ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

What Was the Latest Snowfall in Massachusetts History?

It always seems like Mother Nature has a few surprises up her sleeves before letting the wintertime go for another season as it gives way for the consistent warmer temps…

White snowplow service truck with orange lights and yellow plow blade clearing residential roads of snow while flakes are still falling latest snowfall in Massachusetts
Getty Images

It always seems like Mother Nature has a few surprises up her sleeves before letting the wintertime go for another season as it gives way for the consistent warmer temps of Spring and Summer. Surprise flurries wisp through the air surprisingly late some years. And that got me thinking: What was the latest snowfall in Massachusetts history. That is, the latest date in the year that snow fell before being done for the season for good.

April snow, while not too frequent, isn't too abnormal. Spring skiers salivate for those days. I can remember a rogue mini-storm here and there in May producing cold winds and even a few flakes. You definitely remember it if you were alive in May 1977. A storm producing just about a foot of snow in Worcester passed through Massachusetts on May 9th and 10th that year.

Then when was the latest snowfall in Massachusetts history?

For the latest snowfall in Massachusetts history (and this is recorded history, mind you) you'd have to go way back to the year 1842. I was just a young boy back then. Kidding. On June 11, 1842 there was widespread snow that stretched from New York City to New England and beyond. While most years, June would be a prime month for beach days and sun screen in 1842 June was, at least for a day, about scarves and snow shovels. The large storm stretched all the way to Ohio where they got some white stuff too!

So keep that date in the back of your head: June 11. If it ever snows past that date in Massachusetts, we broke a record!

Now as far as this article goes, let's make that jump from snow to beach! Ahhhhh that feels good! Stacker ranked Massachusetts beach towns, worst to best. Let's imagine the sound of waves rolling, the feel of the sun beating, and look at the 15 Best Beach Towns in Massachusetts! (You might not see the runner-up coming!)

Summertime means Beach Time!! We're lucky in Massachusetts to have a good amount of coastline (and islands!) meaning a relative abundance of awesome beaches.

Stacker considered a variety of factors to determine the best beach towns in Massachusetts. To be considered a beach town, it needed at least one beach on the Environmental Protection Agency's National List of Beaches. The EPA list includes beaches that are used recreationally and open to the public for free or for a fee.

As you'd expect much of this list is made up of towns from the Cape and the Islands - but not all of them are! In fact, the town that finished at #2 on Stacker's list, rubbing elbows with the big dogs, is a bit of a surprise. See if you're surprised below as well.

The Top 15 Best Beach Towns were determined using the following four factors: number of beaches monitored through the BEACH Act, total shoreline of those beaches, access to beach-related businesses based on Census Bureau County Business Patterns, and Zillow median home prices.

Massachusetts has over 1,500 miles of shoreline to explore - over 15 saltwater ocean beaches and more than 50 inland, fresh-water beaches are available for locals to set down that beach chair at and relax.

If you're looking to go hit the beach and bare it all - Massachusetts has one of the best nude beaches in the country per THIS survey. Click here to find out where the Bay State's most nationally-renowned nude beach is. So obviously there's a variety. of beaches for almost every kind of beach-lover in Massachusetts.

So let's get to those rankings! These are the Best Beach Towns in Massachusetts. If you're town didn't make the Top Fifteen, please direct your complaints to Stacker. I'm simply the messenger and fully agree with you that your town and it's gorgeous beaches should be on here!

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #15

Scituate, MA - Whether exploring Egypt Beach or Humarock Beach, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, vibrant sunsets, and a range of water activities amidst the serene and inviting atmosphere.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #14

Mashpee, MA - From South Cape Beach State Park to Popponesset Beach, visitors can unwind, take leisurely walks along the coast, and immerse themselves in the idyllic coastal charm of Mashpee.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #13

Wareham, MA - Whether visiting Onset Beach or Swifts Beach, visitors can bask in the coastal beauty, indulge in water activities, and create lasting memories amidst Wareham's coastal splendor.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #12

Mattapoisett, MA - Whether exploring Crescent Beach or Ned's Point Beach, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty, savor the peaceful ambiance, and experience the charm of Mattapoisett's coastal treasures.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #11

Wellfleet, MA - From Marconi Beach to Cahoon Hollow Beach, visitors can revel in the unspoiled coastal scenery, indulge in water activities, and witness the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #10

Provincetown, MA - From Herring Cove Beach to Race Point Beach, visitors can embrace the artistic spirit, enjoy scenic walks, and relish in the lively beachside culture that makes Provincetown a truly captivating destination.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #9

East Sandwich, MA. - Whether visiting Sandy Neck Beach or Scorton Creek Beach, visitors can unwind, take leisurely walks along the shore, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of East Sandwich's coastal treasures.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #8

Hull, MA - Whether exploring Nantasket Beach or Gunrock Beach, visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities, indulge in delicious seaside dining, and soak up the vibrant coastal ambiance that Hull has to offer.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #7

Chillmark, MA - Whether exploring Lucy Vincent Beach or Squibnocket Beach, visitors can immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of nature, revel in the secluded ambiance, and experience the true essence of Chilmark's coastal charm.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #6

Winthrop, MA - Whether visiting Winthrop Beach or Yirrell Beach, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and coastal strolls while taking in the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Winthrop's coastal gems.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #5

Falmouth, MA - Whether exploring Old Silver Beach or Menauhant Beach, visitors can bask in the sun, engage in water activities, and soak up the idyllic coastal ambiance that makes Falmouth's beaches truly captivating.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #4

Brewster, MA - Whether visiting Crosby Landing Beach or Paine's Creek Beach, visitors can experience the charm of Brewster's beaches, immerse themselves in nature, and unwind in a truly idyllic coastal setting.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #3

Edgartown, MA - Whether exploring South Beach or Katama Beach, visitors can enjoy the island's natural splendor, indulge in water activities, and immerse themselves in the timeless coastal charm of Edgartown.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #2

Quincy, MA - Whether visiting Wollaston Beach or Quincy Shore Reservation, visitors can relax, unwind, and experience the coastal beauty that Quincy's beaches have to offer.

Massachusetts Best Beach Towns - #1

Eastham MA - From Coast Guard Beach to Nauset Light Beach, beachgoers can embrace the unspoiled beauty of Cape Cod, relish in the tranquility, and create lasting memories amidst the enchanting shores of Eastham.