If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern Shore, or maybe you’re thinking about moving near the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, you've probably checked the basic forecast. But honestly, the weather in Princess Anne is a bit of a shapeshifter. It’s not just "Maryland weather." It’s a specific, swampy, breezy, and sometimes surprisingly icy microclimate that catches people off guard.
Most folks assume that being south of Baltimore means it’s always a few degrees warmer. Well, technically, yes. But the humidity here is a different beast.
The Reality of the Humid Subtropical Tag
Princess Anne is officially classified as a humid subtropical climate. That sounds tropical and breezy, right? Sort of. In reality, it means we get the full force of all four seasons, often packed into a single week.
The town sits in Somerset County, tucked away from the immediate oceanfront but close enough to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic to feel their influence. This proximity creates a "blanket effect." In the summer, the air doesn't just sit there; it clings to you.
Why the "Muggy" Meter Matters
From late June through August, the dew point is the only stat that actually matters. You can look at a thermometer and see 88°F, but if the dew point is sitting at 72°F, you’re going to be drenched in sweat just walking to your car.
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It’s heavy.
August is statistically the muggiest month, with local data showing a nearly 76% chance of "oppressive" or "muggy" conditions daily. If you aren't used to the Delmarva humidity, it feels like breathing through a warm, wet washcloth.
Winter Surprises and the "Nor’easter" Factor
Winters here are generally milder than in Western Maryland or even DC, but don't let that fool you into leaving your heavy coat behind.
While the average January high is around 47°F, the wind coming off the flat agricultural fields around Princess Anne can make it feel significantly colder. We don't get the massive snow piles they see in the mountains, but we do get ice. And Nor'easters.
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When a Nor'easter rolls up the coast, Princess Anne often sits right on the "rain-snow line." That’s the danger zone.
- The 2018 Blizzard: This was a wake-up call for many. The town saw over a foot of snow, 40 mph gusts, and temperatures that plummeted into the teens.
- Average Snowfall: Typically, we only see 5 to 10 inches a year.
- The Ice Problem: Because we’re so close to the water, "winter" often means freezing rain. Black ice on Route 13 is a real hazard that locals respect.
When Is It Actually Nice?
If you're looking for that "perfect" window, you've got two very specific targets.
Late April to early June is arguably the best time to experience the weather in Princess Anne. The pollen can be brutal (seriously, everything turns yellow), but the temperatures usually hover between 65°F and 78°F. The humidity hasn't quite awakened yet.
The second window is October.
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October is the clearest month of the year. While August is a gamble with tropical storms and thunderstorms (it’s actually the wettest month on average), October brings crisp, dry air. The chance of a clear, sunny day is about 65%, which is the highest you'll get all year. It’s perfect for the Somerset County Fair or just walking the historic downtown streets without melting.
A Quick Seasonal Breakdown
- Spring: Highs climb from 56°F in March to the mid-70s by May. April is the windiest month, averaging nearly 19 mph gusts.
- Summer: July is the hottest, averaging 87°F. Expect a thunderstorm at least once a week—these aren't just drizzles; they are "pull-over-the-car" deluges.
- Fall: September is the sleeper hit. It stays warm (avg 80°F) but the "oppressive" humidity starts to break after the first two weeks.
- Winter: January is the coldest. Lows average around 30°F, but record lows have hit 5°F in recent decades.
The Chesapeake Influence
You can't talk about the weather in Princess Anne without mentioning the bay. The Manokin River and the surrounding wetlands act as a heat sink. This means we often stay a few degrees warmer in the early winter than inland Salisbury, but we also take longer to cool down at night in the summer.
If there’s a breeze coming from the southwest, it’s bringing moisture from the Chesapeake. If it’s from the east, it’s the Atlantic. Either way, you're getting salt air and moisture.
Actionable Tips for Navigating the Climate
If you're living here or just visiting, you need a strategy. This isn't a "one jacket fits all" kind of place.
- The "Rule of 70": When the dew point hits 70, stop trying to do outdoor chores at noon. Do them at 7:00 AM or wait until after 7:00 PM.
- Invest in a Dehumidifier: If you live in an older home in town, the summer humidity will find its way into your basement and closets.
- Watch the Tropical Radar: From June to November, keep an eye on the Atlantic. We don't usually get the direct hit of a hurricane, but the "remnants" often dump 5+ inches of rain on Princess Anne in a single afternoon, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
- Wind Protection: Because the terrain is so flat, there are no hills to break the wind. If you're gardening or landscaping, choose wind-resistant plants; that "breezy" tag on the weather app often means sustained 20 mph winds across the fields.
The weather here is a constant negotiation between the land and the sea. It requires a bit of patience, a good pair of rain boots, and an appreciation for a really good air conditioning system.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current dew point rather than just the temperature before heading out today. If you're planning an outdoor event, look at the historical October clear-sky data to minimize the risk of a rainout.