Weather in Albany

Planning your day in Albany or preparing for a trip? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Albany, the capital of New York State, USA, is classified as humid continental. This means the city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own characteristic weather conditions. Tourists planning a trip should take into account significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and be prepared for diverse weather depending on the time of their visit.

Summer in Albany is usually warm, and at times hot. Average temperatures in July and August hover around 22-23°C, with maximum daytime values potentially reaching 26-28°C. Winters, conversely, are cold, with average temperatures in January and February significantly below freezing (-3.0°C and -1.3°C respectively), accompanied by frequent frosts and snowfall. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures that gradually rise in the spring and fall in the autumn, offering comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing.

Precipitation in Albany is distributed quite evenly throughout the year. The number of days with precipitation varies from 9 to 15 per month, indicating a probability of rain or snow in any season, although it is generally not excessively heavy. In winter, when temperatures are below freezing, precipitation often falls as snow, creating a typical winter atmosphere.

Albany observes a distinct change of seasons with a noticeable annual temperature range. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 22.9°C, and daytime highs can rise to 27.7°C. The coldest month typically becomes January with an average temperature of -3.0°C, while nighttime lows drop on average to -6.9°C. Thus, the city's climate is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations during the year, from frosty winters to warm summers.

The summer months in Albany, from June to August, bring warmth and occasionally hot weather. In July, the warmest month, the average maximum temperature is around 27.7°C, and the average minimum is 18.1°C. August is also very warm, with an average high of 26.3°C and a low of 17.2°C. June temperatures are slightly lower but quite summer-like: an average high of 24.9°C and a low of 14.6°C. Overall, summer in Albany can be described as pleasantly warm, with hot days and cooler evenings.

Winter in Albany, spanning December, January, and February, is quite cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. January is the peak of winter cold: the average temperature is -3.0°C, the average minimum drops to -6.9°C, and the average maximum barely reaches 0.8°C. February is slightly milder, with an average temperature of -1.3°C (minimum -5.8°C, maximum 3.3°C), while December shows an average temperature of -0.2°C (minimum -3.6°C, maximum 3.2°C). Throughout the year, noticeable diurnal temperature variations are observed in Albany: the difference between daily highs and nightly lows is often around 7-10°C, providing some relief after hot summer days and requiring layered clothing in other seasons.

In Albany, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, and there is no pronounced rainy season or dry period if judged by total volume. The monthly amount of precipitation is low and fluctuates slightly, mainly between 3 mm and 4 mm. This suggests that heavy downpours or prolonged rains are not typical for the city; rather, it is a matter of frequent but not abundant precipitation.

The frequency of precipitation varies more noticeably. Winter months, such as January (average temperature -3.0°C) and February (-1.3°C), receive about 3 mm of precipitation, which predominantly falls as snow, occurring on approximately 11 days in each month. In December (average temperature -0.2°C), snow is also likely, with precipitation amounting to about 4 mm distributed over 13 days. March, with a temperature rise to 2.7°C, can bring both rain and late snow, with precipitation of about 3 mm over 12 days.

In spring and summer, precipitation falls as rain. April stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation — about 15 days, with a total volume of 4 mm. In May, there are about 12 rainy days (3 mm of precipitation). The summer months — June, July, and August — are also characterized by frequent but not too heavy rains, with approximately 14 days of precipitation in each and a total volume of 4 mm. In autumn, September is the month with the fewest rainy days (about 9 days, 4 mm of precipitation), while in October their number increases to 11 (4 mm), and in November, when the temperature drops again (average 4.6°C), precipitation (3 mm) may occur as rain turning to snow towards the end of the month, over roughly 10 days.

When planning a trip to Albany, it is important to consider the changeable weather characteristic of this US region. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for walking will be your best friend, as the city has much to see. Given that precipitation occurs quite frequently throughout the year (from 9 to 15 rainy days per month), a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be indispensable companions. Even in the warm months, evenings can be cool, so having a light sweater or cardigan will not go amiss.

Winter months in Albany (December to February) are quite cold, with average temperatures below freezing and minimums dropping to -7°C. Therefore, during this period you will need a warm winter jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and insulated, preferably waterproof, footwear, especially considering possible snowfall. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is very variable: from cool to moderately warm. It is recommended to take a mid-season jacket, several sweaters or fleece tops, as well as headwear in case of windy weather.

Summer in Albany (June-August) is warm, with average temperatures around 20-23°C and maximums reaching 28°C. For this time of year, light clothing made of natural fabrics is suitable: t-shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts. However, do not forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Despite the warmth, evenings can be fresh, and a light jacket or sweater will come in handy. It is also worth remembering rainy days even in summer, so a light windbreaker or raincoat will not be superfluous.