Weather in Albany, New York
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Overcast10%87°59°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle—88°60°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle33%93°61°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers57%86°53°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—66°45°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—69°45°
- SaturdayMay 23Light Rain20%51°48°
- PM 2.5
- 7.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 96.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:32 AM
- Moonset
- 12:41 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Albany at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 67°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: May 2 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July stands as Albany's warmest month with average temperatures around 73°F, while January marks the coldest at roughly 24°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, peaking in July at 4.5 inches and reaching its lowest point in February with 2.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| February | 27° | 2.3″ | 5 |
| March | 36° | 3.1″ | 7 |
| April | 48° | 3.1″ | 7 |
| May | 60° | 3.4″ | 8 |
| June | 68° | 4.0″ | 8 |
| July | 73° | 4.5″ | 8 |
| August | 71° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| September | 64° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| October | 51° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| November | 41° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| December | 30° | 3.3″ | 7 |
Regional context
Albany falls within the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with neighboring cities throughout the area.
Similar climates: New York, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY, Manhattan, NY, Bronx, NY.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to Albany's gardens and parks.
Apple trees typically finish blooming by mid-May across the region's orchards and residential areas.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Albany?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-May in Albany, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Albany?
- July receives the most rainfall at approximately 4.5 inches on average, contributing to the city's total annual precipitation of roughly 41 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Albany?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Albany?
- January generally brings the coldest weather, averaging about 24°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Albany?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the time of the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Albany get?
- Albany experiences approximately 81 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Albany?
- Albany's USDA hardiness zone depends on average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online zone finder can provide the current designation using the city's ZIP code.
Climate
Albany, New York experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover around 24°F, while July brings averages of 73°F, creating a 49°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 41 inches, distributed across roughly 81 rainy days throughout the year.
Local weather patterns respond to the city's latitude of 42.7°N, nearby water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.