The climate of Cortland
Cortland, located in
New York State, USA, sits in the tempering influence of the Great Lakes, rendering it with a Dfb, or Humid Continental Climate, under the Köppen climate classification system. This kind of climate suggests no dry season accompanied by a warm summer. Moreover, it recognizes a certain division of the year into separate hot and cold seasons.
Equipped with an overall climate trend, a more detailed examination of various parameters helps draw finer distinctions. Cortland serves up a true taste of the four seasons with temperature highs varying from 27°F (-2.8°C) in winter to as much as 77.9°F (25.5°C) during the height of summer. Low temperatures also showcase such diversity, starting at 15.8°F (-9°C) in the coldest month and peaking at 57.7°F (14.3°C). The humidity remains relatively uniform throughout the year, floating around the 80% mark, with the highest at 88% during the colder months.
An examination of precipitation paints an intriguing picture. It is interesting to observe that the amount of rainfall appears to peak during the transitions between seasons. The months of
May and
July record the highest rainfall with an average of 2.48" (63mm), while the least rain is seen in
November at 1.34" (34mm).
The best time to visit Cortland
Understanding the climatic conditions paves the way for determining the most favorable time to visit. The months from
May to
September present the most inviting weather. While May records the higher temperature of 65.7°F (18.7°C), September retains a pleasant temperature in the region of 69.1°F (20.6°C). Humidity is relatively lower during these months, with ample daylight that averages from 14.6 hours to 12.5 hours. This period also features more hours of sunshine varying from 8.3 hours to 8.6 hours. However, visitors should note the potentially higher rainfall during this period.
The worst time to visit Cortland
With respect to unfavorable times to visit, the harsh winter months from
December to
February stand out. Average high temperatures during this period range from 27°F (-2.8°C) to 33.1°F (0.6°C), with even colder temperature lows falling between 15.8°F (-9°C) to 23.7°F (-4.6°C). These months also witness the highest snowfall, exceeding 4" (102mm) in December and February. The shorter daylight hours and decreased sunshine also contribute to making these months less desirable for tourist visits.
Spring weather in Cortland
Weather transition from winter’s deep freeze to warmer conditions begins in
March. Spring temperatures see a gradual increase, starting at a high of 39.6°F (4.2°C) in March and culminating at 65.7°F (18.7°C) in
May. Evenings remain colder, usually falling in the range of 24.8°F (-4°C) to 46°F (7.8°C). It’s also the relatively wet season, with approximately 2.13" (54mm) of rainfall in
April and inching up to 2.48" (63mm) in May.
Summer weather in Cortland
Cortland's summer reveals
New York's fair weather side, stretching from
June to
August, with temperatures in
July reaching a peak of 77.9°F (25.5°C). Mornings showcase slightly lower temperatures in the range of 52.2°F (11.2°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C). Consistent daylight over 14 hours and abundant sun at around 10 hours display the hallmark of Cortland's summer. Barring the high rainfall of 2.48" (63mm) in July, the summer months offer a promising period for visitors.
Autumn weather in Cortland
The passage of summer into autumn, from
September to
November, ushers in a season of change. With daily highs gradually dipping down from 69.1°F (20.6°C) to 43.3°F (6.3°C) and lower evening temperatures ranging from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 31.1°F (-0.5°C), autumn’s charm lies in the moderate conditions it offers. November sees less rainfall at 1.34" (34mm) and cloud coverage begins to increase.
Winter weather in Cortland
Winter sets in from
December and holds sway until
February. The cold intensifies as temperatures hover between 27°F (-2.8°C) to 33.1°F (0.6°C) while plunging further to between 15.8°F (-9°C) to 23.7°F (-4.6°C) during the nights. Winters in
Cortland also present the maximum snowfall, exceeding 4" (102mm) in December and February. As sunshine hours reduce, the pressure phenomena reveal a slight increase. This suggests associated cold fronts, characteristic of winter weather patterns prevalent in Cortland.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Cortland,
New York, begins with
January, embodying the true spirit of winter. Temperatures roughly circle between 15.8°F (-9°C) and 27°F (-2.8°C), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Snowfall reaches 4.49" (114mm), and the wind gusts frequently hit speeds of 15.9mph (25.6km/h).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February follows
January's trend, with still harsh but slightly warmer winter weather in
Cortland. February's lowest temperature is 17.4°F (-8.1°C) while the highest increases to 30.2°F (-1°C). Snowfall increases to a peak of 5.75" (146mm) in Cortland, showing a seasonal escalation from January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings the much-awaited beginning of spring in
Cortland, but the remnants of winter still linger. The weather gradually warms, with temperatures ranging from 24.8°F (-4°C) to 39.6°F (4.2°C). Melted snow gives way to rainfall, with March recording roughly 1.5" (38mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As warmer temperatures prevail,
April ushers in the full bloom of spring in
Cortland. The temperature range expands from 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C), marking the season's subtle but consistent warming trend. The rainfall peaks in April at 2.13" (54mm), supporting an array of blossoming flowers and budding trees.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May displays the true magnitude of spring weather in
Cortland, with temperatures reaching between 46°F (7.8°C) and 65.7°F (18.7°C). Precipitation peaks at 2.48" (63mm), nourishing the abundant plant life that now swathes the city in green.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June invites summer into
Cortland, setting the stage for the city's warmest season. Cortland experiences temperatures between 52.2°F (11.2°C) and 72.3°F (22.4°C), signalling the beginning of balmy days. Cumulative sunshine hours reach 9.2 hours, offering ample opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor pursuits.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July showcases the peak of summer heat in
Cortland as temperatures venture from 57.7°F (14.3°C) up to 77.9°F (25.5°C). This period is distinguished as the hottest month in Cortland, with the longest sunshine duration accruing to 10.1 hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Cortland enjoys a warm and friendly
August, retaining some of the peak summer heat. With temperatures fluctuating between 55.9°F (13.3°C) and 75.4°F (24.1°C), the city continues to bask in delightful summer weather. It is a popular time for outdoor gatherings and events, taking advantage of Cortland's pleasant and consistent climate.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Cortland ushers in a much-awaited transition from summer to fall. Weather patterns change as temperatures plummet from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 69.1°F (20.6°C).
August's heat gives way to a crispness in the air, indicating the approaching autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October affirms the full arrival of fall in
Cortland. The temperatures exhibit a noticeable dip, hovering between 41.9°F (5.5°C) and 56.7°F (13.7°C). The amount of rainfall increases to 1.97" (50mm), feeding the thriving flora before winter's arrival.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a palpable chill to the air as
Cortland begins to transition into winter. The temperature typically falls between 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and 43.3°F (6.3°C). Snowfall begins again in November, amounting to approximately 3.43" (87mm) spread over 8.9 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Cortland welcomes the winter season in full swing. With the temperatures oscillating between 23.7°F (-4.6°C) and 33.1°F (0.6°C), the city becomes a frosty wonderland. A noteworthy 4.8" (122mm) of snow covers the city, contributing significantly to the yearly total.
Weather in December »