Cortland County Climate
Cortland County, New York
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
44.7°F
Annual Precip
45.1"
Annual Snowfall
117.3"
Extreme Heat Days
1
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,992
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Cortland County
Climate Verdict
Cortland County has a cool, averaging 44.7°F annually, moderately wet with 45.1 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.35 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 117.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 20.9°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.1°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Cortland County closely matches the New York statewide average temperature of 47.5°F.
Climate Profile
About Cortland County Weather
Cold and exceptionally wet
Cortland County is significantly cooler than the national median, averaging just 44.7°F. High moisture levels result in 45.1 inches of precipitation, exceeding the state average.
A chillier New York outlier
With an average temperature nearly 3 degrees below the state mean of 47.4°F, Cortland is one of the region's coldest spots. It is notably wetter and snowier than the typical New York county.
Burying neighbors in snow
The county receives 117.3 inches of snow, far surpassing neighbor Chenango County's 66.5 inches. Extreme heat is almost non-existent here, with only 1 day reaching 90°F annually.
A dominant winter season
Winter dominates the cycle with 117.3 inches of snow and a January average of 20.9°F. Summer is mild and brief, with a seasonal average of only 65.2°F.
Reinforcing for the snow load
Structural reinforcement and roof rakes are vital for managing 117 inches of snow. Air conditioning is rarely a priority given the county experiences only one day of extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.