Halloween weather in Maryland really keeps you on your toes. Some years, you get crisp, cool evenings that are just right for walking the neighborhood. Other times, unseasonable warmth or a chilly breeze sneaks up and makes that costume feel way too thin. Most of the time, expect daytime highs in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 40s or 50s across much of the state.
Maryland’s late October climate throws a lot at you. History has brought record highs in the 80s, lows in the 20s, and even the occasional rain or light snow. Planning costumes and outdoor plans gets tricky, but honestly, that’s part of the fun—checking the forecast before heading out is practically a tradition.
Whether you’re hanging out in the city, up in the mountains, or by the coast, the weather can shift fast. If you know the typical patterns and the wild extremes, you’ll be better set for a safe and comfortable Halloween night.
Typical Halloween Weather in Maryland
Most years, Halloween weather in Maryland stays pretty mild, but every now and then, you’ll get an oddly warm day or a night that’s just plain cold. Temperatures can feel perfect for outdoor events, or you might find yourself grabbing an extra layer at the last minute.
Average Temperatures on Halloween
You’ll usually see afternoon highs in the low to mid-60s°F across Maryland on October 31. In Baltimore, the average high is about 64°F. Western spots like Cumberland run cooler.
Evenings drop into the 40s°F, though the coast tends to hang onto a little more warmth. These averages make Halloween one of the more comfortable fall holidays. The weather stays mild enough for outdoor fun, but you still get that hint that winter’s coming.
It’s not unusual to see highs in the 50s to 60s. Sometimes, warm spells push things into the 70s. On the flip side, cooler years can barely make it out of the 40s, which feels brisk when you’re out trick-or-treating.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Conditions
Daytime usually treats you to the best weather on Halloween. Highs in the 60s let you enjoy outdoor events without needing a heavy coat. On the warmer years, you might even get away with short sleeves for a bit.
Once the sun drops, everything changes fast. Temperatures often fall 10–20 degrees, so you’re left with chilly evenings in the 40s to low 50s. In the mountains or rural spots, it can dip into the 30s by late night.
If you’re planning to be outside after dark, get ready for cooler air. Light jackets or layers under costumes really help you stay warm but still enjoy the night. That shift from a mild afternoon to a crisp evening is classic Maryland Halloween.
Weather Variability and Extremes
Halloween in Maryland doesn’t always play by the rules. The warmest high hit 85°F in 1946. The coldest low dropped to 25°F in 1966. That’s a pretty big swing.
Rain might show up, but it’s not a given. The wettest Halloween brought about 1.5 inches of rain, but plenty of years stay totally dry. Snow almost never happens, though there was a trace in 1925.
In recent years, you’ve probably seen everything from sunny afternoons in the 70s to chilly days that barely hit the 40s. It’s smart to check the forecast every year, since things can flip from pleasant to cold in just a few days.
Historical Weather Trends for Late October
Late October in Maryland can feel like a grab bag of weather. Some afternoons reach the 70s, but evenings can drop into the 30s. Occasional rain events also help shape the vibe of Halloween night.
Record Highs and Lows on Halloween
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) weather records show just how much things can vary. The warmest Halloween reached 85°F in 1946, and the coldest low hit 25°F in 1966. You never really know what you’ll get.
Most years, the temperatures land somewhere in between, but you’ll notice the swings. Highs in the 70s aren’t rare, but some years don’t break out of the 40s.
Maryland’s fall season moves fast. A mild afternoon can quickly turn into a brisk evening. Layers are your friend if you’re spending time outside.
Notable Warm Days and Cold Snaps
In the last few decades, Maryland’s had both unseasonably warm and cold Halloweens. 2019 hit 77°F, making trick-or-treating feel more like late summer. Then in 2020, highs only reached the 40s, so it felt almost like winter.
The early 2020s also brought some mild evenings in the 60s. Maryland’s climate likes to keep you guessing—coastal and inland influences can flip things fast.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, don’t count on a pattern. Warm days can still show up late in the month, but cold snaps are just as likely.
Precipitation Patterns Over the Years
Rain on Halloween doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, you remember. The wettest October 31 at BWI brought 1.50 inches of rain nearly a century ago. In 2019, almost an inch of rain fell, even with the warm temperatures.
Snow is extremely rare, but in 1925, Baltimore saw about 0.10 inches. These events are outliers, but they prove October can surprise you.
Most years, you’ll get dry weather or maybe a light rain. Still, if you’re heading out, it’s smart to keep an umbrella handy or at least check the forecast.
Chance of Rain and Snow on Halloween
Maryland’s weather at the end of October can go from dry and mild to damp and chilly pretty quickly. Rain shows up more often than snow, but both have popped up in the records and sometimes mess with evening plans.
Average Rainfall in Late October
Late October usually brings light to moderate rainfall in Maryland. Baltimore averages around 3–4 inches of precipitation for the month, but Halloween itself rarely sees heavy rain. The wettest Halloween saw about 1.5 inches of rain in 1926, which is pretty unusual.
Rainfall often depends on passing cold fronts. Sometimes you’ll get showers during the day, then drier weather at night. That means you might see damp sidewalks, but not a downpour.
When rain does fall, it’s usually short-lived. A quick drizzle or brief shower is more likely than a steady storm. Still, it’s a good idea to keep an umbrella or light jacket ready if you’ll be outside.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow on Halloween in Maryland? It’s almost unheard of. Records only show a handful of cases. The most notable was in 1925, with a tenth of an inch in Baltimore. That day also set the city’s coldest Halloween high at 41°F.
Climatology studies put the chance of a White Halloween at less than 3% across most of the Mid-Atlantic. Maryland falls right into that low-probability range, since average October temperatures stay well above freezing.
If snow does fall, it’s usually just a dusting that melts fast. You’re way more likely to get chilly rain than frozen stuff. For most families, snow isn’t something you need to worry about when making Halloween plans.
Impact on Trick-or-Treating
Weather can make or break Halloween night. Light rain might dampen costumes and make sidewalks slick. Heavier showers can make it tough for drivers and pedestrians to see each other.
Since sunset comes earlier in late October, darkness and wet roads raise the risk. Reflective gear or flashlights are a good idea if rain’s in the forecast.
Snow probably won’t mess with your plans, but cold and wind might. Layering under costumes helps keep kids warm if the temperature drops after sunset. Even in mild years, it’s smart to prep for changing conditions from day to night.
Regional Differences Across Maryland
Temperatures and rainfall can vary a lot across Maryland as October ends. Elevation, how close you are to the Chesapeake Bay, and distance from the Atlantic Ocean all play a big part in shaping your Halloween weather.
Weather in Baltimore and Central Maryland
Baltimore and the central counties usually see daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F and nighttime lows in the 40s°F at the end of October. This area sits between the mountains and the coast, so you get a mix of weather influences.
Rain can happen, but heavy downpours aren’t the norm. A typical Halloween here is dry or just a little damp, with less than half an inch of rain on average.
Snow is rare in central Maryland during October, but it’s popped up before. Baltimore had a light snow on Halloween in 1925, though that’s definitely not the usual.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect mild weather that can swing cooler or warmer depending on the year. Dressing in layers is the way to go.
Western Maryland Climate
Western Maryland—think Garrett and Allegany counties—gets the coldest weather in late October. Higher elevation really makes a difference. Towns like Cumberland and Oakland often see highs in the 40s to low 50s°F and lows near freezing.
Early-season snow isn’t unusual here. Even a light dusting can show up by Halloween, especially on the ridges. The mountains cool off fast in the evening, so you’ll want to bundle up for trick-or-treating.
Rain happens more often here than in central Maryland, and cloudy skies are pretty common. If you’re heading west, you’ll probably need heavier jackets and maybe even gloves.
Eastern Shore and Coastal Areas
The Eastern Shore and coastal towns like Ocean City usually stay milder at the end of October. The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean hold onto heat longer, so you get daytime highs in the 60s°F and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s°F.
Snow basically never shows up in this region during Halloween. Rain is more likely, though. Coastal areas can pick up showers from passing systems, and winds sometimes feel stronger by the water.
Humidity often runs higher here, making cool evenings feel a bit damp. If you’re near the coast, lightweight jackets and water-resistant clothes are usually more useful than heavy coats.
Nighttime Conditions and Safety Considerations
Evenings at the end of October bring cooler air, shifting winds, and shorter daylight hours. The combo of temperature drops, cloud cover, and outdoor activity means you should get ready for both comfort and safety once the sun goes down.
Typical Nighttime Temperatures
By late October, Maryland nights turn pretty cool. On October 31, average highs hit the low 60s during the day, but after sunset, you’re looking at the 40s. Some years dip even lower, with record lows in the mid-20s, while mild years keep things closer to the upper 50s.
You’ll notice the chill after dusk, especially in open areas. Coastal spots might stay a bit warmer, but inland valleys cool off fast. Wind can also make it feel colder than what the thermometer says.
If you’re out with kids or just hanging around outside, layering is your best bet. A light jacket or sweatshirt usually does the trick, but on colder years, you’ll want heavier coats, maybe gloves, or a hat to stay comfortable through the night.
Visibility and Cloud Cover
Cloud cover on Halloween night in Maryland changes a lot from year to year. Sometimes you get clear skies, which definitely helps visibility, but it also means the warmth escapes and the air feels colder.
Other years, low clouds or random showers roll through, making it harder to see and leaving the streets a bit damp. Light rain has shown up on a handful of Halloweens, but most nights actually stay dry.
One year, more than an inch of rain soaked everything, but in the driest years, you wouldn’t find any precipitation at all. Fog doesn’t happen often, but it sometimes creeps into low-lying spots, especially if it was warm during the day and then cools off at night.
Street lights help out in neighborhoods and towns, but out in the country? It gets pretty dark. If you’re heading out, bringing a flashlight or wearing something reflective really helps you stay safe, especially near roads.
Tips for Staying Comfortable Outdoors
Think ahead and dress in layers, especially since the weather likes to change its mind. Pick shoes or boots with decent grip—nobody wants to slip on wet leaves or trip over uneven sidewalks.
If the forecast hints at rain, toss a small umbrella or rain jacket in your bag. Even a quick sprinkle can make a costume soggy and annoying if you’re not ready for it.
For kids, stick some reflective tape or glow sticks on their costumes. Not only does it help drivers see them, but it also makes it easier to keep track of everyone in a crowd.
Adults should carry flashlights too, to light up darker sidewalks and catch any obstacles before you trip.
Preparing for Halloween Weather in Maryland
Halloween weather in Maryland can feel unpredictable. One year, you’ll get a mild afternoon, and then the next, it’s suddenly chilly by evening. Rain happens some years, while other times the sky stays dry and the temperature feels just right.
Costume Planning for Changing Weather
Late October days usually hover in the mid-50s to low 60s, but after sunset, it can dip into the 40s. When you plan costumes, keep layers in mind so you can add or shed them as the temperature changes.
A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt under a costume keeps you warmer, and you don’t have to cover up the whole outfit. If the day gets warmer than usual, which sometimes happens, you can just take off a layer and still feel comfortable.
Skip heavy, heat-trapping fabrics if it looks like a mild night. Make sure kids’ costumes are roomy enough to fit over extra clothes if you need to bundle up.
Closed-toe shoes work way better than sandals, since sidewalks can get damp and chilly after dark.
When you’re picking out face paint or masks, keep in mind that masks can get uncomfortable and harder to breathe through on cold nights. Lighter options feel easier to wear if the weather’s warmer than expected.
Staying Dry and Warm
Rain’s made an appearance on plenty of Maryland Halloweens, so it’s smart to have umbrellas, ponchos, or light waterproof jackets handy. Ponchos work well for kids because they cover costumes without much hassle.
If things look damp, go for costumes made from quick-drying fabrics. Cotton just gets heavy and soggy, but synthetics dry out faster. Carrying a small bag with extra socks and gloves isn’t a bad idea if it starts raining.
Even when it doesn’t rain, the temperature drops fast after sunset. Gloves and hats help a lot, especially for younger kids. Thin knit gloves fit under costume sleeves and keep hands warm without getting in the way.
If you’re a parent walking with kids, wearing layers and comfy waterproof shoes means you’re ready for anything the night throws at you.
Checking the Latest Forecast
Maryland weather can turn on a dime around Halloween. You never really know, so it’s smart to check updated forecasts often.
Pay attention to temperature ranges, rain chances, and wind speeds. Even if the forecast says there’s just a 20% chance of rain, that’s worth taking seriously if you plan to be outside for hours.
I usually check a few different sources—think National Weather Service, local TV, or just a solid weather app. You’ll get more out of hourly forecasts than those vague daily summaries, especially when you’re figuring out the best time for trick-or-treating.
If the forecast calls for storms or heavy rain, you might want to rethink your plans a bit. Heading out earlier in the evening usually means you’ll skip the worst of the cold and wet.
Check for updates again on Halloween morning. Sometimes, just grabbing a rain jacket or switching up your shoes makes all the difference and keeps the night fun no matter what the weather decides to do.