Living right on the edge of the Palisades changes things. If you've spent any time in Bergen County, you know that the weather in Englewood Cliffs NJ isn't always identical to what's happening just a few miles away in Paramus or even across the river in Manhattan. It's a microclimate. Honestly, the proximity to the Hudson River and the sheer elevation of the cliffs create a specific atmospheric vibe that residents have to navigate every single day.
It gets weird.
One minute you're looking at a clear skyline toward the George Washington Bridge, and the next, a wall of fog is rolling up from the water, swallowing Sylvan Avenue whole.
The Four Seasons Reality Check
People talk about New Jersey having "four distinct seasons," but in Englewood Cliffs, it’s more like two long marathons with a few weeks of "perfection" sandwiched in between.
Winter: The Hudson Wind Tunnel
January is the coldest month here, with average highs hovering around 39°F. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Because Englewood Cliffs sits at an elevation of about 350 feet—significantly higher than the riverbank below—the wind chill is a legitimate factor. When those northwest winds hit the Palisades, they accelerate.
Snow is a regular guest. You're looking at about 30 inches of the white stuff annually. If you're commuting down the Henry Hudson Drive or trying to get onto the Parkway, even a "coating to an inch" can turn the steep local hills into ice rinks. In fact, just this week, local forecasts warned of a wintry mix transitioning to heavy snow, reminding everyone that winter here doesn't play around.
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Spring: The Great Dampening
April and May are basically a gamble. You'll get these stunning 70°F days where everyone heads to the Rockefeller Lookout, followed immediately by three days of 45°F drizzle. April is statistically the wettest month for rain specifically, averaging about 3.7 inches. Everything turns green fast, but you'll need a "mud room" for your boots.
Summer: Sticky and Sylvan
July is the peak. It’s humid. Like, 69% relative humidity "sticky" weather. The average high is 84°F, but because of the dense tree cover in many of the residential pockets of the Cliffs, the heat feels heavy. It’s the kind of weather where you move from your air-conditioned car to your air-conditioned office and hope the walk in between doesn't melt your shirt.
Fall: Why We Live Here
September and October are, objectively, the best. September is the clearest month of the year. The sky is blue 63% of the time, and the "muggy" factor drops to zero. The foliage on the Palisades is world-class, and the crisp 60°F air makes those morning walks along the cliff edge actually enjoyable.
Why the Palisades Matter for Local Weather
Ever wonder why it's snowing in Englewood Cliffs but just raining in New York City? It’s the "Palisade Effect."
The elevation matters. While 350 feet doesn't sound like a mountain, it’s often enough to keep the air just a couple of degrees cooler than sea level. That tiny margin is the difference between rain and a slushy mess. Also, the cliffs act as a physical barrier. They can trap moisture coming off the Atlantic, leading to that dense "sea fog" that occasionally makes driving on Route 9W feel like a scene from a thriller movie.
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Breaking Down the Numbers
If you're a data person, here is the basic breakdown of what a "normal" year looks like:
- Hottest Month: July (Avg 77°F mean, 84°F high)
- Coldest Month: January (Avg 34°F mean, 39°F high)
- Rainiest Month: July (4.83 inches on average)
- Snowiest Month: February (Nearly 10 inches typically)
- Annual Precipitation: Roughly 50 inches total
Keep in mind that 2025 was actually a bit drier than normal for much of New Jersey. We saw some months with below-average precipitation, which reminds us that "average" is just a benchmark, not a guarantee.
Practical Survival Tips for Residents
Look, if you're new to the area or just visiting, there are a few things you’ve gotta do to stay ahead of the weather in Englewood Cliffs NJ.
First, the wind is your enemy. Because we're so close to the river, the "breezy" days are windier than you think. Secure your patio furniture. I’ve seen more than one umbrella end up in a neighbor's yard after a standard Tuesday thunderstorm.
Second, watch the ice. The borough is great at salting the main roads like Sage Road or Palisade Ave, but the side streets and private driveways can stay slick. The elevation means we stay frozen longer than the towns further west.
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Third, use the "River Rule." If you see dark clouds over the Hudson, you have about eight minutes before they’re on top of you. The weather tends to move fast across the water.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that being "near the city" means we have "city weather."
Wrong.
The heat island effect of Manhattan doesn't quite reach over the cliffs. While NYC might stay 40°F during a light winter dusting, Englewood Cliffs will be 36°F and accumulating. We also get more "peace and quiet" because the dense summer humidity and the cliff face actually dampen some of the city noise—until a thunderstorm rolls in, and then the thunder echoes off the rock face like a drum.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Englewood Cliffs Weather
- Check the "Point Forecast": Don't just look at "New York City" on your weather app. Use a specific zip code like 07632. The NWS (National Weather Service) provides a "Point Forecast" for our exact coordinates (40.88°N, 73.95°W) which is way more accurate for cliff-side living.
- Prepare for Power: Heavy winds + tall trees = occasional outages. If a storm is coming, make sure your devices are charged. The "breezy" 14 mph winds in March can occasionally take down a limb.
- Salt Early: If the forecast says "wintry mix," salt your walkway before it starts. Once that Hudson River moisture hits the cold pavement, it turns to black ice instantly.
- Dress in Layers: This is cliché but true here. You can be sweating in the sun at Witte Field and shivering ten minutes later when the shade of the cliffs and a river breeze kick in.
The weather in Englewood Cliffs NJ is part of its charm. It’s dramatic, it’s seasonal, and it’s a constant reminder that we’re living on a massive piece of geological history. Just keep an eye on the horizon and maybe keep an extra scraper in your trunk until May. You’re gonna need it.
Monitor local borough alerts for state-of-emergency declarations during heavy snow, especially if you rely on the steep access roads to get home. Stay updated with the National Weather Service New York office, as they handle the specific marine-influenced forecasts that affect the Bergen County riverfront most directly.