Winter in Maryland can be pretty cold, indeed. When the temperatures are freezing, sometimes I’ll say things to myself like, “At least I don’t live in Antarctica.” It doesn’t actually make me feel better, but for a moment, I realize that things could be worse. After reading the following article, you’ll be thankful that you didn’t have to live through the winter of 1912 or experience the coldest temperature in Maryland. What we’ve dealt with this year pales in comparison…

Any time the Chesapeake Bay freezes over is a newsworthy ordeal. But there was one year in particular when a frozen-over Bay was seemingly the norm.
Flickr / Scott Pitocco
Maryland's nippiest winter ever was in 1912. A cold wave settled over much of the US, including Maryland and northern Virginia. Temperatures dropped drastically, causing the Chesapeake Bay to form solid sheets of ice.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
In a time before many had heat, the cold was bitter and deadly.
Wikimedia Commons

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How cold are we talking, exactly? Well, temperatures reached -2 degrees Fahrenheit in Baltimore, but that's only the beginning.
Wikimedia Commons
Surrounding cities had it even worse. Hagerstown, Frederick, and College Park all had recorded temperatures in the negative 20s.
Flickr / 1sock
The lowest temperature in Maryland that year was in the chillest city of Oakland. One day, it was a jaw-dropping -40 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm shivering just thinking about it.
Flickr / karmablue
So when you're cursing this winter, just remember that it pales in comparison to the cold wave of 1912. Hopefully, we'll never have to experience anything that drastic any time soon.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Of course, we've gotten plenty of snow in recent years too. Check out this footage from this decade when Baltimore was slammed with 22 inches of snow:

What are your thoughts on this freezing cold winter in Maryland? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For a look back at another snowy year in the Old Line State, be sure to read about the 1996 Blizzard. And, if you’re freezing cold just reading about these weather events, don’t forget to make sure you have a warm winter jacket on hand!

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Winter In Maryland

Beth C. | January 16, 2024

What is there to do in winter in Maryland?

Maryland is idyllic in the spring and summertime, but winter can be equally as enchanting. We've written out a list of some of the best activities and attractions in Maryland in the winter that you'll find below:

  • ICE! at the Gaylord National in Oxon Hill
  • Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place in Baltimore
  • Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton
  • Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg
  • Dickens of a Christmas at Downtown Chesterton
  • Christmas in St Michaels
  • Annapolis
  • Wisp Resort in McHenry
  • Ice Skating at the Four Seasons Baltimore
  • Inner Harbor Ice Rink in Baltimore
  • Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland
  • Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County
  • Fernwood Cabin at Deep Creek Lake in McHenry
  • Crow Vineyard & Winery Farmstay in Kennedyville
  • Black Walnut Point Inn Bed & Breakfast in Tilghman

 

Curious to learn more about these unique activities and adventures? Be sure to check out our full guide to some of the best winter attractions and activities in Maryland. We guarantee you'll be impressed!

What are the best winter hiking trails in Maryland?

Below you'll find a list of some of our favorite winter hikes in Maryland:

  • Patapsco Valley State Park
  • Maryland Heights
  • Annapolis Rock Hike
  • Swallow Falls State Park
  • Antietam Battlefield
  • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • Rocky Gap State Park
  • Elk Neck State Park

 

Learn more about these winter-friendly hiking destinations in MD.

 

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