettest Month: July (approx. 4.8 inches of rain)
- Sunniest Month: September
- Annual Precipitation: Roughly 50 inches
It’s worth noting that 2024 and early 2025 saw some record-breaking dry spells and heat waves across New Jersey. We're seeing a trend of "flash droughts" followed by extremely heavy rain events. This makes basement sump pumps a very popular topic of conversation at Ridgewood dinner parties.
What to Wear and When
If you’re visiting or new to the area, your wardrobe needs to be modular.
- Winter: A heavy down coat is mandatory. Don't try to "tough it out" with a light wool jacket in February. You'll regret it.
- Spring/Fall: Layers. You will start the day in a hoodie and end it in a T-shirt.
- Summer: Breathable fabrics. Linen is your friend.
Practical Insights for Residents
Weather here isn't just about what's happening in the sky; it's about how the town reacts.
👉 See also: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
The Village of Ridgewood is pretty efficient with snow removal. However, if a big storm hits, the narrow streets in the "Manor" section can get tight. If the forecast calls for more than three inches, make sure your cars are off the street so the plows can actually do their job.
Also, keep an eye on the "Yellow Swing" flags at the park or the village website. They are great about announcing closures for outdoor facilities based on heat indices or storm risks.
Your Next Steps for Ridgewood Planning
If you're planning an event or a move, don't just look at the 10-day forecast.
Check the historical frost dates. If you're a gardener, the last frost is usually around early May. Don't put your tomatoes in the ground before Mother's Day unless you want to lose them to a random 34-degree night.
Invest in a good umbrella. Since we get about 50 inches of rain a year, a cheap drugstore umbrella won't last a season against the wind gusts we get coming off the hills.
Download a hyper-local weather app. General apps are okay, but something that uses Teterboro or Newark airport data specifically will give you a better idea of what’s actually heading toward the 07450 zip code.
Seal your windows. Given the swing from high humidity to bitter cold, your energy bill will thank you if you check the weather stripping on those beautiful, historic Ridgewood windows before the November winds start kicking up.