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.

Main image
Main image

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.
Cuttyhunk Island
41.4168, -70.9356

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.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Warmest, easiest ferry access and small-island community activities.
Shoulder seasons
May & September · 8-18°C
Quieter, but boat schedules are reduced and some services close for the season.

Weather & Climate near Cuttyhunk Island #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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