Amherst, NY Weather by Month and Climate Averages

Amherst, NY gets 40.7 in of precipitation a year over about 166 rainy days, and about 95.4 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 80°F) and January the coldest (average low 19°F).

Amherst climate at a glance

Humid continental climate

Amherst, NY has warm summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about 32°F in January to 80°F in July. September is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August, when daytime highs sit near 74°F.

How much rain does Amherst get?

Amherst gets 40.7 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 166 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 97% of the US.

September is the wettest month, with 4.1 in. February is the driest, with 2.5 in. January has the most rainy days, about 19.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 21 days, to June 10, 2023.

See where Amherst ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in New York.

Does it snow in Amherst?

Yes. Amherst gets about 95.4 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.

The snowiest winter on record is 1976–77, with 199.8 in.

The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on March 17, 2026.

See where Amherst ranks: snowiest cities in the US.

Amherst weather by month

Amherst weather in January

In January, Amherst averages a high of 32°F and a low of 19°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 19 rainy days. The sun is out about 14% of daylight hours. The January record high is 68°F (2005) and the record low is -16°F (1982).

Amherst weather in February

In February, Amherst averages a high of 34°F and a low of 20°F. It gets 2.5 in of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. The sun is out about 27% of daylight hours. The February record high is 71°F (2017) and the record low is -18°F (1979).

Amherst weather in March

In March, Amherst averages a high of 42°F and a low of 26°F. It gets 2.9 in of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 32% of daylight hours. The March record high is 82°F (2012) and the record low is -7°F (1984).

Amherst weather in April

In April, Amherst averages a high of 55°F and a low of 37°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The April record high is 94°F (1990) and the record low is 12°F (1982).

Amherst weather in May

In May, Amherst averages a high of 67°F and a low of 48°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 43% of daylight hours. The May record high is 93°F (2020) and the record low is 28°F (1978). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Amherst weather in June

In June, Amherst averages a high of 76°F and a low of 58°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 48% of daylight hours. The June record high is 96°F (1988) and the record low is 36°F (1972). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Amherst weather in July

In July, Amherst averages a high of 80°F and a low of 63°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 49% of daylight hours. The July record high is 98°F (2020) and the record low is 46°F (2001).

Amherst weather in August

In August, Amherst averages a high of 79°F and a low of 62°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 47% of daylight hours. The August record high is 96°F (1988) and the record low is 38°F (1982). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Amherst weather in September

In September, Amherst averages a high of 72°F and a low of 54°F. It gets 4.1 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The September record high is 92°F (2007) and the record low is 32°F (1991).

Amherst weather in October

In October, Amherst averages a high of 60°F and a low of 44°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The October record high is 86°F (2007) and the record low is 22°F (1975).

Amherst weather in November

In November, Amherst averages a high of 48°F and a low of 34°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The November record high is 79°F (2022) and the record low is 9°F (2018).

Amherst weather in December

In December, Amherst averages a high of 38°F and a low of 26°F. It gets 3.8 in of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 19% of daylight hours. The December record high is 74°F (1982) and the record low is -10°F (1980).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Amherst

July is the sunniest month in Amherst, with sunshine about 49% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 14%. Over the year the sun shines about 36% of daylight hours. Amherst is cloudier than 95% of the US.

Humidity peaks in January at 77% and is lowest in May at 62%.

Wind averages 10 mph over the year, and January is the windiest month at 12 mph.

Amherst has about 5 days a year above 90°F. Amherst is cooler than 91% of the US.

Thunderstorms occur on about 31 days a year.

See where Amherst ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.

First and last freeze in Amherst

The first fall freeze in Amherst typically comes around October 24, and the last spring freeze around April 25. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 182 days.

Amherst weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Amherst station is 98°F, on July 9, 2020. The coldest is -18°F, on February 18, 1979.

The wettest day on record brought 5.0 in of rain, on June 22, 1987.

38 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.6°F per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Amherst

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August, when daytime highs sit near 74°F.

Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 34°F and lows near 21°F. Snow is possible.

Spring (March–May) is chilly, with average highs around 55°F and lows near 37°F.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 78°F and lows near 61°F. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 60°F and lows near 44°F.

Monthly climate

MonthPrecipRain daysWindHumiditySunshineSea tempRecord highRecord low
January3.4 in1912 mph77%14%36°68°-16°
February2.5 in1612 mph69%27%34°71°-18°
March2.9 in1511 mph64%32%34°82°-7°
April3.4 in1311 mph63%36%40°94°12°
May3.4 in1310 mph62%43%49°93°28°
June3.4 in129 mph65%48%60°96°36°
July3.2 in119 mph72%49%69°98°46°
August3.2 in108 mph73%47%71°96°38°
September4.1 in118 mph73%46%67°92°32°
October4.0 in1410 mph72%39%59°86°22°
November3.5 in1411 mph68%36%50°79°
December3.8 in1811 mph75%19%42°74°-10°

From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.

Amherst climate questions

How much rain does Amherst get?

Amherst gets 40.7 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 166 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Amherst?

September is the wettest month in Amherst, with 4.1 in. February is the driest, with 2.5 in.

How many rainy days does Amherst have a year?

Amherst has about 166 days with measurable rain in an average year. January has the most, about 19.

Does it snow in Amherst?

Yes. Amherst gets about 95.4 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 1976–77, with 199.8 in.

What is the hottest month in Amherst?

July is the warmest month in Amherst, with an average high of 80°F.

What is the coldest month in Amherst?

January is the coldest month in Amherst, with an average low of 19°F.

What is the record high temperature in Amherst?

The record high at the Amherst station is 98°F, set on July 9, 2020. The record low is -18°F, on February 18, 1979.

What is the sunniest month in Amherst?

July is the sunniest month in Amherst, with sunshine about 49% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Amherst?

The first fall freeze in Amherst typically comes around October 24. The last spring freeze is around April 25.

What is the best time to visit Amherst?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August, when daytime highs sit near 74°F.

Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily station BUFFALO (6 km away).

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Normals from NOAA GHCN-Daily station BUFFALO.