Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail, MA

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Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail landscape and visitor setting
Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail — Photo by Groov3, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Today’s Forecast:

🌧
49°F
High: 49° | Low: 44°
Current Temperature
Heavy Rain and Fog/Mist
Station: KCQX
Observed at: 6:52 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 16 mph | Humidity: 93%
⚠️
Coastal Flood Statement
Coastal Flood Statement issued November 12 at 2:08PM EST until November 13 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Boston/Norton MA (Expires: November 13, 2026 5:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: * WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways (3.2 to 11.6 feet Mean Lower Low Water). * WHERE...Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA Counties. * WHEN...Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Roads remain passable. Low lying areas and roads near Nantucket Harbor, including Easy Street, may experience pockets of shallow flooding less than one foot deep. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Splashover and very minor coastal flooding are possible during the Friday afternoon high tide along north facing beaches on Cape Cod Bay as well as Nantucket sound. No significant impacts are expected and any splashover/very minor coastal flooding will be quite short-lived, no more than an hour on either side of high tide. Instructions: Do not drive through flooded roadways.
Tonight:Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday:Rain likely. Cloudy. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday Night:A chance of rain before 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Use Caution
  43 /100

Use Caution for hiking. High near 51°F. Rain forecast later today (73%). Breezy winds (22 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 79/100
Good for hiking. High near 45°F. Low rain risk (23%). Light wind (12 mph).

🚲 Biking

Use Caution
  40 /100

Use Caution for biking. High near 51°F. Rain forecast later today (73%). Breezy winds (22 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 70/100
Good for biking. High near 45°F. Low rain risk (23%). Light wind (12 mph).

⛺ Camping

Use Caution
  43 /100

Use Caution for camping. High near 51°F. Rain forecast later today (73%). Breezy winds (22 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 83/100
Good for camping. High near 45°F. Low rain risk (23%). Light wind (12 mph).

🛶 Paddling

Not Recommended
  3 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 51°F. Rain forecast later today (73%). Windy conditions (22 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (51°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 12/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 45°F. Risk of rain (23%). Breezy winds (12 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (45°F).

🐟 Fishing

Use Caution
  38 /100

Use Caution for fishing. High near 51°F. Rain forecast later today (73%). Windy conditions (22 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 78/100
Good for fishing. High near 45°F. Low rain risk (23%). Breezy winds (12 mph).

About Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail

The representative forecast point covers the main visitor approach, but conditions can differ across water, forest interiors, distant access points. Important decisions involve kettle-pond temperature and algae, campground operations, rental status, trail heat, lightning and cycling traffic.

Planning an Outing at Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail

Check the exact trail, route, campground, paddling access, fishing access notice that applies to the chosen activity. The observation near Brewster should not be treated as proof of conditions across the entire coverage area.

Weather Tips for Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail

  • Leave open water when thunder is heard.
  • Check wind, visibility, access and seasonal operations shortly before departure.
  • Carry layers, sun protection and enough water for humidity, wind and rapid temperature changes.
  • Follow official closures, wildlife restrictions and emergency instructions.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for plans near:

  • Brewster
  • Orleans
  • Eastham
  • Cliff Pond
  • Flax Pond
  • Cape Cod Rail Trail

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Use a short shaded rail-trail segment when pond advisories or wind prevent paddling; after thunderstorms, avoid committing to a long ride until debris and campground access are checked.

7-Day Forecast for Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail

🌧
49°F
High: 49° | Low: 44°
Current Temperature
Heavy Rain and Fog/Mist
Station: KCQX
Observed at: 6:52 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 16 mph | Humidity: 93%
Fri 🌧
51° 41°
73%
Sat 🌧
46° 38°
23%
Sun 🌧
51° 39°
16%
Mon ⛅
51° 38°
3%
Tue ☀
51° 41°
0%
Wed ☀
55° 44°
0%
Thu ☀
55° --°
0%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

51° Fri 46° Sat 51° Sun 51° Mon 51° Tue 55° Wed 55° Thu

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

41° Fri 38° Sat 39° Sun 38° Mon 41° Tue 44° Wed 50° Thu

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 63 Fri 20 Sat 75 Sun 75 Mon 75 Tue 100 Wed 100 Thu
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 12, 2026 8:47 pm CST

Nickerson State Park & Cape Cod Rail Trail Weather by Season

Winter

Camping and rentals close while pond ice and occasional snow affect trails without guaranteeing safe ice recreation.

Spring

Cold ponds and wet paths persist as campground and bicycle traffic gradually return.

Summer

Heat, lightning, algae notices and heavy trail traffic favor early pond and cycling plans.

Fall

Warm ponds and comfortable riding continue until tropical wind, falling limbs and campground closure dates intervene.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Local climate: Inland Cape Cod; annual mean temperature about 51–53°F; approximately 45–48 inches precipitation; around 25–35 inches snow; campground season spring through fall.
  • Warmest period: July and August are warmest, with inland pine woods hotter than nearby ocean beaches and kettle ponds remaining cool.
  • Coolest period: January is coldest; campground services contract and freeze-thaw cycles can leave the rail trail icy.
  • Primary storm or hazard season: Dry spring weather raises fire risk, while summer thunderstorms and tropical remnants can close trails or campsites.
  • Best general outdoor window: Late May through June and September generally balance open facilities, comfortable riding and fewer heat or traffic concerns.