Weather in Poughkeepsie, New York
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast12%80°45°
- SundayMay 17Overcast13%89°61°
- MondayMay 18Overcast11%87°61°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—93°61°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle76%89°52°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast11%66°44°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle13%63°43°
- PM 2.5
- 9.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 10.5 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 13.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 99.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:36 AM
- Moonset
- 12:38 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Poughkeepsie at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 72°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 26 (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
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Poughkeepsie's warmest temperatures (~73°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~27°F). October sees peak rainfall at 4.6 inches, with February recording the lowest at 2.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| February | 29° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| March | 37° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| April | 49° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| May | 60° | 3.5″ | 9 |
| June | 68° | 4.6″ | 9 |
| July | 73° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| August | 72° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| September | 64° | 4.6″ | 6 |
| October | 52° | 4.6″ | 7 |
| November | 42° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| December | 33° | 3.8″ | 8 |
Regional context
Poughkeepsie falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region. Other nearby cities share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: New York, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY, Manhattan, NY, Bronx, NY.
Naturalist notes
Red-winged blackbirds return to Poughkeepsie's wetlands in late March, their distinctive calls marking the shift toward spring.
Sugar maples begin leafing out in early May, their fresh green canopy signaling the end of the dormant season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Poughkeepsie?
- The last spring frost in Poughkeepsie typically occurs around mid-April, with the first fall frost arriving around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Poughkeepsie?
- October records the highest rainfall with about 4.6 inches on average; annual precipitation totals roughly 47 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Poughkeepsie?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Poughkeepsie?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 27°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Poughkeepsie?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April; warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Poughkeepsie get?
- Poughkeepsie experiences about 84 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Poughkeepsie?
- Poughkeepsie's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Poughkeepsie, New York experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 27°F while July averages 73°F — a 46°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Poughkeepsie receives about 47 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 84 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude (41.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows here, when frost arrives, and daily weather conditions.