Massachusetts Snowfall Predictions for This Winter

Winter is coming!

You can feel it in your bones, the leaves have pretty much all fallen at this point in early November, we had a nice surprise warm up that saw temps soar into the 70's and we made the most of it while we could, opening our windows for probably the last time till April or May. We all knew it was a fleeting gift that would be gone too soon.

Farmers Almanac Predictions

Winter temperatures will be below normal. The coldest periods will be in early December, early and late January, and most of February. The snowiest periods will be in early to mid-January, late January, and late February. April will be cooler and drier than normal. This is according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

"The biggest driver here are the warm oceanic temperatures in the western Atlantic right now, this will likely lead to a warm start of the winter. A lot of that precipitation backloaded into the second half of this winter."  "Other things that drive the winter, La Niña, which also helps to shift the weather pattern. We could see most of the snow shift more inland here than previous winters."

With that inland snow shift, comes the potential for some excellent skiing. AccuWeather reporting New Hampshire and Vermont could see the best skiing in the east this year with the rest of New England potentially seeing slightly higher snowfalls than last year.

Bottom line

Predictions are mostly saying we will have a warmer start to winter with less snow than last year and as we get into the heart of winter in Mid Jan to March we will be getting most of the snow accumulations but still less than last year.

Of course, less snow is not going to make skiers and snow lovers happy, but folks who look at snow as more of an unwanted guest this might be good news.

The 40 Prettiest Winter Towns in America: Seven are in New England and Just a Drive Away!

Listen, who wants to get on plane during the winter? (If you do, there are some beautiful places on this list to visit.)

But if you want a winter wonderland just a drive away, these are the most picturesque holiday towns in New England, according to Country Living magazine.

I can imagine cozying up in front of a fire in any of these towns, sipping on some cocoa and doing some holiday shopping.

Two of the towns are in Massachusetts. Sure, you have to take a ferry to get to Nantucket. Who cares?

The Christmas Stroll is a bevy of Nantucket reds, money and tinsel! (Never been, but it's on my bucket list.)

As for the sleeper hit Sandwich, sure it's fabulous in the summer, but who knew it was a go-to destination in winter?

Truth be told, all of the Cape is amazing during the colder months. But be warned, lots of places are closed for the season. If you're looking for quiet, though, it's the place to be.

Check out these perfect New England winter towns where you can cozy up with the ones you love!

"With covered bridges, skiing, and the holiday-themed Wassail Weekend celebration, Woodstock is a bucolic town with a traditional American Main Street—and it looks particularly lovely when it's covered in snow," according to Country Living.
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"Cape Cod may have a stronger rep as a beach destination, but it's gorgeous in the wintertime! The town of Sandwich is one of the oldest on the Cape, incorporated in 1639, and its scenic boardwalk is a must-visit, no matter the season," Country Living said.

"When Santa comes to Mystic, he travels by tugboat! His arrival is followed by another Mystic tradition: the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, which celebrates the town's nautical heritage," according to Country Living's list. 

"For some 50 years, the summer town of Nantucket has hosted an annual Christmas Stroll, during which carolers sing, Santa pays a visit, and revelers walk about town with jolly spirits (there may be some mulled wine involved for adults). A season of essentially zero crowds means wide open beaches for additional strolls and off-season pricing on accommodations. Win-win!" Country Living reported. 

Country Living says "Littleton is surrounded by skiing, but there's plenty to do in town too. The quaint spot is home to the world's longest candy counter, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records (it's 112 feet long!), and a variety of funky boutiques. Stop by the Littleton Diner for brunch, then mosey over to the Schilling Beer Co. for local brews."

"Established in 1653, Portsmouth is a quintessential New England port town located about an hour outside of Boston. In the winter, enjoy sports like fat-tire biking and ice-skating, followed by après- ski-style drinks in one of Portsmouth's many restaurants and bars," Country Living said.

"As cute and charming as Bar Harbor is, it gets busy in the summer. You can take advantage of the cleared-out crowds in the winter, both in town—where you can, and should, enjoy some chowder to warm yourself up—and in nearby Acadia National Park," Country Living reported.