Elizabeth, NJ Weather

The city of Elizabeth has plenty of activities and experiences to offer no matter what time of year you visit. Here’s what it’s like to experience every season in Elizabeth, and how to make the most of your visit at any time of year.

Winter

Pack your down coat, because winters in Elizabeth are cold, with the temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. If it’s snowing when you arrive, put on your winter coat, hat, and gloves and head over to Mattano Park. The park has many open spaces where you can build a snow fort or just admire the bare trees dusted in glistening snowflakes.

To get out of the cold, check out the newly renovated Warinanco Sports Center. This indoor facility has an ice rink where you can get in some quality skating time and a cafe where you can warm up with a steaming mug of cocoa. And on days when it’s too cold to venture outdoors for long, you can plan a visit to one of Elizabeth’s museums or historic houses like the Belcher-Ogden Mansion.

Spring

During spring in Elizabeth, the snow melts away and the first flowers of the season begin to blossom. It’s the perfect time to lace up your sneakers and go for a walk in one of the city’s parks, enjoying the fresh air and admiring the daffodils and tulips. Spring is also an excellent time to walk the mile-and-a-half-long Elizabeth River Trail, which offers stunning views of the river and vibrant artwork displays from local artists.

May marks the start of festival season in Elizabeth, which kicks off with the Cuban Day Parade, a colorful celebration of Cuban heritage. Also in May is the Tour de Elizabeth, a biking tour of the city that features hundreds of cyclists of all different ages. Every year the route changes, but you’re guaranteed to take in beautiful views of the city while breathing in the fresh spring air.

Summer

Elizabeth really heats up in the summer, with temperatures regularly hitting 90 degrees and above. Cool off by visiting one of the city’s communities’ pools and spray parks, such as the Mickey Walker Spray Park.

You can also stop by Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park to enjoy refreshing breezes off the harbor while marveling at the sight of the New York City skyline in the distance. Another great place to enjoy summer is Warinanco Park, where you can walk the trails, spend time by the lake, and even ride a pedal boat. The park also features a splash pad area with over a hundred jets of water, where you and the kids can take a break from the summer heat.

Fall

During fall in Elizabeth, the blazing summer temperatures give way to crisp air, and the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold, scarlet, and burnt orange. It’s the ideal season to grab a light jacket and hike the trails, take a walking tour of the city, or toss around a football with friends in Mattano Park.

The city also offers fall events, including an Annual Historical Reenactment, which commemorates the role of Elizabeth during the Revolutionary War. During this reenactment of the Battle of Elizabethtown, you can watch American colonists battle red coats, complete with tricorn hats and smoking cannons. Another late fall event is the Jingle Bell Run 5K, where participants run a 5K race to raise money for Children's Specialized Hospital. Featuring a race with Santa, a complimentary pancake breakfast, and a team costume contest, it’s a family-friendly way to have fun while supporting a good cause.