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 »