The climate of Oswego
Oswego,
New York, USA is characterized by a humid continental climate, classified as Dfb in the Köppen climate classification system. This typology refers to no dry season and relatively warm summers. This lake-side city's climate mirrors a regular ebb and flow of weather conditions throughout the four distinct seasons.
Over the year, temperatures fluctuate from a low average of 21.7°F (-5.7°C) in
January to a high of 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
August. Humidity levels are consistently high, with monthly averages ranging from 75% to 83%, but there is no significant variation from month to month. Rainfall proportionately spreads throughout the year, with slight peaks in
May at 4.37" (111mm) and in
October at 3.74" (95mm).
The city experiences an ample amount of snowfall, specifically from 2.95" (75mm) in January to 0.04" (1mm) in October, indicating a predominance of snowy weather in winter. On the contrary, the amount of sunshine Oswego witnesses changes drastically: it boasts nearly 10.5 hours a day in
July, but only 2.3 hours in January. These annual varied weather conditions concretize the distinctive attributes of Oswego's climate.
The best time to visit Oswego
When considering the best time to soak up
Oswego's diverse attractions, it largely hinges on personal preferences. Nevertheless, the span from late spring to early fall appears to provide the most appealing weather. Specifically,
June through
September tend to offer a balanced blend of warm temperatures, from 65.1°F (18.4°C) to 74.1°F (23.4°C), relatively low rainfall, from 3.66" (93mm) to 4.13" (105mm), and extended periods of daily sunshine, from 9.3 hours to 10.5 hours, to make outdoor activities enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Oswego
While winter has its own charm, the traditional tourism season largely avoids the coldest months. From
December to
February, average high temperatures do not exceed 37.2°F (2.9°C), and the mercury often dips to lows around 21.7°F (-5.7°C). Moreover, these months also account for notable snowfall, peaking at 3.94" (100mm) in February, which could somewhat delay or disrupt travel plans.
Spring weather in Oswego
Spring in
Oswego unfolds slowly, with increasing temperatures gradually melting away the winter snow.
March sees the temperature rise from an average low of 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to a high of 37.2°F (2.9°C), while
April and
May continue this warming trend, with highs of 47.1°F (8.4°C) and 56.8°F (13.8°C), respectively. The blossoming spring also ushers in higher rainfall from 2.28" (58mm) in March to 4.37" (111mm) in May. Nonetheless, the lengthening daylight and the burgeoning greenery make it an enjoyable season overall.
Summer weather in Oswego
Oswego comes alive under the benign summer sun, with the season lasting from
June through
August. Average high temperatures reach a comfortable 73.8°F (23.2°C) in
July and 74.1°F (23.4°C) in August, showcasing the warmest period of the year. Rainfall takes a marginal dip, hovering between 3.66" (93mm) and 4.13" (105mm). Additionally, Oswego illicits daily sunshine surpassing 9 hours, culminating to 10.5 hours in July, which allows plenty of time to partake in outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Oswego
The autumn months bring a crisp change to
Oswego's climate, as temperatures descend swiftly from an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) in
September to 45.9°F (7.7°C) in
November. A little increase in rainfall occurs in
October, reaching 3.74" (95mm), but the amount of daily sunshine decreases progressively from 9.3 hours in September to 4.1 hours in November. Despite these alterations, the riot of fall colors blanketing the city offers a visually splendid experience.
Winter weather in Oswego
Winter sets in firmly in
December and lasts until
February, highlighted by falling temperatures, limited sunshine and an influx of snowfall. The average high temperatures waver between 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and 37.2°F (2.9°C) while the lows can plunge to around 21.7°F (-5.7°C). Snowfall in winter months is significant, stretching up to 3.94" (100mm) in February. Daily sunshine minimizes down to 2.7 hours in December, marking the bleakest time. Yet, the city’s winter charm lies in its snow-laden landscapes and ice-covered Lake Ontario.
Weather in January
The beginning of a new year in
Oswego,
New York, greets residents with typical winter conditions, as cold temperatures dominate the month's weather patterns. The city experiences its second highest snowfall in
January, making it a winter wonderland.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues
Oswego's streak of winter weather, partially carrying over the cold and snow from
January, but shifting towards gradual weather improvements. This month is distinctively marked by its highest average snowfall of 3.94" (100mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in a transition phase in
Oswego's climate, bridging the gap between the receding winter and the approaching spring. While March still sees wintry conditions with the third highest snowfall, it starts to introduce warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a complete shift in
Oswego's weather conditions, with spring now fully taking over the reins from winter. There's a noteworthy decline in snowfall from previous months to an average of 0.47" (12mm) in April. With daylight high at 13.5 hours, the city begins to bask in spring's glow.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May continues the warming trend in
Oswego, providing a pleasant prelude to the summer. The month is devoid of any snowfall while temperatures continue to rise steadily, and it starts to rain more frequently. Peak temperatures average around 56.8°F (13.8°C), a sure sign that summer is just around the corner.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the start of summer in
Oswego, and accordingly, the weather rises to seasonal highs. Temperatures spike up, yet the humidity level remains quite stable, creating comfortable conditions for inhabitants. Sunshine clocks in at an impressive average of 9.5 hours per day in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is
Oswego's warmest month with an average high temperature soaring to 73.8°F (23.2°C). Surrounding this peak are various weather shifts — Oswego basks in the most sunshine during this month, and high sea temperatures lure residents towards water-related activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August remains hot in
Oswego, still holding on to the summer splendor instigated by
July. Temperatures continue to be high, sometimes even surpassing July with an average peak of 74.1°F (23.4°C). Despite being one of the warmer months, August brings with it more rain, sustaining a moderate and well-balanced environment.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September’s arrival in
Oswego ushers in the inevitable transition from summer to fall, with temperatures starting to dip noticeably. Despite seeing temperatures decline, the city records an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) - a remnant of the recent summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Oswego begins to embrace the crispness of fall as temperatures and daylight hours continue to drop. Mild temperatures feature across the city, creating pleasant conditions that underline the essence of fall. A unique occurrence in October is the first trace of snowfall since
April, a precursor to the upcoming winter chill.
Weather in October »Weather in November
By
November,
Oswego is heading firmly into winter, with temperatures falling consistently. Snowfall further increases, gathering pace for
December and
January. With an average high temperature of 45.9°F (7.7°C) and a chilly sea temperature of 49.7°F (9.8°C), November significantly contrasts from the warmer months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Oswego is a winner's paradise as the city officially enters the winter season. One of the coldest months, December records a substantial increase in snowfall. This is accentuated by average temperatures dropping sharply to a high of 36.5°F (2.5°C) and a low of 29.5°F (-1.4°C).
Weather in December »