Cuttyhunk Island
Island Small Massachusetts island at Elizabeth Islands' western end
Smallest of the Elizabeth Islands, Cuttyhunk draws boaters and fishermen for quiet harbors, seasonal cottages, coastal walks and striped bass fishing off the shoals.
Cuttyhunk Island is the outermost inhabited island of the Elizabeth Islands archipelago in Massachusetts, United States, and is part of the town of Gosnold.
The island has a small year-round community and attracts boaters, anglers and summer visitors who come for beaches, walking and fishing access. Services are limited and amenities increase during the summer season.
Cuttyhunk has been seasonally occupied for centuries and was used historically for fishing and maritime activities; development has remained low-density compared with nearby islands.
The island lies off the coast of southern Massachusetts at the western end of the Elizabeth Islands chain and is reached by private boat or a seasonal passenger ferry from the mainland.
- Seasonal population: Population and services are very small; the island's population increases seasonally with summer visitors and private vacation homes.
How to Get to Cuttyhunk Island #
Cuttyhunk Island is accessible by seasonal ferry service from New Bedford, MA and passenger/vehicle ferries from Woods Hole during summer months. Private boats can also access the island; schedules vary by season and operator.
Tips for Visiting Cuttyhunk Island #
- Ferry services are seasonal-book seats in advance during summer weekends.
- Bring cash for small island services and respect local rules about shore access on private parcels.
- If staying overnight, reserve accommodations early; the island is small with limited lodging.
Best Time to Visit Cuttyhunk Island #
Best in summer for ferry access and full services; shoulder seasons are quieter but less consistent for transport.
Weather & Climate near Cuttyhunk Island #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1206 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).