Easter in Maryland usually brings mild spring weather, but honestly, it can feel pretty unpredictable depending on where you are. You’ll see average daytime temperatures in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, with chilly mornings and a fair shot at some light rain.
This time of year marks a real transition, so you might wear a light jacket in the morning and end up in short sleeves by the afternoon.
If you’re on the Eastern Shore, you’ll probably notice slightly warmer air and gentler breezes than in the cooler mountain valleys out west. Central spots like Baltimore usually land right in the comfortable middle—warm enough for hanging out outside but not sweltering yet.
Longer daylight hours give you more space for outdoor traditions, whether that means family activities, sightseeing, or just a quick trip somewhere. Skies tend to be partly cloudy, so you won’t always get sunshine, but you usually dodge the harsher winter leftovers from earlier in the season.
Typical Easter Weather in Maryland
Easter in Maryland lands in early to mid-spring, when temperatures start to rise, rain gets more frequent, and humidity slowly ticks up. You’ll get a mix of mild days, cool nights, and occasional rain, depending on your location.
Average Temperatures During Easter
During Easter, Maryland’s temperatures often swing from the mid-40s°F at night to the mid-60s°F during the day. In Baltimore, average highs in early April hover around 66°F, with lows near 49°F.
Western areas like Cumberland run a bit cooler, with highs closer to 65°F and lows right around 43°F.
You really have to be ready for anything. Some years, afternoons get close to 70°F, while others barely break the 50s. Coastal spots feel milder, but higher elevations in the west stay chilly.
Light jackets or layers are your best bet since mornings and evenings can still bite.
Precipitation Patterns Around Easter
April usually brings plenty of rain, and Easter often lands during one of the wetter stretches of the year. Baltimore averages 3.4 inches of rain in April, and Cumberland gets about 3.0 inches.
You might see 8–9 days of measurable precipitation in the month.
Rain mostly comes as light or moderate showers instead of downpours. Storms can roll through quickly and then leave clear skies behind.
Snow is pretty rare by Easter in most of Maryland, but if you’re up in the higher western counties, you might catch a trace early in April.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect damp ground and the occasional shower. Bringing an umbrella or a light rain jacket is just smart.
Humidity and Dew Point Trends
April’s humidity starts to climb but usually stays comfortable. Dew points stick in the 40s°F to low 50s°F, so the air feels cool and fresh, not sticky.
In Baltimore, the odds of muggy weather are super low—about 0.2 days in April—and Cumberland gets even fewer.
You’ll probably notice mornings feel a bit more humid, especially after a rainy night, but afternoons usually dry out. The air isn’t oppressive, so you don’t have to worry about summer-like stickiness.
All in all, Easter is a pleasant time to be outside, as long as the weather cooperates.
Regional Weather Variations
Maryland’s weather can change a lot from east to west. You’ll spot differences in temperature, rain, and how fast spring shows up depending on where you are.
Baltimore and Central Maryland
In Baltimore and the central counties, Easter usually brings mild to cool weather. Daytime highs often land in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F (15–18 °C).
Nights drop into the low to mid-40s °F (5–7 °C).
Spring showers are common, so you’ll want a light jacket and maybe an umbrella for outdoor events.
Central Maryland gets the first hints of blooming trees and flowers about now. Cherry blossoms and dogwoods might be at or near their peak, which really adds to the vibe.
Eastern Shore Climate Differences
The Eastern Shore warms up a little faster than central Maryland. Highs often reach the mid-60s °F (17–19 °C), and lows hang out in the mid-40s °F (7–8 °C).
Thanks to the humid subtropical climate, you’ll feel more moisture in the air, even in spring.
Rain falls pretty evenly throughout the year, so showers are always possible around Easter. Coastal breezes can make afternoons feel cooler than the thermometer says, especially near Chesapeake Bay.
Because it’s milder, flowers and greenery pop up earlier here than out west. If you’re planning to spend time outside or have a family get-together, the Eastern Shore gives you a slightly warmer and greener scene.
Western Maryland Conditions
Western Maryland—places like Cumberland and Garrett County—stays cooler in early spring. Highs usually sit in the low to mid-50s °F (11–13 °C), and lows dip into the 30s °F (1–3 °C).
Frost can still show up, and in the higher spots, you might even catch late-season snow flurries.
Rain happens less often than in central or eastern Maryland, but when it does, it feels colder thanks to the mountain air. You’ll want heavier jackets for outdoor activities, especially in the morning or evening.
Spring is slow to arrive here, so trees and plants take their time blooming. If you head west for Easter, expect a more subdued landscape.
Comparing Easter Weather to Adjacent Months
Easter weather in Maryland bounces between cool, damp days and warmer, sunnier ones. Looking at March, April, January, and February helps you see how the season shifts.
Weather in March and April
March in Maryland feels like winter winding down. Baltimore’s average highs hit about 55°F, with lows near 40°F.
Snow can still fall, but it’s less common by the end of March. Rain picks up, with about 3 inches for the month.
April looks and feels more like spring. Highs climb into the 60s, and lows stay in the 40s to low 50s.
Rain is steady, averaging 3 to 3.5 inches, which helps plants start blooming. Snow is rare by now, but you might see a late dusting in the west.
You’ll also get more daylight, with around 13 hours by late April. This extra sun and warmth make April feel different from March, even though Easter can land in either month.
Transition From Winter to Spring
The move from winter to spring happens gradually, but you’ll notice it. In March, you might still need a coat in the morning, while afternoons can surprise you with mild air.
By April, you can get away with lighter layers, and being outside feels more inviting.
Humidity shifts too. Early spring days aren’t muggy, but by late April, some afternoons feel a bit damp.
Wind speeds drop from about 10 mph in March to around 9 mph in April, so the air feels calmer.
If you’re traveling, March weather can be all over the place, with cold snaps and warm spells. April usually brings steadier warmth, but showers stick around.
January and February Overview
January is Maryland’s coldest month. Baltimore highs average about 43°F, with lows near 31°F.
Snow is common, with around 5 inches falling on average. Days are short, with less than 10 hours of daylight.
February stays cold but starts to ease up. Highs climb into the mid-40s, and lows reach the low 30s.
Snow can still be heavy, with 5–7 inches depending on where you are. Rain is lighter than in spring, closer to 2 inches for the month.
These months set the stage for early spring. As winter lets go, the slow increase in temperature and daylight explains why March and April change so much compared to January and February.
Wind and Sky Conditions
April in Maryland brings light to moderate breezes and a mix of sunny and cloudy days. Coastal spots usually feel a bit windier, while inland areas get steadier skies.
Typical Wind Speed in April
April’s winds slow down compared to the stronger gusts of winter. In Baltimore, the average wind speed is about 9.7 mph, while Cumberland sees closer to 5.4 mph.
This difference comes down to geography—urban and coastal areas get more air movement than valleys and mountain foothills.
Winds in April are usually steady, not gusty, which makes outdoor stuff like hiking or sightseeing easier. Breezes can still feel cool, especially near the Chesapeake Bay, but they rarely mess up your plans.
If you’re heading out on the water, expect stronger winds in open areas. Inland, things are calmer, so you’ll have a more predictable experience.
Light jackets or windbreakers are usually enough.
Chance of Clear or Cloudy Skies
April skies are a mix of sunshine and clouds. In Baltimore, about 52% of days are at least partly clear, and Cumberland gets about 50%.
So, you’ve got a decent shot at bright skies on any given day.
Cloud cover can change fast in spring. You could start your morning under gray clouds and end up with sunshine by lunch.
Short cloudy periods are typical, but long stretches of overcast are less likely.
These shifting skies are good for outdoor plans since you’ll usually get breaks of sun, even on cloudy days. If you want the best light, late morning through early afternoon is your best bet.
Daylight and Outdoor Planning
Around Easter, Maryland days stretch longer and temperatures become more comfortable for being outside. There’s plenty of daylight for sightseeing, hiking, or family get-togethers, though weather conditions can still vary a lot across the state.
Hours of Daylight Around Easter
In early to mid-spring, Maryland gets about 12.5 to 13 hours of daylight each day. Sunrise is usually around 6:30–7:00 a.m., and sunset falls near 7:30–7:45 p.m., depending on where you are.
This steady daylight boost gives you more time to enjoy the outdoors without rushing. Coastal and inland areas share similar daylight lengths, though clouds can make the day feel shorter.
Twilight stretches usable light beyond sunset, so you often get another 20–30 minutes for walking, driving, or finishing up outside.
Of course, weather systems can bring clouds and cut down on practical daylight.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Midday to late afternoon is usually the sweet spot for outdoor events. By then, temperatures climb into the upper 50s to mid-60s °F, which feels just right for picnics, sports, or sightseeing.
Mornings can be chilly, especially in the west, where lows might dip into the 40s.
If you’re hitting the trails or parks, late morning is a good time to start. You’ll dodge the crowds and avoid the coldest part of the day.
Families often pick afternoons, when the ground is warmer and kids can play outside comfortably.
If you’re planning a gathering, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. is usually the safest bet. You get warmth, daylight, and you’re less likely to deal with the evening chill.
Coastal breezes may pick up later in the day, so pack an extra layer if you’ll be near the water.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Maryland’s climate follows clear seasonal cycles, shaped by its spot between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll see patterns in temperature and rainfall that have held steady for decades, though recent changes are starting to nudge these long-term averages.
Historical Weather Normals
You’ll find Maryland’s historical climate normals based on 30-year averages that the National Weather Service and NOAA collected. These records give you a sense of what’s typical in March and April, which is right around Easter.
In central Maryland, average highs during late March usually hit the mid-50s to low 60s °F (12–16 °C). By early April, temperatures often nudge up closer to the mid-60s °F (18 °C).
At night, lows tend to fall in the upper 30s to mid-40s °F (3–7 °C). You’ll probably want a jacket if you’re out late.
Precipitation stays pretty moderate. Most years, you get about 3–4 inches of rainfall across March and April together.
Snowfall? It’s rarely a concern by late March, unless you’re out in the western mountains. Higher elevations out there can still get a bit of snow, but that’s not the norm elsewhere.
These averages set a decent baseline. They’re handy for planning outdoor events or just figuring out what kind of weather swings to expect in spring.
Climate Trends and Variability
Over the past several decades, Maryland has warmed up, and you can see the warming trends affecting spring weather around Easter. Average spring temperatures have climbed about 1–2 °F compared to what folks saw in the mid-20th century.
This shift brings earlier blooms and fewer late-season snow events. The growing season just keeps stretching out.
Rainfall patterns have changed too. Even though the monthly averages are pretty similar to the past, you might spot heavier short-duration rain events popping up more often.
That’s especially noticeable along the coastal plain and in the central counties. Sometimes it feels like you blink and there’s a downpour.
Western Maryland still keeps us guessing. The Appalachian region can flip between mild and snowy conditions in March, which really shows off the state’s geographic contrasts.
Meanwhile, eastern and central areas tend to warm up earlier, with less snow and more mild days sneaking in.
If you’re planning around Easter, it helps to consider both the long-term normals and what’s been happening lately. That way, you’ll get a better sense of what spring might actually bring.