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 »