The 6 Coldest Places in New Jersey Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, most of New Jersey maintains a humid subtropical climate. This means that, while New Jersey does get its fair share of subzero temperatures and snow, winters are usually not too harsh. Statewide, the average low temperature in January hovers around 22°F (-6°C).

Despite these averages, there have been times when, as the lyrics of a classic Christmas song go, the weather outside has been “frightful”. Think- October snowstorm of 2011, when powerful coastal storms called ‘nor’easters’, unexpectedly dumped as much as 19 inches of snow across parts of the state, toppling trees and knocking out power for more than 600,000 homes and businesses. So yes, the Garden State does get its occasional colder-than-normal winters often characterized by strong winds, frigid cold, freezing rain, snow, and sleet. In the mountainous northwestern part of the state especially, winters can sometimes be brutal because of higher altitudes. Even northeastern New Jersey which sits at lower altitudes sometimes experiences teeth-chattering temperatures. In this article, we will discover some of the coldest places in New Jersey where the chilly temperatures are set to send shivers down your spine.

The Coldest Places in New Jersey

The following list of the coldest places in New Jersey considers average temperatures and record lows.

1. Sussex County

Sussex County is located in the extreme northwest corner of New Jersey. The area is characterized by glacially sculpted valleys and forested ridges that contribute to the colder temperatures experienced in the area. The average mean temperature in Sussex is around 49 degrees Fahrenheit. The county receives an average snowfall of 35.9 inches. In January, the coldest month of the year, temperatures average around 35.6°F and may reach a low of 15.8°F. At High Point, the northernmost extent of Sussex County and the highest point in New Jersey, temperatures often dip even lower, especially during the winter months.

2. Warren County

Warren County, which was incorporated from portions of Sussex County is situated within some of the most scenic and rugged terrains found in the state of New Jersey. The county which lies close to the Delaware River, experiences colder temperatures due to the interplay of several factors. Apart from being an area characterized by ridges and valleys, it encompasses various mountains including Kittatiny Mountain, Scott’s Mountain, Jenny Jump Mountain, and Pohatcong Mountains. The lowest average temperature for Warren County in January is around 22° Fahrenheit and snowfall averages 32 inches of snow per year. At the coldest times of the season, nighttime temperatures in the county often dip below freezing.

3. Morris County

Morris County located centrally in the highlands of North Jersey, is amongst some of the coldest places in New Jersey. Temperatures drop into the teens and occasionally below freezing in the winter. The county gets approximately 29 inches of snow on average per year. Despite the cold, the county ranks among the ‘Best Places to Live’ in the state. It boasts the most impressive county park system in New Jersey. Morris County is also home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies.

4. Passaic County

The climate in Passaic County which was formed out of parts of Essex and Bergen counties is typical of the New Jersey Piedmont region. Average temperatures range from 34 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the month of July. Snowfall is comparatively moderate and the area receives an average snowfall of 26 inches of snow every year. The county’s proximity to the Appalachian Mountains and its diverse topography including hills and valleys is what influences these low temperatures across the area. However, if you are ready to brave the cold and step out, Passaic County has many historic sites and places to see. The Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters, Lambert Castle & Tower, Paterson Great Falls, and West Milford Museum are just a few of the many main attractions in Passaic County.

5. Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County is situated in Central New Jersey on the Delaware River. The county lies within two major physiographic regions in the state- the Highlands and the Piedmont. The colder climate in the county can be attributed to an interplay of these physiographic provinces. Much of the area is also at a high altitude, which causes temperatures to regularly drop in the winter. The average minimum temperature in Hunterdon County stays in the lowly 30s during the colder season. Nighttime temperatures may, however, drop to the teens or even single digits. Snowfall in the area varies from year to year, but on average, the county receives about 20 inches of snow annually.

6. Bergen County

Located in the northeastern part of New Jersey, Bergen County sits at the edge of the humid subtropical climate zone as defined by the Köppen climate classification. In the coldest month of January, average temperatures in the area, generally tend to stay above 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite being generally classified as having a ‘humid subtropical climate’ certain locations within Bergen County record unusually low temperatures though. On January 5, 1904, for example, the temperature in River Vale, Bergen County reached an all-time low of 34 degrees below zero. This is way below the normal average that the County sees in the month of January. It is also the lowest-ever recorded temperature in the state of New Jersey.

Summary of the 6 Coldest Places in New Jersey