Paterson: Geography and Climate

Paterson is located in what is called the Piedmont region of the United States, lying between the coastal plains and the Appalachian Mountains. The Piedmont area is characterized by rolling, low hills that are the remains of an ancient mountain range worn away by glacial action and river erosion. The city was strategically sited on the dramatic 77-foot Great Falls of the Passaic River in northern New Jersey's Passaic County, in order to capitalize on the energy of the rushing water. Several other major metropolitan areas are within easy reach of Paterson, which is 14 miles north of Newark, 11.5 miles from the George Washington Bridge, and 13 miles from the Lincoln Tunnel to Manhattan.

Paterson is in New Jersey's coastal zone, in which the continental and oceanic influences battle for dominance. In fall and early winter, Paterson's temperature is generally warmer than interior parts of the state; in spring the ocean breezes keep the temperature cooler. The effect of the ocean keeps seasonal temperature changes rather gradual, and the area is less prone to extreme temperatures than other parts of New Jersey. Humidity is high year-round, and rainstorms are most common between October and April.

Area: 8.73 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 70 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures: January, 28.3° F; July, 74.6° F; annual average, 52.2° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 51.3 inches of overall precipitation; 27.6 inches of snowfall