Rochester, NY Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Rochester
Weather in Rochester is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 81°F (27°C), while January highs hover near 33°F (1°C). Annual precipitation averages 42.0 inches (1066 mm) over about 156 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 33°F (1°C)
- Record high: 94°F (35°C) · Record low: -5°F (-21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: October (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 31 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 65°F (18°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 33°F (1°C) and lows around 21°F (-6°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 94°F (35°C) and dropped as low as -5°F (-21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
October is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain over 13 days, while March is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.3 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 31 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33° | 21° | 15 | 3.1 in | 3.9 h/day | 74% |
| February | 36° | 21° | 14 | 3.1 in | 5.5 h/day | 71% |
| March | 43° | 28° | 12 | 2.9 in | 7.2 h/day | 70% |
| April | 53° | 37° | 15 | 4.0 in | 8.5 h/day | 70% |
| May | 65° | 49° | 12 | 3.1 in | 10.7 h/day | 72% |
| June | 74° | 58° | 12 | 3.4 in | 11.7 h/day | 70% |
| July | 81° | 65° | 12 | 3.8 in | 12.3 h/day | 71% |
| August | 79° | 64° | 12 | 3.8 in | 11.4 h/day | 73% |
| September | 74° | 58° | 10 | 3.2 in | 9.9 h/day | 74% |
| October | 61° | 48° | 13 | 4.8 in | 6.6 h/day | 74% |
| November | 48° | 36° | 12 | 3.1 in | 5.5 h/day | 72% |
| December | 39° | 29° | 17 | 3.6 in | 3.8 h/day | 76% |
Rochester month by month
Rochester weather in January
January brings highs around 33°F (1°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), about 15 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Rochester.
Rochester weather in February
February brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days.
Rochester weather in March
March brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Rochester.
Rochester weather in April
April brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 15 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Rochester weather in May
May brings highs around 65°F (19°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 12 wet days.
Rochester weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (24°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 12 wet days.
Rochester weather in July
July brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Rochester.
Rochester weather in August
August brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 12 wet days.
Rochester weather in September
September brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 10 wet days.
Rochester weather in October
October brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Rochester.
Rochester weather in November
November brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Rochester weather in December
December brings highs around 39°F (4°C), lows near 29°F (-2°C), about 17 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days.
Seasons in Rochester
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Rochester is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 54°F (12°C) and nights around 38°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season, plus around 6 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Rochester is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 62°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Rochester is mild, with daytime highs averaging 61°F (16°C) and nights around 47°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 35 days across the season, plus around 3 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Rochester is frigid, with daytime highs averaging 36°F (2°C) and nights around 24°F (-5°C); expect showers on roughly 46 days across the season, plus around 22 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Rochester?
Is Rochester hot in summer?
Is Rochester cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Rochester get in a year?
Best time to visit Rochester
The best time to visit Rochester is generally May to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 72°F (22°C).
Pack for Rochester with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 65°F (18°C).
Rochester temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.