Jefferson County Climate

Jefferson County, New York

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

45.8°F

Annual Precip

40.7"

Annual Snowfall

116.4"

Extreme Heat Days

2.95

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.2"
2.5"
2.6"
3.3"
3.3"
3.4"
3.2"
3.5"
3.7"
4.6"
3.8"
3.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring31°56°9.2"Summer65°70°10.2"Fall38°61°12.1"Winter20°27°9.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 15% of US counties
Wetter than 47% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 76% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Jefferson County Weather

Lake Ontario's Heavy Influence

Jefferson's 45.8°F average temperature is slightly below the national median, but its 116.4 inches of snow is exceptional. This lake-effect climate creates dramatic winter weather shifts.

Cooler and Much Snowier

The county is slightly cooler than the New York average of 47.4°F but is among the state leaders for snowfall. Its 116.4 inches of annual snow is nearly triple the state's typical accumulation.

Warmer than the Adirondacks

Jefferson is warmer than neighboring Franklin (41.3°F) and Hamilton (41.0°F) due to lake moderation. However, it faces more snow than Franklin, though less than the extreme totals in Herkimer.

A Classic Lake-Effect Cycle

July is warm at 70.0°F with only 3 days of extreme heat. January dips to 19.9°F, bringing the bulk of the county's 116.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Winterize Against the Wind

Focus on high-quality weatherstripping and insulation to combat the lake-effect winds. Maintain reliable snow removal services to manage the frequent and heavy 116-inch annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Jefferson County?
The average annual temperature in Jefferson County, NY is 45.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Jefferson County get?
Jefferson County receives an average of 40.7 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 Jefferson County?
Yes, Jefferson County receives an average of 116.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Jefferson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Jefferson County is 67.8°F. The county experiences an average of 2.95 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Jefferson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Jefferson County is 22.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 19.9°F.

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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