Weather in Rochester, New York
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Rain57%79°49°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—82°58°
- MondayMay 18Overcast10%87°63°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast20%87°67°
- WednesdayMay 20Rain24%75°47°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—54°44°
- FridayMay 22Overcast16%66°45°
- PM 2.5
- 6.9 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.7 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 93.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:46 AM
- Moonset
- 1:00 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
Rochester at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 7°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 5 (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 ranks as Rochester's warmest month with mean temperatures around 72°F, while January stands as the coldest at roughly 26°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, peaking in July at 3.6 inches and reaching its lowest point in February with 2.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° | 2.5″ | 7 |
| February | 27° | 2.1″ | 6 |
| March | 35° | 2.5″ | 6 |
| April | 47° | 3.0″ | 7 |
| May | 59° | 2.9″ | 7 |
| June | 68° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| July | 72° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| August | 71° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| September | 64° | 3.2″ | 7 |
| October | 52° | 3.2″ | 8 |
| November | 42° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| December | 32° | 2.7″ | 8 |
Regional context
Rochester falls within the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: New York, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY, Manhattan, NY, Bronx, NY.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the emergence of ruby-throated hummingbirds as they return from southern wintering grounds to establish territories around Rochester's gardens and woodland edges.
Apple blossoms typically peak in early May across the region, their white and pink flowers signaling the transition from spring's cool nights to warmer growing season temperatures.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Rochester?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-May in Rochester, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Rochester?
- July stands as the wettest month, delivering about 3.6 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 35 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Rochester?
- July typically brings the year's highest temperatures, averaging about 72°F.
- What is the coldest month in Rochester?
- January registers as the coldest month, with average temperatures around 26°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Rochester?
- 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.
- How many rainy days does Rochester get?
- Rochester experiences about 81 rainy days annually on average.
- What hardiness zone is Rochester?
- Rochester's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online ZIP code lookup tool provides the current official zone designation.
Climate
Rochester, New York experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January hover near 26°F, while July brings averages of 72°F — creating a 46°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 35 inches, distributed across roughly 81 rainy days throughout the year.
Geographic factors drive the local climate patterns: latitude at 43.2°N, nearby large water bodies, and elevation all influence growing conditions, frost timing, and daily weather variations.