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The Weather in Orleans, MA

At the Orleans Chamber of Commerce, we work hard to keep our town a great place to live and visit. Our town’s coastal charm is shaped by its weather and the natural changes along the shoreline. Understanding Orleans’ weather and its effect on the coastline helps us appreciate and protect our beautiful seaside community.

Seasonal Climate Overview

Orleans has a humid continental climate, meaning we experience all four seasons:

  • Summers: Warm and pleasant, with average highs in July around 77.6°F (25.3°C).
  • Winters: Cold, with January lows averaging 22°F (-5.6°C).
  • Precipitation: Steady throughout the year, totaling about 48.9 inches (1,243 mm) annually.
  • Snowfall: Mostly from November to March, averaging around 30 inches (76 cm) each season.

These weather patterns affect daily life and play a big role in shaping our coastal environment.

Coastal Erosion in Orleans

Our beaches and dunes are always changing due to wind and waves. Strong storms, especially nor’easters, cause powerful waves that lead to coastal erosion. In recent years, erosion has increased, threatening parts of our shoreline.

To address this, Orleans has taken steps to slow erosion. One major effort is the Nauset Beach erosion mitigation plan. The town has purchased nearby properties to move public facilities away from areas at risk. This includes removing parking lots and rebuilding dunes, allowing the beach to shift naturally over time.

How You Can Help

Protecting Orleans’ coastline is a team effort. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Stay Informed: Attend community meetings and keep up with local conservation projects.
  • Practice Sustainability: Support eco-friendly habits that help protect our environment.
  • Volunteer: Join local groups that focus on preserving the coast and educating the community.

By working together, we can keep Orleans a special place for years to come.

We invite you to visit and enjoy all that Orleans has to offer. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, our town is full of natural beauty and community spirit. Explore our beaches, take part in local events, and help us protect the charm of Orleans for future generations.