Climate and monthly weather forecast
Saranac Lake, NY

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A view from the Saranac Lake, New York, of the tranquil setting around the lakeside homes amid the golden and brown trees in the fall
A view from the Saranac Lake, New York, of the tranquil setting around the lakeside homes amid the golden and brown trees in the fall

The climate of Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake, nestled in New York, United States, falls under the Köppen climate classification 'Dfb'. This particular codification stands for a humid continental climate that has no dry season and a summer that is warm but not scorching. The weather here throughout the year presents a blend of varied seasons, lending itself to significant shifts in different climatic parameters.

Temperatures range widely from a low of 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in the colder months up to a high of 74.8°F (23.8°C) during the warmer seasons. Alongside these fluctuations, humidity also sweeps between 77% to 91%, distinctly higher during colder months and lesser during the warmer months. The annual rainfall ranges from 2.05" (52mm) in September to a peak of 3.46" (88mm) in June.

Snowfall in Saranac Lake is a noteworthy feature with annual changes from zero inches in summer to a high of 14.88" (378mm) in February. Similarly, daylight hours also vary greatly, reaching their lowest of 8.9 hours in December and extending up to 15.5 hours in June. Sunshine hours also witness a see-saw pattern, oscillating between 2.2 hours in February to a high of 9.5 hours in July.

The best time to visit Saranac Lake

Visitors often find June to September to be the most comfortable time for outdoor activities in Saranac Lake,with temperatures ranging from 62.4°F (16.9°C) to the peak of 74.8°F (23.8°C). These months also bring more hours of daylight, reaching 15.5 hours in June and slowly decreasing to 12.5 hours by September. Although these months might not be the driest, the rainfall is scattered over about 20 days and does not greatly impede outdoor plans.

The worst time to visit Saranac Lake

The chilly winters of Saranac Lake can be harsh for visitors not used to freezing temperatures. The period from December to February sees the mercury plunging down, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.9°F (-12.3°C). These months also witness the highest snowfall making travel difficult, with accumulations reaching up to 14.88" (378mm) in February. Moreover, daylight hours are at their shortest in December, providing only about 8.9 hours of light, making outdoor sightseeing limited.

Spring weather in Saranac Lake

Spring in Saranac Lake begins in March and continues through May. During this period, temperatures start to climb from lows of 19.9°F (-6.7°C) to highs of 62.4°F (16.9°C), marking the transition from colder months. Rainfall also sees an increase over these months, reaching 3.15" (80mm) in May. Extended hours of daylight is a positive feature of spring here, expanding from 12 hours in March to 14.8 hours in May. The lower humidity levels during these months offer a comfortable spring experience.

Summer weather in Saranac Lake

June to August represent the summer season in Saranac Lake. With temperatures peaking at 74.8°F (23.8°C) in July, the summer months are comfortably warm. However, June sees the maximum rainfall of 3.46" (88mm). Even so, the rain is scattered over 20 days, allowing plentiful sunny days with daylight hours extending up to 15.5 hours in June. The presence of nine hours or more of sunshine daily adds to the delight of a summer visit.

Autumn weather in Saranac Lake

September through November makes up the autumn season in Saranac Lake. There are evident temperature drops from 66.6°F (19.2°C) in September to 38.8°F (3.8°C) in November. Rainfall during these months starts to decrease from 2.76" (70mm) in September to 2.6" (66mm) by November despite the number of rainfall days increasing. As autumn proceeds, daylight hours also decline from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours towards November end.

Winter weather in Saranac Lake

Winter engulfs Saranac Lake from December through February. Very low temperatures dominate these harsh months, descending to an average low of 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in January. High amounts of snowfall characterize winters here, with February having the maximum snowfall of 14.88" (378mm), making it the snowiest month. Daylight hours are unsurprisingly at their lowest during this time, creating short days of 8.9 hours in December.

Weather in January

Winter starts with a punch in Saranac Lake as the weather drastically alters the barren landscapes into frozen wonderlands. January is the coldest month, veering between a biting 9.9°F (-12.3°C) to a relatively manageable 22.3°F (-5.4°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Saranac Lake offers a continuation of winter, closely mirroring January’s chill. The mercury dips just a little from 11.7°F (-11.3°C) to 24.6°F (-4.1°C). Snowflakes embellish the cityscape, transforming it into a wintry paradise, although less frequently than January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the arrival of March, the weather in Saranac Lake slowly hints at a transition toward warmer times. Its temperature marginally softens with lows and highs stretching from 19.9°F (-6.7°C) to 33.3°F (0.7°C). Although the city still lies under a blanket of snow, the frequency of snowfall decreases notably in favor of rainfall. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Saranac Lake transforms as a direct contrast from the harsh winters past. Mother Nature is stirred awake as temperatures finally peak at a mild 46.9°F (8.3°C). The city's previously white terrain begins to show patches of green as the snowfall declines dramatically to 7.83" (199mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May maintains its reputation as a month of warmth and dynamism in Saranac Lake. Daytime temperature lingers around a comfortable 62.4°F (16.9°C), marking a shift from the bitter cold. The last remnants of winter disappear, and the city transitions entirely to the rainy season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June’s arrival in Saranac Lake signifies the beginning of blissful summer. Temperature fluctuations remain moderate between a soothing 49.6°F (9.8°C) and a warm 68.9°F (20.5°C), a welcoming change from the earlier seasons. It’s also the month that receives the most rainfall, replenishing the city's green heritage. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July presents itself as the epitome of summer in Saranac Lake. The city basks in the highest temperatures of the year, reaching an agreeable 74.8°F (23.8°C). Saranac Lake shines bright, reveling in the abundant daylight and clear skies. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August arrives in Saranac Lake with residual summer warmth. There’s a minor dip in temperature, as it ranges between 53.6°F (12°C) and 73.2°F (22.9°C). Despite this slight shift, the weather remains inviting for outdoor explorations and lakeside brunches. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Saranac Lake begins to experience fall weather with the drift into September. The temperature lowers to an agreeable range, with the maximum reaching up to 66.6°F (19.2°C). September brings a marked decrease in rainfall transitioning towards drier days. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Saranac Lake ushers in full fall mode as the leaves change and temperatures steadily drop from 51.8°F (11°C). The mornings carry a slight nip that gradually intensifies as the month progresses. The regions' natural features transform into a stunning blend of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Saranac Lake is a mix of fluctuating temperatures and a hint of initial snow flurries. The chill starts to creep in as the temperature low hits a freezing 27.1°F (-2.7°C). Cloud covers thicken, and the frequency of snowfall begins to increase, hinting at the impending winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings back the winter chill in Saranac Lake, with temperatures dipping between 18.1°F (-7.7°C) and 28.2°F (-2.1°C). Snow begins to fall in earnest, building a fresh white mantle over the city. Winds pick up, reaching a brisk 7.3mph (11.7km/h), adding a sting to the already freezing temperatures. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 24, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

Saranac Lake, New York, experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of 22.3°F (-5.4°C) and a low of 9.9°F (-12.3°C).

What is the most humid month?

The months with the highest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 91%.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 162.6 rainfall days, and 33.46" (850mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

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

How much does it snow?

In Saranac Lake, during the entire year, snow falls for 120.5 days and aggregates up to 74.72" (1898mm) of snow.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

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

When does it snow the most?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 24.2 days and accumulates 14.88" (378mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 2.2h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

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?

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

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 20.6 days and typically aggregates up to 3.46" (88mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Saranac Lake, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

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

What part of the year is the hottest in Saranac Lake?

July, having an average high-temperature of 74.8°F (23.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 55.8°F (13.2°C), is the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 9.5h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 14.5 days and typically collects 2.05" (52mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

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

Average temperature
Saranac Lake, NY

Average temperature - Saranac Lake, NY

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (74.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (22.3°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (55.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (9.9°F).

Average pressure
Saranac Lake, NY

Average pressure - Saranac Lake, 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
Saranac Lake, NY

Average wind speed - Saranac Lake, NY

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are August and September (5.9mph).

Average humidity
Saranac Lake, NY

Average humidity - Saranac Lake, NY

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (77%).

Average rainfall
Saranac Lake, NY

Average rainfall - Saranac Lake, NY

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.05").

Average rainfall days
Saranac Lake, NY

Average rainfall days - Saranac Lake, NY

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (20.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.8 days).

Average snowfall
Saranac Lake, NY

Average snowfall - Saranac Lake, NY

The month with the highest snowfall is February (14.88").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Saranac Lake, NY

Average snowfall days - Saranac Lake, NY

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (24.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Saranac Lake, NY

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Saranac Lake, 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: 9h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 2h and 12min).

Average sunshine days
Saranac Lake, NY

Average sunshine days - Saranac Lake, NY

The month with the most sunshine days is September (13.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (2.8 days).

Average UV index
Saranac Lake, NY

Average UV index - Saranac Lake, NY

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

Average visibility
Saranac Lake, NY

Average visibility - Saranac Lake, NY

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (5mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (4mi).

Saranac Lake, New York, USA

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