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Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY?
Rochester, NY gets 35.1 in of precipitation a year over about 168 rainy days, and about 102.0 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 82°F) and January the coldest (average low 19°F).
Humid continental climate
Rochester, NY has warm summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about 33°F in January to 82°F in July. July is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 75°F.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 21° | 35° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 37° | 56° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 60° | 80° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 43° | 61° |
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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Rochester got 42.8 in of rain, against a normal of 35.1 in for those months. June 2026 had the most, with 5.9 in.
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.
From September 2025 to August 2026 the station measured 114.1 in of snow, against a normal of 102.0 in for those months. December 2025 had the most, with 37.8 in.
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. Estimated sunshine is 12% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 24% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 31% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 36% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 47% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 50% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 47% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 46% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 38% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 35% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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. Estimated sunshine is 18% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. 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 estimated sunshine of 50% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest, at 12%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 36% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. 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
These records cover ROCHESTER GTR INTL during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
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 in the available station history brought 3.5 in of precipitation, 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.
Monthly climate
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Wind | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19° | 33° | 2.5 in | 20 | 11 mph | 76% | 12% | 69° | -17° |
| February | 19° | 35° | 2.1 in | 16 | 11 mph | 70% | 24% | 73° | -19° |
| March | 26° | 43° | 2.5 in | 15 | 10 mph | 68% | 31% | 83° | -9° |
| April | 37° | 56° | 3.0 in | 13 | 10 mph | 70% | 36% | 93° | 13° |
| May | 47° | 68° | 2.9 in | 12 | 9 mph | 71% | 42% | 94° | 26° |
| June | 57° | 77° | 3.4 in | 12 | 8 mph | 71% | 47% | 95° | 36° |
| July | 62° | 82° | 3.6 in | 11 | 8 mph | 73% | 50% | 98° | 45° |
| August | 60° | 80° | 3.3 in | 10 | 7 mph | 74% | 47% | 97° | 38° |
| September | 53° | 73° | 3.2 in | 11 | 7 mph | 73% | 46% | 95° | 30° |
| October | 43° | 61° | 3.2 in | 14 | 9 mph | 72% | 38% | 88° | 20° |
| November | 33° | 48° | 2.8 in | 15 | 9 mph | 69% | 35% | 81° | 4° |
| December | 25° | 38° | 2.7 in | 18 | 10 mph | 75% | 18% | 72° | -12° |
Station: ROCHESTER GTR INTL, 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.
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?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, 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 estimated sunshine of 50% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. 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.