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 »