Syracuse - When to Visit

When to Visit Syracuse

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Syracuse Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 4°C 12°C 20°C 28°C 37°C Rainfall (mm) 0 5 10 Jan Jan: 15.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 3mm rain Feb Feb: 16.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 3mm rain Mar Mar: 17.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 3mm rain Apr Apr: 20.0°C high, 13.0°C low May May: 23.0°C high, 16.0°C low Jun Jun: 29.0°C high, 21.0°C low Jul Jul: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low Aug Aug: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low Sep Sep: 28.0°C high, 21.0°C low, 3mm rain Oct Oct: 24.0°C high, 18.0°C low, 3mm rain Nov Nov: 20.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 3mm rain Dec Dec: 17.0°C high, 10.0°C low Temperature Rainfall
Syracuse experiences a unique climate pattern that differs significantly from typical northeastern U.S. expectations. The city enjoys mild winters with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F, making it surprisingly comfortable during traditionally cold months. The climate follows a distinct dry-wet cycle, with summer months (May through August) being notably dry with minimal rainfall (0.3-0.7 inches) and peak temperatures reaching the low to mid-90s°F. The wettest period occurs from November through March, with December receiving the highest rainfall at 3.1 inches, while humidity remains consistently at 70% throughout the year. This climate pattern creates two distinct seasons: a warm, dry period perfect for outdoor activities from late spring through early fall, and a mild, wetter period during winter months that's ideal for indoor cultural activities. The temperature transition is gradual, with spring and fall offering pleasant shoulder seasons. The lack of extreme cold makes Syracuse accessible year-round, while the dry summers provide excellent conditions for outdoor recreation and festivals.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
June through August offer the warmest temperatures (87-94°F) and minimal rainfall (0.3-0.4 inches), perfect for outdoor relaxation and water activities.
Cultural Exploration
November through February provide mild temperatures (60-61°F highs) and higher rainfall, making it ideal for museum visits, indoor attractions, and cultural events.
Adventure & Hiking
May through October offer the best combination of warm weather (78-94°F) and relatively low rainfall, with May being particularly excellent at only 0.7 inches of rain.
Budget Travel
December through February likely offer the best deals due to higher rainfall and cooler temperatures, though conditions remain quite pleasant compared to typical winter destinations.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January offers surprisingly mild winter weather with comfortable highs of 60°F and lows of 40°F. This is part of the wetter season with 2.5 inches of rainfall and 70% humidity. Perfect for indoor activities and cultural exploration while avoiding harsh winter conditions found elsewhere.

60°F High
40°F Low
2.5 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February maintains the mild winter pattern with highs of 61°F and lows of 40°F. Rainfall decreases slightly to 1.8 inches while humidity remains at 70%. An excellent time for budget travelers to enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

61°F High
40°F Low
1.8 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March begins the transition to warmer weather with highs reaching 65°F and lows of 43°F. Rainfall continues to decrease to 1.7 inches, marking the end of the wet season. Spring activities become more appealing as temperatures gradually rise.

65°F High
43°F Low
1.7 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April brings pleasant spring weather with highs of 70°F and lows of 47°F. Rainfall drops significantly to 1.2 inches, signaling the approach of the dry season. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing with comfortable temperatures and less precipitation.

70°F High
47°F Low
1.2 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

May marks the beginning of the dry season with warm highs of 78°F and comfortable lows of 54°F. Rainfall drops dramatically to just 0.7 inches, making it excellent for hiking and outdoor adventures. One of the most pleasant months to visit Syracuse.

78°F High
54°F Low
0.7 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

June enters the hot, dry period with highs of 87°F and lows of 61°F. Rainfall reaches its second-lowest point at 0.4 inches, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities. The weather is ideal for festivals, hiking, and enjoying Syracuse's outdoor attractions.

87°F High
61°F Low
0.4 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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July

July brings peak summer heat with highs of 93°F and warm lows of 66°F. This is the driest month with only 0.3 inches of rainfall, perfect for outdoor recreation and summer events. The combination of heat and minimal rain makes it ideal for water activities and outdoor festivals.

93°F High
66°F Low
0.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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August

August represents the hottest month with peak highs of 94°F and warm lows of 68°F. Rainfall remains very low at 0.4 inches, continuing the dry season. Excellent for outdoor activities, though visitors should prepare for the year's highest temperatures.

94°F High
68°F Low
0.4 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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September

September begins the cooling trend with highs of 86°F and lows of 64°F. Rainfall increases significantly to 2.0 inches, marking the transition back to the wetter season. Still excellent for outdoor activities with more comfortable temperatures than peak summer.

86°F High
64°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

October offers pleasant fall weather with highs of 78°F and lows of 58°F. Rainfall continues to increase to 2.3 inches as the wet season approaches. The comfortable temperatures make it ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration before winter rains intensify.

78°F High
58°F Low
2.3 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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November

November transitions into the wet season with cooler highs of 69°F and lows of 50°F. Rainfall increases to 2.6 inches, making indoor activities more appealing. The mild temperatures still allow for comfortable outdoor exploration between rain periods.

69°F High
50°F Low
2.6 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December marks the wettest month with 3.1 inches of rainfall and cooler temperatures of 62°F highs and 43°F lows. Despite being the rainiest period, temperatures remain mild for winter. Perfect for indoor cultural activities and holiday events.

62°F High
43°F Low
3.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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