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Amherst, NY Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Amherst, NY?
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).
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.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 21° | 34° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 37° | 55° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 61° | 78° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 44° | 60° |
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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Amherst got 50.9 in of rain, against a normal of 40.7 in for those months. March 2026 had the most, with 7.5 in.
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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 the station measured 92.5 in of snow, against a normal of 95.4 in for those months. January 2026 had the most, with 36.6 in.
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. Estimated sunshine is 14% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 27% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 32% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 36% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 43% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 48% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 49% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 47% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 46% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 39% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 36% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 19% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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 estimated sunshine of 49% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest, at 14%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 36% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. 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
These records cover BUFFALO during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
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 in the available station history brought 5.0 in of precipitation, 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
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Wind | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19° | 32° | 3.4 in | 19 | 12 mph | 77% | 14% | 68° | -16° |
| February | 20° | 34° | 2.5 in | 16 | 12 mph | 69% | 27% | 71° | -18° |
| March | 26° | 42° | 2.9 in | 15 | 11 mph | 64% | 32% | 82° | -7° |
| April | 37° | 55° | 3.4 in | 13 | 11 mph | 63% | 36% | 94° | 12° |
| May | 48° | 67° | 3.4 in | 13 | 10 mph | 62% | 43% | 93° | 28° |
| June | 58° | 76° | 3.4 in | 12 | 9 mph | 65% | 48% | 96° | 36° |
| July | 63° | 80° | 3.2 in | 11 | 9 mph | 72% | 49% | 98° | 46° |
| August | 62° | 79° | 3.2 in | 10 | 8 mph | 73% | 47% | 96° | 38° |
| September | 54° | 72° | 4.1 in | 11 | 8 mph | 73% | 46% | 92° | 32° |
| October | 44° | 60° | 4.0 in | 14 | 10 mph | 72% | 39% | 86° | 22° |
| November | 34° | 48° | 3.5 in | 14 | 11 mph | 68% | 36% | 79° | 9° |
| December | 26° | 38° | 3.8 in | 18 | 11 mph | 75% | 19% | 74° | -10° |
Station: BUFFALO, 6 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1970–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
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?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, 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 estimated sunshine of 49% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. 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.