Climate and monthly weather forecast
Buffalo, NY

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The Niagara square with the McKinley Monument in Buffalo, New York, USA
The Niagara square with the McKinley Monument in Buffalo, New York, USA

The climate of Buffalo

Buffalo, New York, falls within the Humid Continental climate zone which falls under the Köppen climate classification category of Dfb. This classification implies a moderate to high seasonal variation in temperatures, a significant amount of precipitation year-round, and a notably hot summer season. The city, situated near two Great Lakes, is subject to moderating lake effects that shape the climate characteristics.

Analyzing the provided climatological data indicates that Buffalo experiences wide temperature fluctuations throughout the year. High temperatures range from an average of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) in January to the warm year-round peak of 79.5°F (26.4°C) in July. The same trend is noticeable with the average low temperatures, which fluctuate between 19.4°F (-7°C) in January to 63.1°F (17.3°C) in July.

As for precipitation, the city experiences steady rainfall throughout the year, with the greatest amount falling in May with 2.87" (73mm) and the least in September with 1.81" (46mm). Snowfall is also a regular feature of the Buffalo climate, with January seeing the highest average snowfall of 7.13" (181mm). Remarkably, the city sees zero inches of snow from June to September, indicating a clear demarcation of the winter season.

The best time to visit Buffalo

Considering the temperature profile, precipitation levels, and number of sunshine hours, the most pleasant period to visit Buffalo would be from June to August. During these months, average high temperatures fluctuate between 72°F (22.2°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C), while rainfall is relatively low compared to other months. Additionally, this period offers the longest daylight hours of the year, averaging around 15 hours per day, with sunshine hours reaching the peak of 10.2 hours in July.

The worst time to visit Buffalo

January and February are the least favorable months for a visit to Buffalo. These months are characterized by the lowest temperatures, with average high temperatures not exceeding 31.3°F (-0.4°C), and the average low dropping to a frigid 20.1°F (-6.6°C). Alongside the cold, these months also see the highest average snowfall, with about 7.13" (181mm) in January and 7.64" (194mm) in February.

Spring weather in Buffalo

Spring, spanning from March to May, sees a transition from the freezing winter season to the more temperate summer period. Average high temperatures rise steadily from 40.6°F (4.8°C) in March to 66°F (18.9°C) in May, while average low temperatures ascend from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 48.7°F (9.3°C) in the same period.

Summer weather in Buffalo

The summer season from June to August in Buffalo is relatively mild with average high temperatures fluctuating between 72°F (22.2°C) and 79.5°F (26.4°C), and low temperatures averaging from 56.8°F (13.8°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C). These months also have quite dry conditions with rainfall ranging from 2.36" (60mm) to 2.72" (69mm). However, this period registers the longest daylight hours and the maximum sunshine hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Autumn weather in Buffalo

During the autumn months from September to November, Buffalo experiences a descent into cooler conditions. Average high temperatures drop from 72°F (22.2°C) in September to 45.5°F (7.5°C) by November, while average low temperatures decrease from 56.7°F (13.7°C) to 34.9°F (1.6°C). The autumn season has moderate rainfall, with a range of 1.81" (46mm) to 2.6" (66mm) across the three months.

Winter weather in Buffalo

Winter in Buffalo is quite severe, starting from December till February. During this period, average high temperatures do not exceed 35.6°F (2°C), while average low temperatures remain below freezing, reaching a low of 19.4°F (-7°C) in January. Alongside the cold, these months also have substantial snowfall, with the highest being as much as 7.13" (181mm) in January.

Weather in January

Buffalo, New York begins the New Year under the influence of an active snow system. January is the third snowiest month with a significant snowfall of 7.13" (181mm). Aided by the icy grip of the low 19.4°F (-7°C) temperatures, high humidity and strong arctic winds, the city becomes a winter wonderland. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The bone-chilling cold of winter carries on in Buffalo in February, though the atmosphere is slightly milder in comparison to preceding January. Cold weather predominates, but it is the increase in snowfall to 7.64" (194mm), the highest seen all year, that defines this month’s weather pattern. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March signifies the beginning of the transitional season in Buffalo. Weather begins to drift towards a milder trend after the harsh winter with snowfall decreasing to 4.02" (102mm). Significant changes are evident as longer daylight hours greet the locals, while the cold grip begins to ease with warmer temperatures. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Spring makes its presence felt in Buffalo during April, featuring a pleasant increase in temperatures. Weather takes a turn from the frosty to the enjoyable with a noticeable decrease to 1.81" (46mm) in snowfall, the lowest until November. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The beauty of spring is in full swing in May as Buffalo moves further away from the winter chill. The icy snow completely fades away till autumn, making this month snow-free. Warmer temperatures allow the city to come alive with vibrant colors, and rainfall becomes more intense, nurturing the greenery. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes summer in Buffalo, offering a stark contrast to the cool atmosphere of the preceding months. Ascending trends in temperature continue, however, despite the warmth, Buffalo remains devoid of intense heatwaves. An increment in daylight coincides with this warmer period contributing to the pleasant summery feel. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July settles further into the peak summer season in Buffalo, characterized by the highest temperatures of the year, reaching 79.5°F (26.4°C). Frequent sunshine interspersed with rainfall continues to rule the weather scene, ensuring the landscape remains lush and green. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the last month of summer, Buffalo experiences a slight decrease in temperature during August, though it remains comfortably warm and sunny. Sea temperatures peak at 74.2°F (23.4°C), the warmest of the year, encouraging water-borne recreation. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Buffalo experiences the onset of fall with milder days and cooler nights. Weather continues to transition towards lower values with temperatures diminishing from the summer highs. Autumn’s arrival is marked by noticeably less daylight hours and the complete lack of snow from May to September. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Buffalo in October enters the heart of the fall season, characterized by a delightful range of colors from the changing foliage. October sees a prominent shift in weather patterns with a substantial fall in temperature, persuading Buffalo's residents to reach for their warmer attire. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Buffalo witnesses the gradual closing in of winter, with falling temperatures, shortened daylight hours, and the welcomed return of snowfall at 4.69" (119mm). November’s weather represents the last wave of autumn with a gradual ushering in of winter attributes. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Buffalo’s weather spirals into freezing cold conditions by December, underscoring the onset of winter's peak. The city ends the year with its coldest sea temperature of 41.5°F (5.3°C). Chilly winds blow across the city, with occasional bursts of snow covering Buffalo under a thick white blanket. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

Buffalo witnesses the coldest weather in January, with temperatures averaging a high of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) and a low of 19.4°F (-7°C).

What is the most humid month?

The months with the highest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 85%.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 169.2 rainfall days, and 28.15" (715mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 77.2 snowfall days, and 30.94" (786mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 2.3h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

When does it snow the most in Buffalo?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 17.1 days and typically aggregates up to 7.64" (194mm) of snow.

What months are the ocean coldest?

February and March, with an average ocean temperature of 35.1°F (1.7°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the rainiest month?

May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.8 days and accumulates 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Buffalo.

What part of the year is the hottest?

Buffalo's warmest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 79.5°F (26.4°C) to a low of 63.1°F (17.3°C).

What are the least humid months?

The months with the lowest humidity are July through September, with an average relative humidity of 74%.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 10.3h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Buffalo.

When is the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the month with the warmest ocean?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 74.1°F (23.4°C).

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall in Buffalo is September, when the rain falls for 15 days and typically collects 1.81" (46mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.

Average temperature
Buffalo, NY

Average temperature - Buffalo, NY

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.3°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.4°F).

Average pressure
Buffalo, NY

Average pressure - Buffalo, NY

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed
Buffalo, NY

Average wind speed - Buffalo, NY

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.7mph).

Average humidity
Buffalo, NY

Average humidity - Buffalo, NY

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July, August and September (74%).

Average rainfall
Buffalo, NY

Average rainfall - Buffalo, NY

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.81").

Average rainfall days
Buffalo, NY

Average rainfall days - Buffalo, NY

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.6 days).

Average snowfall
Buffalo, NY

Average snowfall - Buffalo, NY

The month with the highest snowfall is February (7.64").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Buffalo, NY

Average snowfall days - Buffalo, NY

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (19 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Buffalo, NY

Average sea temperature - Buffalo, NY

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (74.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (34.9°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Buffalo, NY

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Buffalo, NY

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 18min).

Average sunshine days
Buffalo, NY

Average sunshine days - Buffalo, NY

The month with the most sunshine days is September (12.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (6.3 days).

Average visibility
Buffalo, NY

Average visibility - Buffalo, NY

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).

Buffalo, New York, USA

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