The climate of Ithaca
With positioning in the northern state of
New York,
Ithaca experiences a humid continental climate, better recognized by the Köppen climate classification, Dfb. Under this classification, the city endures four distinct seasons and there is a lack of dry seasons, while the summer months are relatively warm. Throughout the year, the weather alternates between cold winter months and warm, humid summers.
Variations in the weather parameters are noticeable when comparing the different seasons of Ithaca. The average high temperature fluctuates from a cold 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in
January up to a warm 78.8°F (26°C) in
July. The lowest temperature is commonly noted in the winter month of January at 16.5°F (-8.6°C), while the summer brings milder conditions, with 57.7°F (14.3°C) being the lowest temperature during July.
When observing rainfall data, precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, ranging from 1.97" (50mm) in
November up to 3.62" (92mm) in
June. Noteworthy is the number of snowy days, with 18.8 days observed in January and no snowfall registered from June to
October.
The best time to visit Ithaca
As per the climatic information, the most pleasant season in
Ithaca is the summer, specifically between
June and
August. Amid this period, the maximum temperature rises between 73°F (22.8°C) in June to 78.8°F (26°C) in
July, followed by a slight decline to 76.5°F (24.7°C) in August. The minimum temperatures also remain comfortable during the night, ranging between 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C). The predominance of clear days, with maximum sunshine hours reaching up to 10 hours in July and minimum cloud cover, ensures a higher probability of outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Ithaca
The colder months from
December to
February pose as a challenging period to plan a visit to
Ithaca due to the harsher weather conditions. Mid-winter temperatures often plummet between 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 30.9°F (-0.6°C) during the day and fall further during the night between 16.5°F (-8.6°C) to 17.8°F (-7.9°C). The city is also prone to heavy snowfall, with
January and February experiencing up to 6.81" (173mm) and 8.35" (212mm) respectively.
Spring weather in Ithaca
Spring is recognized by gradually increasing temperatures in
Ithaca, starting from a daily high of 39.9°F (4.4°C) in
March, peaking at 52.7°F (11.5°C) in
April, and concluding at a warm 66.6°F (19.2°C) in
May. Correspondingly, the nighttime temperatures shift between 25°F (-3.9°C) to 46.2°F (7.9°C) during the entire season. Although the possibility of minor snowfall lingers till April, the weather generally starts to brighten with longer daylight hours moving from 12 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May. A caveat, visitors should prepare for a plausible increase in precipitation during this season, culminating with 3.31" (84mm) in May.
Summer weather in Ithaca
Summer in
Ithaca, encompassing
June to
August, delivers mild and pleasant weather conditions. Corresponding with an increase in daylight hours, that extends up to 15.2 hours in June, the sunshine hours also enhance, reaching up to 10 hours in
July. Conversely, the relative humidity fluctuates around 80%, indicating a slightly humid environment. Moreover, the monthly rainfall ranges from 3.39" (86mm) in July to 3.62" (92mm) in June, signaling potential damp conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Ithaca
Autumn in
Ithaca marks a transition from warm summers to the coolness of winters, as daily temperatures drop from 70°F (21.1°C) in
September to 44.1°F (6.7°C) by
November. While the daylight hours decrease from 12.5 hours to less than 10 hours by November, sunshine hours also reduce, causing a notable shift in weather. The period witnesses a systematic reduction in rainfall from 2.52" (64mm) in September to 1.97" (50mm) in November, leading to conditions favored by those preferring crisp, chilly surroundings.
Winter weather in Ithaca
Winter in
Ithaca signals cold and snowy conditions extending from
December to
February. Clear skies are rare commodities during this period, with cloud cover escalating to 74% in December and peaking at 75% in February. This, in turn, results in a sharp decline in daylight hours to just over 9 hours during the entire season. Further, the presence of snow is persistent, culminating in an impressive 6.81" (173mm) in December and 8.35" (212mm) in February. Winter, therefore, presents a frosty yet visually appealing scenery around Ithaca.
Weather in January
January in
Ithaca,
New York, tends to bring brisk temperatures and frequent snowfall. The high-temperature averages are 27.9°F (-2.3°C) and the low at 16.5°F (-8.6°C). The short days, characterized by only 2.7 hours of sunshine, mean most of the day is humid and cloudy.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Although
February in
Ithaca still experiences winter conditions, there's a slight increase in daylight hours compared to
January. It's the month where the city receives the largest amount of snowfall, averaging 8.35" (212mm). The overall weather remains cold with slightly improved weather conditions improving the outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of Spring in
Ithaca with temperatures slowly rising from the freezing winter. Days gradually become longer with 12 hours of daylight, and rainfall increases to an average of 2.28" (58mm). Charging winds up to 14.4mph (23.2km/h) also start to relieve the winter's snowy conditions, setting the stage for the greener months ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings further warmth and extended daylight hours in
Ithaca. The city experiences an upsurge in rainfall to an average of 2.95" (75mm). This is additionally the month where winter's snow entirely melts away, with only a slim chance of dusting towards the beginning of the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the official start of comfortable temperatures in
Ithaca, with flowers in full bloom and an abundance of greenery. The weather most notably reaches a daylight period of 14.6 hours. Bright and sunlit days become more frequent, and residents begin to notice the days getting longer noticeably.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June offers the year's longest days in
Ithaca, with sunlight hours averaging at 15.2. The temperature rises consistently, and the rainfall remains relatively high at 3.62" (92mm), ensuring the surroundings remain lush. The city is lively with beautiful weather conditions perfect for outdoor explorations and adventures. June marks a minor ascent in the average high-temperature, adjusting from
May's refreshing 66.6°F (19.2°C) to a pleasant 73°F (22.8°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July tends to be the warmest month in
Ithaca, featuring predominantly sunny days. Maximum temperature peaks at 78.8°F (26°C), and the city's landscape is in full bloom with summer vigour. Despite the occasional summer shower, July’s weather is characteristic of a typical
New York summer and propitious for summer activities. July, on average, is the warmest month, registering a high temperature of 78.8°F (26°C) and a low of 57.7°F (14.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather stays akin to
July, with high temperatures and abundant sunshine, but the nights start to cool down slightly. The warm weather persists, but a dwindling daylight hour implies the onset of fall is near. Make the most of the summer sun before the weather cools down in the coming weeks. August experiences an average high-temperature of a still warm 76.5°F (24.7°C), barely different from July's 78.8°F (26°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees a considerable reduction in temperature from
August, signifying the arrival of the fall season in
Ithaca. Rainfall reduces to 2.52" (64mm), and the landscape is filled with autumn foliage. The weather remains pleasant with a crisp breeze, foreshadowing the approaching cooler months. Ithaca's weather subtly changes with the onset of September, barely falling from a moderately hot 76.5°F (24.7°C) in August to an agreeable 70°F (21.1°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's declining temperatures along with fall foliage make for a picturesque setting in
Ithaca. The decrease in temperature is paired with a slight increase in rainfall. The clear autumn skies and calm crisp air are ideal for immersing oneself in the mesmerising fall foliage. The arrival of October corresponds with a temperature reduction, down from
September's pleasant 70°F (21.1°C) to a refreshing 57°F (13.9°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
November initiates the transition from fall to winter in
Ithaca. A considerable drop in temperature and simmering winter chills indicate the upcoming winter months. The month sees an increase in snowfall frequency, with the city receiving an average of 4.65" (118mm). With November's arrival, Ithaca's weather changes as the average high-temperature falls from a moderate 57°F (13.9°C) in
October to a chilly 44.1°F (6.7°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December welcomes the winter season in
Ithaca, with cold temperatures and frequent snow showers. The weather is typified by the shortest daylight hours at 9.1, with the city delicately wrapped in holiday lights. Despite the lower visibility, the snowy landscape of Ithaca bears an enchanting charm, concluding the year on a wintry note. Ithaca's progression into December includes a drop in the average high-temperature, from a frosty 44.1°F (6.7°C) in
November to a cold 33.6°F (0.9°C).
Weather in December »