Climate and monthly weather forecast
Schenectady, NY

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The climate of Schenectady

The climate in Schenectady, New York, can be classified according to the Köppen climate classification as Dfb. This suggests that it is predominantly a humid continental climate, characterized by having just about no dry season, along with a warm summer period. The city's weather exhibits a broad spectrum of conditions, varying distinctly based on the month.

Temperatures take on a considerable range from 16.9°F (-8.4°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C) throughout the year. The coldest period is in the first two months of the year with average low temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C). From July, higher average temperature readings of around 80°F (26.7°C) start to manifest and persist until August. Similarly, the humidity relative readings fluctuate moderately over the year, with the highest recorded levels reaching 83% in February and lowest at 74% in April.

Schenectady experiences periods of precipitation all year round, from 1.57" (40mm) in January to a peak of 2.83" (72mm) in May. There are also variations in rainfall days per month, ranging from 6.2 days in January to 16 days in May. The city’s snowy months are generally between November and April. During this period, on average, snowfall ranges from 0.2" (5mm) in November to peak at a high of 6.02" (153mm) in February.

The visibility in the city remains fairly constant throughout the year, ranging from 5 to 6 miles. Additionally, the UV index typically fluctuates between readings of 1 and 5, the highest point being consistently maintained from May to August.

The best time to visit Schenectady

To make the most out of a visit to Schenectady, summer months from June to August are typically the best bet. During this time, the average high temperature is between 68°F (20°C) and 81.3°F (27.4°C). In addition, daylight hours are extended, with 14.7 hours in May, extending to 15.3 hours in June, and receding to 13.9 hours by August. These conditions are favorable for outdoor sightseeing and recreational activities.

The worst time to visit Schenectady

The worst time to visit Schenectady tends to be the winter season particularly between January and February. This duration witnesses the lowest average temperatures of the year, sinking to 16.9°F (-8.4°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C) respectively. Moreover, snowfall is prevalent, and daylight hours are at their shortest, with just 9.5 hours in January and 10.6 hours in February.

Spring weather in Schenectady

Spring weather in Schenectady is marked by an increase in both temperature and precipitation. The season begins in March with average low and high temperatures of 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and 40.6°F (4.8°C) respectively, which rise to 47.3°F (8.5°C) and 68°F (20°C) by the end of May. Rainfall is also typically high during this time, with measurements ranging from 1.65" (42mm) to 2.83" (72mm) from March to May.

Summer weather in Schenectady

Summertime in Schenectady is relatively warm, with temperatures hovering between 54°F (12.2°C) and 81.3°F (27.4°C) between June and August. Days are laden with extended sunlight for up to 15.3 hours during the peak month of June. Humidity during this season stays relatively balanced at an average of 75%.

Autumn weather in Schenectady

Autumn experiences a decline in temperature in Schenectady. September ushers in the season with mild conditions, having an average low and high temperature range of 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 71.4°F (21.9°C). By November, though, the conditions become chillier, with averages from 32°F (0°C) to 45.5°F (7.5°C).

Winter weather in Schenectady

The winter season brings colder conditions to Schenectady. Average temperatures range from a low of 16.9°F (-8.4°C) in January to a high of 34.2°F (1.2°C) in December. Snowfall is typical during this season, with approximately 5.43" (138mm) in December escalating to an average high of 6.02" (153mm) in February. Daylight during this period is also at its scarce, with 9.5 hours in January gradually extending to 11 hours by March.

Weather in January

Relative humidity begins the year at a substantial 81%, with snowfall measurements peaking at 5.43" (138mm). These conditions create a picturesque blanket of snow across Schenectady. Thanks to the city's moderate frequency of sunny days, the white landscape commonly glows under the crisp January sun. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Bearing a resemblance to January, February weather in Schenectady brings another round of wintry conditions. An increase in snowfall to 6.02" (153mm) turns the focus to outdoor activities like sledding and skiing. A brief increase in daily sunlight to 10.6 hours adds vibrancy to the snow-packed region. Weather in February »

Weather in March

A significant shift in weather pattern begins in March for Schenectady, with temperatures rising to a high of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and snowfall decreasing to 3.35" (85mm). Spring is subtly signaled in through the lengthening hours of daylight and thawing landscape. Weather in March »

Weather in April

With April arrives the true onset of spring in Schenectady. Temperatures ascend to a pleasant high of 54.3°F (12.4°C), setting the stage for flowers to bloom and leaves to unfurl. Snowfall recedes to a negligible 0.79" (20mm), a relished relief from the snowy grip of winter's past months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is characterized by the vibrant colors of spring in Schenectady, thanks to the 14.7 hours of daylight and a high temperature of 68°F (20°C). Nature is fully awake, clothed in a fresh green blanket and punctuated by an array of spring blossoms. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Schenectady embraces summer in June as temperatures reach a warm 75°F (23.9°C). June days are the longest of the year with an ample 15.3 hours of daylight per day. Thunderstorms replace snowfall as the primary weather concern as the atmosphere heats up. Weather in June »

Weather in July

As the year hits mid-point, July stands out as the warmest month in Schenectady, with temperatures elevating to a high of 81.3°F (27.4°C). Despite the tropical heat, humidity holds at a steady 75%, allowing for comfortable summer days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is warmly welcomed in Schenectady, maintaining similar weather patterns as July. With temperatures holding near 79.2°F (26.2°C), summer remains in full swing. Evenings are balmy, and the city radiates under the glow of the setting sun. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September ushers in a seasonal change in Schenectady, as the summer warmth gives way to fall's cool and crisp air. The change is evident as temperatures decline to a milder 71.4°F (21.9°C). The city begins to wear autumnal colors, with leaves starting to turn into various shades of orange and red. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Schenectady is filled with autumn's full grandeur. The striking transformation of foliage creates a vivid palette of warm colors throughout the city. Temperatures cool further to 58.1°F (14.5°C), bringing in the pleasant weather associated with fall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November completes the transition from fall to winter in Schenectady, with temperatures significantly dropping to 45.5°F (7.5°C) and snowfall reappearing at 1.34" (34mm). The city prepares for winter's arrival, as residents wrap themselves in warm layers and winter sports gear makes its way out of closets. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Schenectady ushers in the peak of the holiday season, welcoming winter's full force. Temperatures continue to plummet, averaging 34.2°F (1.2°C), while snowfall inches up to 5.24" (133mm). As the year winds down, the city puts on a festive façade, complete with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Schenectady?

Temperature readings in Schenectady, New York, reach their annual highs in January, averaging 28.6°F (-1.9°C) and a minimum average of 16.9°F (-8.4°C).

What is the driest month in Schenectady?

The month with the least rainfall in Schenectady, New York, is January, when the rain falls for 6.2 days and typically collects 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Schenectady?

Throughout the year, in Schenectady, there are 137.4 rainfall days, and 25.75" (654mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Schenectady?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Schenectady.

How much does it snow in Schenectady?

Throughout the year, there are 36.5 snowfall days, and 22.56" (573mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the most humid month in Schenectady?

With an average relative humidity of 83%, February is the most humid month.

What is the snowiest month in Schenectady?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Schenectady, New York. Snow falls for 9.5 days and accumulates 6.02" (153mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Schenectady?

The month with the least sunshine in Schenectady, New York, is February, with an average of 3.8h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Schenectady?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Schenectady, 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 in Schenectady?

April is the least humid month in Schenectady, with an average relative humidity of 74%.

What is the rainiest month in Schenectady?

The month with the most rainfall in Schenectady is May, when the rain falls for 16 days and typically aggregates up to 2.83" (72mm) of precipitation.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Schenectady?

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

When it does not snow in Schenectady?

June through September are months without snowfall in Schenectady.

When are the longest days in Schenectady?

With an average of 15h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Schenectady.

What are the warmest months in Schenectady?

The average temperatures in Schenectady reach their apex in July, averaging 81.3°F (27.4°C) at the high end and 59.7°F (15.4°C) at the low end.

What month has the most sunshine in Schenectady?

August has the most sunshine of the year in Schenectady, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in Schenectady?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.

When is the lowest UV index in Schenectady?

The month with the lowest UV index in Schenectady is December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

Average temperature
Schenectady, NY

Average temperature - Schenectady, NY

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (28.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (16.9°F).

Average pressure
Schenectady, NY

Average pressure - Schenectady, NY

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed
Schenectady, NY

Average wind speed - Schenectady, NY

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.2mph).

Average humidity
Schenectady, NY

Average humidity - Schenectady, NY

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (83%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (74%).

Average rainfall
Schenectady, NY

Average rainfall - Schenectady, NY

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.83").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.57").

Average rainfall days
Schenectady, NY

Average rainfall days - Schenectady, NY

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (6.2 days).

Average snowfall
Schenectady, NY

Average snowfall - Schenectady, NY

The month with the highest snowfall is February (6.02").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Schenectady, NY

Average snowfall days - Schenectady, NY

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (9.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Schenectady, NY

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Schenectady, NY

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 3h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Schenectady, NY

Average sunshine days - Schenectady, NY

The month with the most sunshine days is January (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (12.6 days).

Average UV index
Schenectady, NY

Average UV index - Schenectady, NY

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

Average visibility
Schenectady, NY

Average visibility - Schenectady, NY

The months with the highest visibility are April, June, July, August, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, May and September (5mi).

Schenectady, New York, USA

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