Erie County Climate
Erie County, New York
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.8°F
Annual Precip
46.0"
Annual Snowfall
124.1"
Extreme Heat Days
1
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,345
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Erie County
Climate Verdict
Erie County has a cool, averaging 46.8°F annually, moderately wet with 46.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.475 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 124.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 23.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.0°F. The 45°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
Erie County closely matches the New York statewide average temperature of 47.5°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for New York.
Climate Profile
About Erie County Weather
A damp Great Lakes climate
Erie County averages 46.8°F, well below the national median but typical for the Great Lakes. It is high-moisture, with 46 inches of precipitation annually.
Close to the state average
The county sits just below the New York state average of 47.4°F. While its temperatures are moderate for the state, its snowfall is among the highest in the country.
Leading the region in snow
Erie experiences a massive 124.1 inches of snow, far outpacing the 117.3 inches found in Cortland County. Extreme heat is rare, with only 1 day reaching 90°F per year.
Famous for lake-effect snow
Lake-effect snow drives a winter average of 25.8°F and over 10 feet of total accumulation. Summers are temperate and rarely oppressive, with a July average of 69°F.
Focusing on snow management
Snow management is the top priority for residents facing 124 inches of annual fall. Investment in high-efficiency heating is far more critical than cooling systems here.
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.