Tompkins County Climate
Tompkins County, New York
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.8°F
Annual Precip
38.9"
Annual Snowfall
63.7"
Extreme Heat Days
4
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,207
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Tompkins County
Climate Verdict
Tompkins County has a cool, averaging 45.8°F annually, moderate rainfall of 38.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 3.9000000000000004 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 63.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 21.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.7°F. The 47°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
Tompkins County closely matches the New York statewide average temperature of 47.5°F, it is somewhat drier than average for New York.
Climate Profile
About Tompkins County Weather
Cool Finger Lakes Climate
Tompkins County’s 45.8°F annual average is substantially cooler than the national median. The region’s geography creates a climate that stays cold late into the spring compared to much of the country.
Colder and Drier Than the State
Tompkins is roughly 1.6 degrees cooler than the state average of 47.4°F and receives less total precipitation at 38.9 inches. It serves as a classic example of the colder, interior New York climate.
High Snowfall in the Southern Tier
With 63.7 inches of annual snow, Tompkins is significantly snowier than the state average. It shares this high-snow profile with neighbors but remains drier in terms of total rainfall at 38.9 inches.
Frigid Winters and Mild Summers
January temperatures average 21.8°F, contributing to a harsh winter season with heavy snow accumulation. Summers are temperate, with July averaging 68.7°F and only 4 days reaching 90°F or higher.
Focus on Winter Insulation
Due to the 24.5°F winter average, high-quality home insulation is the top priority for residents. Because summer heat is rare, many residents opt for portable cooling rather than full central air systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Tompkins County?
How much rain does Tompkins County get?
Does it snow in Tompkins County?
How hot does Tompkins County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Tompkins County?
Track your own weather in Tompkins County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.