Buffalo Weather and Climate

Buffalo experiences a humid continental type of climate due to the effect that the Great Lakes have on the weather in the area. While the snowy winters of Buffalo are extreme and often the point of discussion in East, it is rarely the snowiest city in New York State.

While the city has a well defined summer and a clear winter, the transitional seasons are not too well defined. They do not last for long in the city. Winters span from mid December to mid March and snow covers the ground from late December to almost mid March. It is said that a large proportion of the snow comes in due to the effect of the Lakes in the area. This is because the cold air passes over the warmer water and causes saturation and precipitation. The winds also contribute to adding to the level of snow that the city gets. The lowest average temperatures during the winter months range from 18 degrees Fahrenheit to about 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summers in Buffalo are a contrast with sunny and dry days. The good thing however is that the level of rain is just enough to keep the vegetables and flowers blooming and thriving. The months of June, July and August get sunshine for about 65% of the days. The cooling effect of the Lakes also gives Buffalo tolerable summers and the city has never recorded a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The hottest months of the year (June, July and August) have an average high temperature of about 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The moderating effect of the Lakes also helps in abating and avoiding thunderstorms during summers. Rainfall is low throughout the year and is compensated with snowfall during the winter months.