Rochester, NY Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Rochester get?

Rochester gets 35.1 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 168 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 98% of the US.

July is the wettest month, with 3.6 in. February is the driest, with 2.1 in. January has the most rainy days, about 20.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 20 days, to June 9, 2023.

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

Does it snow in Rochester?

Yes. Rochester gets about 102.0 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.

The snowiest winter on record is 1977–78, with 161.0 in.

The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on April 20, 2026.

See where Rochester ranks: snowiest cities in the US.

Rochester weather by month

Rochester weather in January

In January, Rochester averages a high of 33°F and a low of 19°F. It gets 2.5 in of precipitation over about 20 rainy days. The sun is out about 12% of daylight hours. The January record high is 69°F (2013) and the record low is -17°F (1994).

Rochester weather in February

In February, Rochester averages a high of 35°F and a low of 19°F. It gets 2.1 in of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. The sun is out about 24% of daylight hours. The February record high is 73°F (1997) and the record low is -19°F (1979).

Rochester weather in March

In March, Rochester averages a high of 43°F and a low of 26°F. It gets 2.5 in of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 31% of daylight hours. The March record high is 83°F (1998) and the record low is -9°F (2014).

Rochester weather in April

In April, Rochester averages a high of 56°F and a low of 37°F. It gets 3.0 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The April record high is 93°F (1990) and the record low is 13°F (1982).

Rochester weather in May

In May, Rochester averages a high of 68°F and a low of 47°F. It gets 2.9 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The May record high is 94°F (1974) and the record low is 26°F (1978). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Rochester weather in June

In June, Rochester averages a high of 77°F and a low of 57°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 47% of daylight hours. The June record high is 95°F (1994) and the record low is 36°F (1986). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Rochester weather in July

In July, Rochester averages a high of 82°F and a low of 62°F. It gets 3.6 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 50% of daylight hours. The July record high is 98°F (1993) and the record low is 45°F (2001).

Rochester weather in August

In August, Rochester averages a high of 80°F and a low of 60°F. It gets 3.3 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 47% of daylight hours. The August record high is 97°F (2002) and the record low is 38°F (1982). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Rochester weather in September

In September, Rochester averages a high of 73°F and a low of 53°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The September record high is 95°F (1973) and the record low is 30°F (1991). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Rochester weather in October

In October, Rochester averages a high of 61°F and a low of 43°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The October record high is 88°F (2019) and the record low is 20°F (1972).

Rochester weather in November

In November, Rochester averages a high of 48°F and a low of 33°F. It gets 2.8 in of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 35% of daylight hours. The November record high is 81°F (2024) and the record low is 4°F (2018).

Rochester weather in December

In December, Rochester averages a high of 38°F and a low of 25°F. It gets 2.7 in of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 18% of daylight hours. The December record high is 72°F (1982) and the record low is -12°F (1980).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Rochester

July is the sunniest month in Rochester, with sunshine about 50% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 12%. Over the year the sun shines about 36% of daylight hours. Rochester is cloudier than 96% of the US.

Humidity peaks in January at 76% and is lowest in March at 68%.

Wind averages 9 mph over the year, and January is the windiest month at 11 mph.

Rochester has about 9 days a year above 90°F. Rochester is cooler than 80% of the US.

Thunderstorms occur on about 27 days a year.

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

First and last freeze in Rochester

The first fall freeze in Rochester typically comes around October 18, and the last spring freeze around April 29. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 172 days.

Rochester weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Rochester station is 98°F, on July 20, 1978. The coldest is -19°F, on February 18, 1979.

The wettest day on record brought 3.5 in of rain, on September 14, 1979.

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

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.5°F per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Rochester

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 75°F.

Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 35°F and lows near 21°F. Snow is possible.

Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 56°F and lows near 37°F.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 80°F and lows near 60°F. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 61°F and lows near 43°F.

Rochester climate questions

How much rain does Rochester get?

Rochester gets 35.1 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 168 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Rochester?

July is the wettest month in Rochester, with 3.6 in. February is the driest, with 2.1 in.

How many rainy days does Rochester have a year?

Rochester has about 168 days with measurable rain in an average year. January has the most, about 20.

Does it snow in Rochester?

Yes. Rochester gets about 102.0 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 1977–78, with 161.0 in.

What is the hottest month in Rochester?

July is the warmest month in Rochester, with an average high of 82°F.

What is the coldest month in Rochester?

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

What is the record high temperature in Rochester?

The record high at the Rochester station is 98°F, set on July 20, 1978. The record low is -19°F, on February 18, 1979.

What is the sunniest month in Rochester?

July is the sunniest month in Rochester, with sunshine about 50% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Rochester?

The first fall freeze in Rochester typically comes around October 18. The last spring freeze is around April 29.

What is the best time to visit Rochester?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 75°F.