The moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean results in more temperate climate for coastal localities. In winter, Boston and the Cape can receive rain when Worcester and Stockbridge receive snow. In summer, sea breezes keep coastal areas cooler than interior areas.

Massachusetts climate also varies with elevation, especially in winter. The central highlands and the western hills are often colder and snowier than other regions.

Our years are marked by the regular changes of the seasons. Autumn begins in mid to late September, with fall colors at their peak in med-october, right around Columbus Day. The arrival of color change is dependent on a series of warm days and cool nights. There are still leaves on the trees at Halloween, although most trees are bare by November 11th, Veterans Day.

Fall progresses slowly towards winter through November and into December. The first snowfall can arrives as early as Thanksgiving, but that is rare. By mid to late December there are occasional snowfalls and ponds begin to freeze over. Christmas is white in some years but not in all years. Winter really deepens throughout January with snow and ice on the ground that builds with each northeast storm. February brings the coldest temperatures and deepens snows.

March is a month of transition as the snow disappears, and winter slowly gives way to the first signs of spring. The first songbirds appear in the still bare trees of late March and early April. In mid-April, early flowers push up and bloom and shrub and tree buds begin to swell. Most leaves have appeared by the 10th of May and every tree, shrub and plant is in full spring bloom by mid-May.

June is one of the most delightful months of the year, typically bringing fair weather and richly colored landscapes. The months of July and August are hazy and hot, interspersed with clear, bright, beautiful days. By September, the first hints of color appear in the trees as summers heat fades to the comfortable coolness of fall.