Climate and monthly weather forecast
Potsdam, NY

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The climate of Potsdam

Potsdam, New York, USA, finds itself nestled within the Humid Continental Zone according to the Köppen Climate Classification, which is universally recognized. This zone designation, specifically the Dfb symbol, signifies that Potsdam has no dry season, a warm summer and a predominantly cold climate. Over the course of a calendar year, temperatures in Potsdam can range from 10.8°F (-11.8°C) to 77°F (25°C), with humidity levels remaining relatively stable from 77 to 90%.

Rainfall fluctuates moderately, surging slightly from 2.05" (52mm) in January to 3.03" (77mm) in August before decelerating to 2.36" (60mm) in December. Potsdam sees a consistent amount of precipitation throughout the year. Snowfall is prevalent during winter months, with December recording 6.34in and January reaching 8.39in before it quickly dwindles down to zero inches come June.

Sunlight hours and UV index display a clear seasonal pattern. The town enjoys an average of 9.3 daylight hours in January, enlarging to a maximum of 15.5 hours in June and then receding back to 8.9 hours by the end of December. Similarly, UV index scales from 2 in the colder months to reach 5 in summer, reducing back to 1 in December. These patterns of light intensity are directly linked with the escalated temperatures in summer months.

The best time to visit Potsdam

For individuals seeking warm temperatures coupled with lengthy daylight hours, summer is evidently the prime time to visit Potsdam. During this season, temperatures fluctuate from 64.4°F (18°C) to 77°F (25°C), while daylight extends to a maximum of 15.5 hours, and UV index touches 5. Despite moderately high humidity, ample sunshine over the span of 10.1 sunlight hours ensures comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Potsdam

Contrastingly, winter proves to be a less favorable time for travel due to lower daylight hours and steep temperature drops. During these months, temperatures typically range from 10.8°F (-11.8°C) to 30.2°F (-1°C), along with substantially exhibited snowfall of up to 8.39" (213mm). Coupled with reduced UV index and a curtailing to 8.9 daylight hours, winter tends to keep most visitors at bay.

Spring weather in Potsdam

Spring arrives in Potsdam displaying warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 33.8°F (1°C) to 64.4°F (18°C). This season witnesses an upsurge in daylight hours, expanding from just 13.5 hours in April to 14.8 hours in May. Although rainfall increases to 2.72" (69mm), this is accompanied by increased visibility to 6 miles, rendering picturesque views of blossoming flora.

Summer weather in Potsdam

Potsdam engulfs itself in warmth during the summer months, offering temperatures between 64.4°F (18°C) and 77°F (25°C). These months enjoy the maximum daylight hours, between 14.8 hours and 15.5 hours, thus facilitating a myriad of outdoor activities. Rainfall during this season oscillates from 2.72" (69mm) to a peak of 3.03" (77mm) in August.

Autumn weather in Potsdam

Autumn in Potsdam fares with temperatures tapering from 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). While the daylight hours curtail to 11 by November, one can enjoy the brilliant fall colors under 4.6 sunlight hours. Rainfall usually remains relatively high at 2.87" (73mm) in October.

Winter weather in Potsdam

Winter in Potsdam is characterized by a significant drop in temperatures, with the dial tracking between the lower limit of 10.8°F (-11.8°C) in January and an upper threshold of 30.2°F (-1°C) in December. Peak snowfall of up to 8.39" (213mm) in January makes it an ideal destination for snow enthusiasts. Daylight hours, however, diminish to 9.3 hours in January, lowering below 9 hours by December.

Weather in January

January promises typical winter weather in Potsdam, New York, with cold temperatures, snowy conditions, and an abundance of cloud cover. Following December, January is slightly milder concerning the low temperature. Come prepared for the colder days, with temperatures nosediving to a chilly 10.8°F (-11.8°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

The chill of winter persists in February, with continual snowfall, relatively high humidity, and low daylight hours. Indicating the ending of the winter, it is slightly warmer than January. Snowfall persists with around 8.35" (212mm) of the white flakes adorning the city. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the welcome transition from chilly winter to milder spring weather in Potsdam, New York. The snow cover starts to melt, and a rise in temperature makes March warmer compared to February. The maximum recorded average temperature is on the rise with a high of 35.4°F (1.9°C). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings noticeable changes in Potsdam, with warmer temperatures progressively replacing the winter chill. The transformation from March is apparent as April exhibits more signs of spring. Even though the days are warmer, chilly nights persist with temperatures plunging to 33.8°F (1°C). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May witnesses the full arrival of spring, with warmer temperatures, abundant sunlight, and rainfall in Potsdam, New York. The weather is distinctly warmer than April, with significantly higher temperatures. The highest average temperature experienced hovers around 64.4°F (18°C). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signifies the onset of summer, with even longer daylight hours and fewer snowfall days in Potsdam, New York. Compared to May, there is a noticeable increase in temperature in June. Ideal weather conditions are reflected in the highest average temperature of 70.7°F (21.5°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings the peak of summer to Potsdam, New York, characterized by the warmest temperatures, extensive daylight hours, and increased sunshine duration. July is slightly hotter than its antecedent, June. It is the hottest month, with some days soaring to a balmy 77°F (25°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Potsdam continues to experience summer weather, with warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and infrequent rainy spells. Compared to July, August shows a similar weather pattern with slight changes. Though July hit high, August sees a downward trend, with the highest average temperature around 75.4°F (24.1°C). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signifies the transition from sultry summer to pleasant autumn in Potsdam, New York. The month sees a noticeable drop in temperatures compared to August and an increase in rainfall. The maximum temperature typically declines to a more comfortable 68.9°F (20.5°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is a much damper and cooler month in Potsdam, New York, as the conditions gear towards winter. The weather in October tends to be significantly cooler in contrast to the weather in September. Temperatures typically fall towards the evening, with the lowest average temperature dropping to 41.9°F (5.5°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November indicates the imminence of winter, with cooler temperatures and an increase in snowfall days in Potsdam, New York. Traditionally, November experiences a sharp drop in temperature relative to October. One notable fact is that November sees the first dustings of snow with an average of 5.47" (139mm). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the advent of winter in Potsdam, New York, with freezing temperatures and frequent snowfalls. The weather in December is notably colder than November. The snowfall rises up to 6.34" (161mm), covering Potsdam in a blanket of snow. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

January, on average, is the coldest month, registering a high temperature of 23.4°F (-4.8°C) and a low of 10.8°F (-11.8°C).

What is the most humid month?

The months with the highest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 90%.

How much does it rain in Potsdam?

In Potsdam, during the entire year, the rain falls for 156 days and collects up to 29.72" (755mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

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

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 16.6 days and typically aggregates up to 8.39" (213mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow?

In Potsdam, during the entire year, snow falls for 74.7 days and aggregates up to 37.99" (965mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The months with the least sunshine are January and February, with an average of 2.6h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

What is the driest month?

The months with the least rainfall are March and September Rain falls for 9.9 days and accumulates 2.01" (51mm) of rain.

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 least humid month?

April is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.

What are the warmest months?

The average temperatures reach their apex in July, averaging 77°F (25°C) at the high end and 58.6°F (14.8°C) at the low end.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 10.1h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the wettest month?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Potsdam. Rain falls for 17.5 days and accumulates 3.03" (77mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
Potsdam, NY

Average temperature - Potsdam, NY

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (77°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (23.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (58.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.8°F).

Average pressure
Potsdam, NY

Average pressure - Potsdam, NY

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.07"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).

Average wind speed
Potsdam, NY

Average wind speed - Potsdam, NY

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are February and April (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.4mph).

Average humidity
Potsdam, NY

Average humidity - Potsdam, NY

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (77%).

Average rainfall
Potsdam, NY

Average rainfall - Potsdam, NY

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.03").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are March and September (2.01").

Average rainfall days
Potsdam, NY

Average rainfall days - Potsdam, NY

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6 days).

Average snowfall
Potsdam, NY

Average snowfall - Potsdam, NY

The month with the highest snowfall is January (8.39").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Potsdam, NY

Average snowfall days - Potsdam, NY

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (17.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Potsdam, NY

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Potsdam, NY

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 2h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Potsdam, NY

Average sunshine days - Potsdam, NY

The month with the most sunshine days is November (15 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).

Average UV index
Potsdam, NY

Average UV index - Potsdam, NY

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Potsdam, NY

Average visibility - Potsdam, NY

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (4mi).

Potsdam, New York, USA

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