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Franklin County Climate

Franklin County, New York

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.3°F

Annual Precip

40.5"

Annual Snowfall

98.1"

Extreme Heat Days

1

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.5"
2.0"
2.5"
3.4"
3.6"
4.5"
4.1"
3.9"
3.8"
4.2"
3.2"
2.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,736

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/16
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring25°52°9.5"Summer61°66°12.4"Fall33°57°11.2"Winter14°22°7.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 47% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 85% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Franklin County

Climate Verdict

Franklin County has a cool, averaging 41.3°F annually, moderately wet with 40.5 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.1666666666666667 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 98.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 14.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 51°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Franklin County is 6.2°F cooler than the New York statewide average of 47.5°F, it is somewhat drier than average for New York.

Climate Profile

About Franklin County Weather

A Cold Northern Climate in Franklin

Franklin's 41.3°F average annual temperature is significantly cooler than the national median, reflecting its position along the Canadian border. It experiences a humid continental climate where cold air masses dominate much of the year.

Well Below the State Average

At 41.3°F, Franklin ranks as one of the coldest counties in New York, sitting more than 6 degrees below the state average of 47.4°F. This makes it a standout for those seeking a true northern winter experience.

Colder than Northern Neighbors

Franklin's 41.3°F average is slightly warmer than neighboring Hamilton County (41.0°F) but remains much colder than Jefferson County to the west (45.8°F). It shares the snowy, rugged characteristics typical of the northern Adirondack region.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county sees a massive 98.1 inches of snow annually and a frigid January average of 14.4°F. Summers are incredibly mild, with a July average of 65.8°F and only 1 day reaching 90°F.

Winter Readiness is Key

Invest in high-grade home insulation and heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage nearly 100 inches of snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as the region virtually never experiences prolonged extreme heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Franklin County?
The average annual temperature in Franklin County, NY is 41.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Franklin County get?
Franklin County receives an average of 40.5 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Franklin County?
Yes, Franklin County receives an average of 98.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Franklin County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Franklin County is 63.7°F. The county experiences an average of 1 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Franklin County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Franklin County is 17.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 14.4°F.

Track your own weather in Franklin County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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