Norwalk’s weather patterns reflect the distinct four seasons within New England, with warm and sometimes humid summers and cold winters. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 60°F (summer) and 39°F and 20°F (winter). 

The average annual snowfall in Norwalk is roughly 40 inches, and wintery weather typically occurs between November and April.

The average annual rainfall in Norwalk is approximately 47 inches and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall in the summer and fall months. 

Norwalk averages 201 sunny days a year.

Veterans Park and Marina has an esplanade overlooking Norwalk Harbor, a boating center and marina, a playground, and bike and jogging paths. Calf Pasture Beach is another local favorite, thanks to its splash pad and concession stand. Finally, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse & Harbor Tour takes passengers onboard a day trip ferry along the Norwalk Harbor. The cruise also includes information about the harbor and Norwalk’s three lighthouses and arrives at the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. If you’re looking to stay on dry land, play a game of disc golf at Cranbury Park Disc Golf Course, or head out for a hike on the Cranbury Park Trail or the Norwalk River Valley Trail. 

The restored Norwalk WPA Murals at Norwalk City Hall provide an interesting glimpse into the city’s past. Self-guided tours are available. Train enthusiasts can check out SONO Switch Tower Museum.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is home to animals who live on land and in the water amid exhibits showcasing their various habitats, and their 4D theater shows two films daily. Children can also act as marine explorers within the Sea & Discover Zone and, for a fee, feed the rays at the Shark & Ray Touch Pool. Additionally, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Mathews Park turns the art of play into a teaching tool. Designed for children ages 10 and under, immersive exhibits bring visitors back in time to the age of dinosaurs or into a tot-sized town.

The SoNo Collection, a shopping mall, contains many high-end stores, public art installations, and fast-casual and sit-down restaurants. Also, in SoNo, Jean’s Closet is a great place to buy crocheted and hand-knit apparel and decor and learn how to make your own through classes and workshops. Eco Evolution sells eco-friendly products, sustainable fashions and vintage goods and features a local artists’ cooperative and a coffee shop. 

Norwalk has many good coffee shops to choose from. Cafe Dolce gets their coffee beans from a local artisan roaster, and their cappuccino and crepes can’t be missed. Other noteworthy places include Café Aroma, for its delicious pastries, and The Art Space Cafe, for its inventive drinks.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Norwalk include health care, social assistance, and professional and technical services. In addition, several companies are headquartered in the city, including Xerox Corporation, Pepperidge Farms and Booking Holdings, the parent company of brands like Booking.com and OpenTable. 

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Norwalk is 6.35%. 

Yes, Connecticut has a state income tax. 

Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed acute care and academic medical center that offers a wide range of health care services to Norwalk residents. In addition, there are several other hospitals and providers in nearby New Haven and Stamford. 

Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Norwalk, several higher education institutions are within driving distance.