Climate and monthly weather forecastIthaca, NY

The climate of Ithaca

With positioning in the northern state of New York, Ithaca experiences a humid continental climate, better recognized by the Köppen climate classification, Dfb. Under this classification, the city endures four distinct seasons and there is a lack of dry seasons, while the summer months are relatively warm. Throughout the year, the weather alternates between cold winter months and warm, humid summers.

Variations in the weather parameters are noticeable when comparing the different seasons of Ithaca. The average high temperature fluctuates from a cold 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in January up to a warm 78.8°F (26°C) in July. The lowest temperature is commonly noted in the winter month of January at 16.5°F (-8.6°C), while the summer brings milder conditions, with 57.7°F (14.3°C) being the lowest temperature during July.

When observing rainfall data, precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, ranging from 1.97" (50mm) in November up to 3.62" (92mm) in June. Noteworthy is the number of snowy days, with 18.8 days observed in January and no snowfall registered from June to October.

The best time to visit Ithaca

As per the climatic information, the most pleasant season in Ithaca is the summer, specifically between June and August. Amid this period, the maximum temperature rises between 73°F (22.8°C) in June to 78.8°F (26°C) in July, followed by a slight decline to 76.5°F (24.7°C) in August. The minimum temperatures also remain comfortable during the night, ranging between 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C). The predominance of clear days, with maximum sunshine hours reaching up to 10 hours in July and minimum cloud cover, ensures a higher probability of outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Ithaca

The colder months from December to February pose as a challenging period to plan a visit to Ithaca due to the harsher weather conditions. Mid-winter temperatures often plummet between 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 30.9°F (-0.6°C) during the day and fall further during the night between 16.5°F (-8.6°C) to 17.8°F (-7.9°C). The city is also prone to heavy snowfall, with January and February experiencing up to 6.81" (173mm) and 8.35" (212mm) respectively.

Spring weather in Ithaca

Spring is recognized by gradually increasing temperatures in Ithaca, starting from a daily high of 39.9°F (4.4°C) in March, peaking at 52.7°F (11.5°C) in April, and concluding at a warm 66.6°F (19.2°C) in May. Correspondingly, the nighttime temperatures shift between 25°F (-3.9°C) to 46.2°F (7.9°C) during the entire season. Although the possibility of minor snowfall lingers till April, the weather generally starts to brighten with longer daylight hours moving from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May. A caveat, visitors should prepare for a plausible increase in precipitation during this season, culminating with 3.31" (84mm) in May.

Summer weather in Ithaca

Summer in Ithaca, encompassing June to August, delivers mild and pleasant weather conditions. Corresponding with an increase in daylight hours, that extends up to 15.2 hours in June, the sunshine hours also enhance, reaching up to 10 hours in July. Conversely, the relative humidity fluctuates around 80%, indicating a slightly humid environment. Moreover, the monthly rainfall ranges from 3.39" (86mm) in July to 3.62" (92mm) in June, signaling potential damp conditions for outdoor activities.

Autumn weather in Ithaca

Autumn in Ithaca marks a transition from warm summers to the coolness of winters, as daily temperatures drop from 70°F (21.1°C) in September to 44.1°F (6.7°C) by November. While the daylight hours decrease from 12.5 hours to less than 10 hours by November, sunshine hours also reduce, causing a notable shift in weather. The period witnesses a systematic reduction in rainfall from 2.52" (64mm) in September to 1.97" (50mm) in November, leading to conditions favored by those preferring crisp, chilly surroundings.

Winter weather in Ithaca

Winter in Ithaca signals cold and snowy conditions extending from December to February. Clear skies are rare commodities during this period, with cloud cover escalating to 74% in December and peaking at 75% in February. This, in turn, results in a sharp decline in daylight hours to just over 9 hours during the entire season. Further, the presence of snow is persistent, culminating in an impressive 6.81" (173mm) in December and 8.35" (212mm) in February. Winter, therefore, presents a frosty yet visually appealing scenery around Ithaca.

Weather in January

January in Ithaca, New York, tends to bring brisk temperatures and frequent snowfall. The high-temperature averages are 27.9°F (-2.3°C) and the low at 16.5°F (-8.6°C). The short days, characterized by only 2.7 hours of sunshine, mean most of the day is humid and cloudy. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Although February in Ithaca still experiences winter conditions, there's a slight increase in daylight hours compared to January. It's the month where the city receives the largest amount of snowfall, averaging 8.35" (212mm). The overall weather remains cold with slightly improved weather conditions improving the outdoor activities. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March signals the arrival of Spring in Ithaca with temperatures slowly rising from the freezing winter. Days gradually become longer with 12 hours of daylight, and rainfall increases to an average of 2.28" (58mm). Charging winds up to 14.4mph (23.2km/h) also start to relieve the winter's snowy conditions, setting the stage for the greener months ahead. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings further warmth and extended daylight hours in Ithaca. The city experiences an upsurge in rainfall to an average of 2.95" (75mm). This is additionally the month where winter's snow entirely melts away, with only a slim chance of dusting towards the beginning of the month. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is the official start of comfortable temperatures in Ithaca, with flowers in full bloom and an abundance of greenery. The weather most notably reaches a daylight period of 14.6 hours. Bright and sunlit days become more frequent, and residents begin to notice the days getting longer noticeably. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June offers the year's longest days in Ithaca, with sunlight hours averaging at 15.2. The temperature rises consistently, and the rainfall remains relatively high at 3.62" (92mm), ensuring the surroundings remain lush. The city is lively with beautiful weather conditions perfect for outdoor explorations and adventures. June marks a minor ascent in the average high-temperature, adjusting from May's refreshing 66.6°F (19.2°C) to a pleasant 73°F (22.8°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July tends to be the warmest month in Ithaca, featuring predominantly sunny days. Maximum temperature peaks at 78.8°F (26°C), and the city's landscape is in full bloom with summer vigour. Despite the occasional summer shower, July’s weather is characteristic of a typical New York summer and propitious for summer activities. July, on average, is the warmest month, registering a high temperature of 78.8°F (26°C) and a low of 57.7°F (14.3°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather stays akin to July, with high temperatures and abundant sunshine, but the nights start to cool down slightly. The warm weather persists, but a dwindling daylight hour implies the onset of fall is near. Make the most of the summer sun before the weather cools down in the coming weeks. August experiences an average high-temperature of a still warm 76.5°F (24.7°C), barely different from July's 78.8°F (26°C). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees a considerable reduction in temperature from August, signifying the arrival of the fall season in Ithaca. Rainfall reduces to 2.52" (64mm), and the landscape is filled with autumn foliage. The weather remains pleasant with a crisp breeze, foreshadowing the approaching cooler months. Ithaca's weather subtly changes with the onset of September, barely falling from a moderately hot 76.5°F (24.7°C) in August to an agreeable 70°F (21.1°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October's declining temperatures along with fall foliage make for a picturesque setting in Ithaca. The decrease in temperature is paired with a slight increase in rainfall. The clear autumn skies and calm crisp air are ideal for immersing oneself in the mesmerising fall foliage. The arrival of October corresponds with a temperature reduction, down from September's pleasant 70°F (21.1°C) to a refreshing 57°F (13.9°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

The weather in November initiates the transition from fall to winter in Ithaca. A considerable drop in temperature and simmering winter chills indicate the upcoming winter months. The month sees an increase in snowfall frequency, with the city receiving an average of 4.65" (118mm). With November's arrival, Ithaca's weather changes as the average high-temperature falls from a moderate 57°F (13.9°C) in October to a chilly 44.1°F (6.7°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December welcomes the winter season in Ithaca, with cold temperatures and frequent snow showers. The weather is typified by the shortest daylight hours at 9.1, with the city delicately wrapped in holiday lights. Despite the lower visibility, the snowy landscape of Ithaca bears an enchanting charm, concluding the year on a wintry note. Ithaca's progression into December includes a drop in the average high-temperature, from a frosty 44.1°F (6.7°C) in November to a cold 33.6°F (0.9°C). Weather in December »