The climate of Plattsburgh
Situated in the state of
New York, USA, the city of
Plattsburgh belongs to the Köppen Dfb climate classification. It is characteristic for the Humid Continental climate zone with no dry season and a warm summer. As observed, the average temperature sways extensively from a chilling low of 12.4°F (-10.9°C) in
January to a rather mild high of 79°F (26.1°C) in
July. Concurrently, the relative humidity is relatively consistent yearlong, oscillating between 75% and 86%.
Rainfall in Plattsburgh is quite uniform across the year with
February being the month with the least precipitation of 1.73" (44mm) and
June experiencing the most rainfall, 3.15" (80mm). Added to this, an interesting pattern in the number of rainfall days is seen with the highest volume occurring between June to
August and the lowest in February. In terms of sunlight, Plattsburgh enjoys the most daylight hours from June to August and the shortest days during
December. The region experiences a higher volume of cloud cover during winter, which gradually clears up as spring and summer set in.
Unique to Plattsburgh is the significant level of snowfall from December to February with January being the peak month of 10" (254mm). The presence of the sturdy wind, averaging between 5.6mph (9km/h) and 7.6mph (12.2km/h) throughout the year, further contributes to the cool climate.
The Best Time to Visit Plattsburgh
Considering the prevalence of milder temperatures, a lower frequency of rainfall days, and longer daylight hours; the period from
June through
August makes for the best time to visit
Plattsburgh. During this time, the city experiences peak daylight hours, around 15.5 hours in June, along with more sunshine hours presenting ideal weather to explore the destination.
The Worst Time to Visit Plattsburgh
Visitors may want to avoid the winter months from
December to
February due to the harsh cold temperatures that can drop to an average low of 12.4°F (-10.9°C). Besides, these months are characterized by the heaviest snowfall making it less conducive for travel and outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Plattsburgh
Spring in
Plattsburgh, from
March to
May, highlights a gradual warming trend. The average temperature rises from a high of 36.3°F (2.4°C) in March to 65.5°F (18.6°C) in May. Concurrently, rainfall measures augment slightly from 1.97" (50mm) in March to 2.64" (67mm) in May. This season sees relatively longer daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to nearly 15 hours by the end of May, providing ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer Weather in Plattsburgh
Summer lasts from
June to
August, and during this time, temperatures are mild, averaging between highs of 72.1°F (22.3°C) and 79°F (26.1°C). Despite being the wettest season with rainfall reaching 3.15" (80mm) in June, the number of rainfall days remains consistent at around 17 to18 days per month. The ample sunlight, with an average of 10 to 10.6 sunshine hours daily, makes it the perfect season for outdoor exploration.
Autumn Weather in Plattsburgh
During autumn, from
September to
November, temperatures begin to lower from a high of 69.6°F (20.9°C) in September to a high of 42.3°F (5.7°C) in November. The rainfall, though consistent, sees a slight increase to 2.6" (66mm) in
October, while the number of daylight hours gradually decreases from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours by November.
Winter Weather in Plattsburgh
The winter months of
December to
February in
Plattsburgh can be quite harsh. Average high temperatures plummet to between 24.8°F (-4°C) and 30.9°F (-0.6°C) while the lows could hover around freezing point. The region experiences a significant level of snowfall at this time averaging from 5.59" (142mm) to 10" (254mm), making it the least suitable season for travel.
Weather in January
January in
Plattsburgh,
New York, USA is defined by cold weather and moderate precipitation. Snowfall is frequent, making it an ideal month for winter sports enthusiasts. Beneath the wintry veneer, overall air pressure, pegged at 30.02" (763mm) average, remains steady.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February weather drives deeper into the winter season, with a continuation of
January's cold conditions. Compared to January, the snowfall in February increases subtly to back up the notion of chilling conditions. Come February, the wind speeds top out at a relatively moderate 7.6mph (12.2km/h), fostering a brisk, wintry ambience.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is the first whiff of the transition season from chilling winters to milder springs. Standout differences morph the
February snowscapes into more diverse March weather displays. Incidentally, the snowfall tapering off to 5.43" (138mm), the landscape begins to wear a less dense white coat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring gains confident footing in
April, with the winters now just a memory. Notably distinguishable from
March, the transformation of the weather landscape is evident. April leaves behind an inch impression with the relatively high rainfall of 2.4" (61mm), serving as a watercolor to paint nature's rebirth.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The transition into summer begins with
May, which brings more temperate weather conditions. From
April to May, there's an observable overhaul as comfortably warm temperatures devour the lingering spring chills. Maximum daylight hours reach 14.8 hours, bathing
Plattsburgh in significant sunlight.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the definitive onset of summer in
Plattsburgh, with heat and humidity giving way to more relaxed outdoor events. Contrasting with the mild
May, June cranks up the summer heat, leaving cooling refreshments in high demand.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Plattsburgh, boasting warm temperatures, scant cloud cover, and longer days. Providing a tie with
June's high temperatures, July pinnacles at an average high of 79°F (26.1°C). Despite these highs, the persistent winds provide frequent solace to beat the heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the warm saga, extending the ambiance crafted by
July. The weather this month doesn't deviate radically from that of July. A climatic point though is the high rainfall of 2.76" (70mm), turning the city's greens even brighter.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September stands at the threshold of fall, introducing the season's unique tranquility and temperate conditions. Swapping the warm
August temperatures for cooler averages, September sings the first notes of autumn’s lullaby.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in definitive autumn season with falling leaves and an increasingly cold atmosphere. Compared to
September, October displays a sharp decline in temperatures, signaling the proximity of winter. Ever-changing hues paint the city as the average daily daylight viewpoint reduces to 11 hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November carries along the biting cold, with the effects of winter piercing through the remaining fall aura. As opposed to
October, November witnesses an increase in snowfall to 5.63" (143mm), and the city starts to blanket in white.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Plattsburgh welcomes winter fully with steady snowfall, chill temperatures, and reduced daylight hours. Unlike
November, the snow now forms a consistent bulky layer, with the snow height peaking at 5.59" (142mm). The arrival of December paints a snow-covered landscape, signaling the perfect backdrop for the holiday season.
Weather in December »