In July and August daytime temperatures usually rise into the 80s°F. From September through November, temperatures gradually decline from the 70s to the 50s, or lower. Fall’s cool, brisk days make the Cape a favorite destination for some New Englanders on the Columbus Day and Thanksgiving holidays.
Winters are generally cold and windy, with temperatures averaging in the 30s during the day and in the 20s at night. The Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay help to moderate the winter temperatures, so the Cape’s snowfall is considerably less than the mainland’s.
As in all parts of New England, spring is short, arriving at the earliest in April and often not until June. Like the fall, however, spring can be one of the most pleasant times on Cape Cod because of the relative solitude.
Transportation
Major highways leading to Cape Cod are I-495 and Mass. 3 from the Boston area and I-195 from Providence, R.I., and Fall River, Mass. On the Cape itself U.S. 6 is the primary road to and through the National Seashore. Those wishing to travel through the Mid-Cape, or Upper Cape, towns and villages may use Mass. 6A on the north side or Mass. 28 on the south. In the summer, traffic moves slowly on most roads and highways.
Buses Major bus lines serve Hyannis on the Cape from Boston, Providence, Fall River, and New Bedford. Additional routes run from Hyannis to Chatham and Provincetown.
Air Service Flights operate from Boston, Providence, and New York City to Hyannis and between Boston and Provincetown. Private and charter planes may use airstrips in Hyannis, Chatham, and Provincetown.
Ferries A passengers-only ferry runs in summer between Boston and Provincetown. Passenger and vehicle ferries operate from Woods Hole and Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in the summer. Ferry services to the islands are limited in other seasons. For further information: Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority, P.O. Box 284, Dept. CG, Woods Hole, MA 02543-0284, telephone 508-540-2022; or Hy-line Cruises, Ocean Street Dock, Pier #1, Hyannis, MA 02601-4715, telephone 508-778-2600.